ST. CATHARINES, ON — The Western Mustangs defeated the Brock Badgers 4–3 in a shootout on Saturday afternoon at Algoma Central Arena. Western built an early lead, battled through a late Brock comeback and came out on top after a scoreless overtime, with goaltender Liam Sztuska making 41 saves to help secure the road victory.
Brock opened the scoring at 10:51 of the first period with a power-play goal from Zack Stringer. Western responded just over two minutes later, as Owen Saye (#17) scored on the power play at 12:53, assisted by Graeme MacAuley and Aidan Prueter. The Mustangs kept the pressure on, with Darius Bachler (#11) adding another power-play goal at 17:20 off assists from Caleb Ven de Ven and Nicholas Yearwood to give Western a 2–1 lead heading into the second.
Neither team found the back of the net in the middle period, but Sztuska remained an important presence in goal as Brock continued to generate chances. Western held its one-goal advantage heading into the final 20 minutes.
Brock tied the game at 9:44 of the third period when Ryan Johnstone scored, but Western answered. Ben Campeau (#20) restored the Mustangs' lead at 12:42, assisted by Zander Veccia and Bachler, putting Western ahead 3–2. With the Mustangs closing in on the win, Brock's Natan Ethier scored at 18:56 to force overtime.
After a scoreless extra period, the game went to a shootout. Nicholas Yearwood (#21) and Campeau found the back of the net for Western, while Brock converted once. Sztuska turned aside 41 of Brock's 44 shots through regulation and overtime, giving the Mustangs a crucial lift as they secured the 4–3 shootout win.
Western will look to carry that momentum into Thursday, October 29, when they travel to Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex to face the Laurier Golden Hawks. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m., and fans can stream the game on OUA.tv.
