(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Special teams, special plays, special players

Depleted Mustangs continue to roll, take down first-place Bombers for seventh win in a row

Mar 7, 2024 | 10:34 AM

The Melfort Mustangs are feeling it right now.

Melfort hosted the Flin Flon Bombers on Wednesday night and took down the first-place team by a score of 3-1.

Despite playing their third game in a row with just 10 forwards dressed, which have all come against other top-three teams, the Mustangs were able to extend their win streak to seven games.

“Special teams, special plays, special players,” said goaltender James Venne.

“We had I think 13 guys by the end of the game, so not even three full lines and we greased that one out, that’s a special group in there… I think that no matter who we have in the lineup, who’s out there, who’s hurt, scratched, who’s playing, we can take on anyone.”

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The first goal of the game wasn’t scored until there was just 6:35 left in the second period, when Clay Sleeva found the back of the net for the fourth game in a row, extending his point streak to seven.

His 22nd of the year was assisted by Ryan Duguay and Aidyn Hutchinson, as Hutchinson extended his assist and point streak to seven games also.

In the seven-game span, Hutchinson has 21 points while Sleeva has 15.

The Stangs would score their second goal of the night just over a minute later, doubling their lead for what would be the eventual game-winner.

James Venne made 34 of 35 stops as the Blue and Green evened the season series with the Bombers at three wins a piece, also despite losing at least two more players during the contest, shortening their bench even more.

As it stands right now, Melfort is now four points ahead of the Battlefords North Stars and five points in front of the Humboldt Broncos for second place.

The Mustangs have just three games remaining, all of which will come against non-playoff/division opponent squads.

“I think we’re looking at every team the same right now, during this last seven games stretch we’ve been jumping every night, we’re going, it’s playoff hockey now, and got a couple of weeks till we start, so we’re excited and ready to get going,” Venne added.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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