(Photo courtesy/Broad Leaf Media, Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

Back at it

Refreshed Mustangs coming off week-long break healthy and ready to win

Nov 10, 2023 | 12:30 PM

It’s been eight days since the Melfort Mustangs last played an SJHL game, as one of their longest breaks of the season came at arguably the perfect time.

Melfort’s most recent time on the ice was last Thursday in Flin Flon, in a 5-4 loss to the top-ranked Bombers.

The Mustangs showed plenty of heart in that contest, especially considering they were down seven starters.

According to captain, Leith Olafson, some of those guys should be returning to the playing service tonight (at home) against the La Ronge Ice Wolves, as a refreshed and healthier group seeks a much-needed victory.

“I think we got a lot of key pieces back in the lineup now, which I think is gonna help us a lot,” he told northeastNOW. “I think we shook off the rust at practice on Wednesday and got going pretty good on Thursday, so tonight we’ll be firing right out of the gates.”

Humboldt mayoral candidate

Rob Muench hopes experience as mayor, councillor entices voters in Humboldt mayoral race

7h ago

Nipawin mayoral candidate

Skowronski seeking to improve crime and homelessness in Nipawin mayoral run

10h ago

Municipal election forum

Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce hosting municipal candidate forum

Nov 05, 2024

The Stangs are currently on a three-game slide (their longest of the season), having given up 11 goals in just their past two contests and only winning one of their last six matchups.

Olafson believes his team must get back to the way they were playing earlier in the season, a stretch in which they beat the Ice Wolves twice.

“We just got to get back to our winning ways at the start of the year there with our energy and effort, and I think we just got to get back into a groove and we’ll be good,” he added. “I think we just stick to our systems and play our game, I don’t think we can lose to them when we’re playing our way.”

The Blue and Green first beat La Ronge on opening night (Sept. 22) in an 8-4 thumping before heading to the Mel Hegland Uniplex (on Oct. 20) and coming away with a 5-4 OT win.

While knowing they can defeat their opponent is a bit of a confidence boost, Olafson explained his club always has to reset when they’re up against the Ice Wolves.

“We always gotta reset because it’s always a different game against the La Ronge,” he said. “They can be a tough team to play against sometimes, so I think if we just hit the reset button, don’t think about it too much and just play our game, we’ll be good.”

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Lights Palace.

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8