(Photo Credit/ Broad Leaf Media)

By Ben Tompkins

Backup Backstop

Mustangs acquire goalie depth after trade with Yorkton

Jun 8, 2023 | 12:28 PM

The Melfort Mustangs may have found their new backup goaltender after a trade with the Yorkton Terriers.

Following the departure of Prince Albert product, Joel Favreau this offseason (eligibility ran out), the Stangs became thinner in the goalie department.

Should James Venne return, the newest member of the blue and green will likely fill the number two spot on the netminder chart.

Tysen Smith, a 2004-born Prince Geroge, B.C. product, will come to Melfort, and in exchange, a player development fee will be sent to Yorkton.

The six-foot-two, 170-pounder suited up for the Terriers 14 times this past season, earning a 1-8 record to go along with a 4.79 goals-against-average (GAA), and a .870 save percentage (sv%).

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In those 14 contests, Smith faced 50 shots, twice, stopping 46, and 45 respectively against Humboldt and Nipawin.

“We believe Tysen has the ability to be a really solid goaltender in our league,” said Mustangs head coach and general manager Trevor Blevins. “He’s already gained some valuable experience in the SJHL and has the size and mobility to succeed at this level with the right opportunity.”

Prior to joining the Terriers last season, Smith started the 2022/2023 season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) with the Spruce Grove Saints. He was 3-1, with a 2.76 GAA, and a .883 sv%.

That was followed by a five-game stint in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) with the 100 Mile House Wranglers where he was 2-3 in five appearances, sporting a 3.79 GAA, and a .902 sv%.

Between 2020 and 2022, Smith played U18 AAA hockey for the Cariboo Cougars, playing in a total of 27 regular season and playoff games.

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