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By Mat Barrett

Right the Ship

Hammond looking to stay hot and help Mustangs get back on track

Feb 18, 2022 | 10:00 AM

The Melfort Mustangs are hoping to break out of their current slump as they open up a weekend set tonight.

Melfort will host the Kindersley Klippers on Friday and then will visit the Nipawin Hawks on Saturday night as the Mustangs head into their final 10 games of the regular season.

Recently however, the Mustangs have been in a bit of a funk, losing nine of their last 11 games, including four straight. They’ve also lost the last three by a single goal and have gave up late third period goals to either force overtime or fall behind in games.

Forward Curtis Hammond says while the results haven’t been there, they have to look at the positives.

“All of those games we were right in there with all the teams, and we had the lead going into the third period, we just couldn’t close it out,” he said. “But I think we just have to stay positive and look on the bright side of things and know that we’ve just got to play hard to finish those games out.”

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Speaking of the bright side of things, Hammond’s play as of late has been a major positive. The 20-year-old has jumped back into the top 10 of goal scoring in the SJHL as he’s currently in a stretch of nine goals over his last six games.

“I think I’m just confident with my linemates that I’ve been playing with,” Hammond said. “We’ve got good chemistry on both wings, and I think just the positivity on the bench coming from other teammates and players has just kept me going and kept me making plays and scoring.”

Melfort is currently sitting with a record of 25-15-3-5, good for 58 points, good for fifth place, just two points back of fourth place Battlefords.

Kindersley has 46 points on the year and has a one point cushion on the eighth and final playoff spot. That game takes place at the Palace at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

Heading into the weekend, the Nipawin Hawks are eight points back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the SJHL. Saturday’s game can be heard on 105 CJVR with Mat Barrett.

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matbarrett@melfortmustangs.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6