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On to Round 2?

Opportunity to close series at home awaits Mustangs in Game 5

Mar 29, 2024 | 4:16 PM

The Melfort Mustangs can advance to the second round of this year’s SJHL Playoffs with a win on Friday night.

Melfort will play host to the Estevan Bruins for Game 5, as they hold a 3-1 series lead, following a split on the road, Tuesday and Wednesday.

After a disappointing 4-3 comeback defeat in Game 3, the Mustangs prevented a 2-2 series tie heading home, with a 5-2 victory in Game 4.

Now, the Stangs can end the Bruins’ season Friday night and prevent a potential Game 6 in Estevan on Easter Sunday, by coming out on top at the Northern Lights Palace.

Through the first four games of this series, the Blue and Green have trailed for just five minutes and 41 seconds.

Their recent undoing, however, has been the penalty kill, as their opposition has scored seven of their 11 goals on the powerplay, five of the six of which have been in the past two contests.

For Melfort to be successful, they will have to play like they did at home in Games 1 and 2, outscoring Estevan by seven, outshooting them by 17 and recording the same amount of extra attacker goals.

The Mustangs are 7-3 against the Bruins this season, with a 4-1 mark at home, as their most important match of the season will come in front of their own crowd.

Can that fact push them into the semi-finals or can an exciting announcement from earlier in the day give them the motivation they need, as the organization has extended their assistant coach.

Former player, Tye Scherger, who is currently in his first year with the team behind the bench, has signed a two-year renewal deal.

According to the club’s website, he and head coach, Trevor Blevins, are both quite eager to continue this season for as long as possible, as well as the next few to come.

“Tye has been an integral piece of our success in his first year as assistant coach. His energy has been contagious in our dressing room and his knowledge is appreciated. He has been a pleasure to work with and we are excited for the work and effort he will bring now and in the future for the Mustang organization, Blevins said.

“I am thrilled to be extending my contract with the Club. This organization has shown me care and my family care since I was a player and I am ecstatic to spend two more years with this world-class organization,” Scherger added.

“I am excited to continue working with the staff and board of directors. I also look forward to continuing my work with Trevor, he is a great mentor and veteran coach to learn from and look up to. Not only am I enthusiastic for what is to come of our playoff run this season but also what is to come in my future seasons with the Mustangs,” he continued.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and can be heard on CJVR and FloHockey as Ben Tompkins has the call.

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8

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