(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Bring on the Bombers

Duguay’s Game 7 OT winner sends Mustangs to SJHL Finals

Apr 17, 2024 | 6:03 AM

The Melfort Mustangs are off to this year’s SJHL Finals.

Just 2:55 into overtime, Ryan Duguay buried a perfect cross-ice pass from Aidyn Hutchinson, on the powerplay, to win Game 7 over the Humboldt Broncos, 5-4.

“It feels good Ben, it feels good, we’re going to the championship, adversity the boys went through, the work ethic, the drive, these boys don’t quit and I’m so excited for them,” said assistant coach Tye Scherger.

“We told the powerplay to simplify things and it worked out, those penalties, stuff happens, but all year we’ve been fighting through adversity and that’s why we’re going to the championship.”

Danton Cox opened the scoring for his second in as many games, off a feed from Austin Shepherd, before the Mustangs big boys came in to finish it.

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Scherger explained that whether it’s the fourth line or the first, everyone contributed to getting this team to the Finals.

“Top to bottom, everybody has played an important role in this series and it’s shown. The fourth line starts it off with a goal and then we got the big dogs winning it and finishing it off, so I mean every single person in that dressing room I’m so proud of.”

The overtime frame was the fourth time a game in the series needed extra minutes, as it was the 28th period through the seven games.

It was also the 13th meeting of the season between the two local clubs, and though they are rivals, much respect was shared between them after an intense battle.

“They’re an hour away from us and kudos to their crowd, they’ve had an unbelievable crowd, so good on them, those boys battled hard, they made it hard on us all throughout the series, and they didn’t give up ever, so good of them, they had a good season,” Scherger added.

Melfort will now travel to Flin Flon on Thursday, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. Manitoba Time.

Despite the Bombers having a full week longer of rest, Scherger is confident his team is up for the challenge and will be energized despite all the overtime.

“That’s the work they’ve put in during the whole season, the extra skating, the bag skating, stuff like that, and it shows off. These boys are so driven and they want that championship so we’re gonna go there,” Scherger said..

“There’s no such thing as pain anymore, those boys are feeling it, they’re excited and they’re ready to go. We’re gonna head up Thursday and get checked in, have a nice little skate and then get ready for Friday.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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