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By Mat Barrett

Hutchinson Hero

Hutchinson scores in overtime as Mustangs down Klippers

Mar 2, 2023 | 11:01 AM

It took overtime, but the Melfort Mustangs were able to beat the Kindersley Klippers 4-3 on Wednesday night at the Northern Lights Palace.

Melfort gave up the first goal of the game as Kindersley’s Jaydon Jessiman scored, but the Mustangs responded shortly after thanks to captain Ben Tkachuk and Kevin Minnoch each scoring their 13th of the season.

While the score remained tight as Kindersley jumped ahead after two periods courtesy of goals from Aidan Bangs and Kayden Ostrom, Melfort was dominating the shot clock as it stood at 31-13 after two periods.

Kindersley’s third goal would also pull Mustang netminder James Venne after he allowed three goals on 13 shots just halfway through the second period, making way for Joel Favreau.

Favreau didn’t see his first shot until the third period, but ultimately he stopped all nine that came his way. David Rioux’s eighth of the season tied things up with 14 minutes to play in the third, but nobody could break the deadlock until overtime.

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Melfort held possession for most of overtime, but couldn’t get their chance until a nice passing play went from Kevin Minnoch inside the blue line across to Duguay who found Aidyn Hutchinson back door for the winner.

“Unreal,” Hutchinson said after the game. “Good to get that last one in and get the win.”

The goal was Hutchinson’s 10th of the year as he extends his point streak to seven games.

It’s also Melfort’s second straight win, and it helps them leap ahead of La Ronge for home-ice advantage in a likely playoff matchup.

In a game where Melfort outshot the Klippers 48-22, Hutchinson said while the game was tighter than they would hope, it helps build confidence in the group.

“There’s lots of mental toughness and compete in that room,” he said. “I think every single one of us wants it more and more each day, and it seems to be working for us.”

Melfort will match up with La Ronge on Friday night at the Palace.

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matbarrett@melfortmustangs.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6