Waterloo, ON – The Western Mustangs faced a tough road game Friday night, falling 5-2 to the Waterloo Warriors. 

The opening period was scoreless but physical, with penalties setting the tone early. Waterloo was called for tripping at 6:48 and hooking at 9:41, giving Western two early power-play opportunities, but the Mustangs were unable to convert.  

Waterloo broke the deadlock early in the second period, scoring on the power play at 2:55. Western answered back midway through the frame. At 9:45, Brett Willits scored his fourth goal of the season, finishing a play set up by Drew Wawrow to tie the game 1-1. 

The tie was short-lived, as Waterloo regained the lead at 14:12. Western continued to battle, but another penalty to Van Impe for tripping at 1:49 earlier in the period limited momentum. The Mustangs entered the third period trailing 2–1. 

Waterloo struck quickly in the final frame, scoring just 1:45 in to extend the lead. Western capitalized during that stretch. At 11:35, Brett Willits scored again, his fifth goal of the season, cutting the deficit to 3-2. The goal was assisted by Owen Saye and Aidan Prueter, marking Willits' second of the night. 

Despite the push, Waterloo sealed the game late with an empty-net goal at 18:38, followed by another goal at 19:56. 

In net, Jack McNaughton stopped 38 of 42 shots as Western continued to compete through long penalty sequences. The Mustangs finished the night 0-for-5 on the power play, while Waterloo went 1for4. 

The Mustangs are back in action Saturday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m. as they continue their road trip against the Laurier Golden Hawks.