Mustangs' forward and assistant captain Aidyn Hutchinson just seconds before his shootout winner against Red Wings' netminder Dazza Mitchell (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Unbeaten Herd

Hutchinson leads Mustangs in shootout victory over Red Wings

Oct 7, 2023 | 1:55 PM

The Melfort Mustangs are now 5-0 on the SJHL season, after conquering the previously number one Weyburn Red Wings.

Prior to Friday’s contest, Weyburn had the most points in the league (nine, with a 4-0-1 record) but now Melfort has joined them and has a game in hand.

The Mustangs continued their perfect start to the season with a 5-4 shootout victory on home ice.

According to Aidyn Hutchinson, who had the shootout winner, while their record may still be perfect, it wasn’t exactly the best game they’ve played this year.

“It wasn’t a perfect game, I’ll tell you that, we had a few up and down battles, came back in the third and we just have a good group, so we know we can come back at any time and change the game around,” the assistant captain told northeastNOW.

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In addition to his icing on the cake, which gave the Stangs the win in the shootout, the St. Albert product had another two goals plus an assist in regulation time, pushing his goal streak to four games and giving him nine points on the season.

The newly minted captain clutch, having already won a game for the group back in Flin Flon in overtime during the first weekend of the season, was feeling confident all night and used that to his advantage late.

“I was feeling good all game, Schergs (assistant coach Tye Scherger) looked to me and gave me the nod so I thought I had to get it done and then (James) Venne clutched up there with a big save, so it felt good,” Hutchinson added.

“I was just patient with it, that goalie is a great goalie, so you gotta wait him out, or he’s gotta give you something and I just waited for it, so glad that went in and glad I got to finish it.”

The Blue and Green’s netminder was also huge on the night, as Venne, the pride of Saskatoon stopped numerous odd rushes, keeping his team close all game.

Hutchinson explained they’ll have to help out their backstop a lot more tonight (Saturday) for the rematch game, as Weyburn will likely have a bit of a fire lit under them.

“We just gotta be smart, the third guy in the offensive zone has gotta stay high, they’re a quick team so they can get in our zone pretty fast, so we’ll make sure that we get it done… we have a great group and we’re looking forward to getting back at it.”

After Saturday night’s contest, the organization will head out on the road, after playing five of their first six on home ice.

Hutchinson mentioned it’s important to rack up early wins on the season, especially when you have the benefit of playing in front of your home crowd.

“The home-ice advantage is huge in this, so we got to use it to our advantage and get out there and get a win.”

One team will walk away from the Thanksgiving weekend with more points, as puck drop between the 5-0 (10 point) Mustangs and the 4-0-2 (10 point) Red Wings is set for 7:30 p.m.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8