OTTAWA, ON — The Western Mustangs dug in defensively and found the game-winner late, earning a tight 1–0 victory over the Carleton Ravens on Saturday night.

Carleton opened with strong pressure, driving the early pace and controlling much of the puck possession. Western weathered the first-period push with disciplined structure, holding their ground through multiple extended shifts in the defensive zone. The Mustangs generated their best looks off transition plays as they worked to settle into their rhythm. A Carleton penalty at 6:37 gave Western its first power play of the night, but both sides kept things locked down heading into the intermission scoreless.

The second period continued with tight checking and limited open space. Carleton maintained an assertive forecheck, while Western responded with steady positioning and smart puck management to keep lanes controlled. Both goaltenders turned aside the chances that did break through, and the defensive commitment on both ends kept the game at 0–0 after forty minutes.

In the third, the Mustangs found the breakthrough they had been pushing for. At 5:35, Hailee Kirkpatrick (#22) jumped on a loose puck and buried the opening goal, putting Western ahead in the late stages. Carleton pushed heavily in response, generating pressure and a dangerous look at 4:00, but Western's defensive group held firm. Shot blocks, tight coverage, and composed clearing plays in the final minutes secured the win as the Mustangs closed out a hard-fought road performance.

Western improves their record with the victory and turns the page quickly toward their next matchup.

The Mustangs return to action on Friday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m. at Varsity Arena, where they will take on the Toronto Varsity Blues.