LONDON, ON – The Western Mustangs fell 8–7 in overtime to the Windsor Lancers on Wednesday night at Thompson Arena in a fast-moving game that featured constant momentum swings, special teams impact, and end-to-end action right through extra time.
Windsor controlled much of the early play, opening the scoring at 14:32, but Western answered on the power play as Lawson Sherk (#39) found the net at 12:47. After Windsor responded with a man-advantage goal of their own, Sherk struck again with 38.6 seconds remaining in the period to send the teams into the first intermission tied.
The pace only increased in the second period. Owen Saye (#17) converted on the power play at 12:22, followed by a series of goals from both sides as neither team was able to create separation. Brett Willits (#34) and Saye added key markers late, helping Western carry a 6–5 lead into the third.
The third period brought more urgency and emotion. Windsor tied the game early before pulling ahead midway through, but Zac McCann (#96) responded at 4:39 to once again pull Western level. The Mustangs continued to push late, forcing overtime after battling back yet again. A hat trick was recorded in the game, highlighting the offensive pace of the night.
Overtime was brief, as Windsor ended the game 15 seconds into it.
Head coach Clarke Singer pointed to the balance between emotion and execution in a rivalry matchup that featured frequent special teams situations.
"Hockey is such a physical, dynamic game," Singer said. "There are penalties that come from physicality and sometimes from being out of position. That's going to happen. I thought our power play was really good overall, and special teams are going to be a big part of every game."
Western's man advantage generated several key goals, supported by strong faceoff work throughout the night.
"It all starts with faceoff wins," Singer added. "Our power play group and coaches have been working really hard on it. Some nights the puck doesn't go in despite good looks, and tonight it did. It's nice to see those guys rewarded."
Goaltender Chazz Nixon (#35) handled a heavy workload as Western repeatedly responded to Windsor pressure, forcing extra time despite trailing multiple times.
Reflecting on the overtime finish, Singer emphasized lessons in managing high-tempo moments moving forward.
"With three-on-three there's so much ice, sometimes it comes down to a break," he said. "But I liked how our group responded all night. We were down a number of times and fought back every time. That's a really gutsy effort."
The Mustangs return to Thompson Arena on Friday, January 30th at 7:00 p.m., when they host the York Lions.
