(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW Staff)

By Ben Tompkins

Mustangs bounce back

Shepherd’s last second heroics bury Broncos in Humboldt

Feb 23, 2025 | 9:47 AM

The Melfort Mustangs earned a bounce-back win in Humboldt Saturday night, defeating the Broncos 4-3.

Melfort scored three in the second period, two of which came off the stick of Tristin Ziola, as they held a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Humboldt responded with two in the last six and a half minutes of the game, the last of which came with just 25 seconds to go, as a 3-3 tie seemed destined for another overtime game.

Mustangs’ forward Austin Shepherd was having none of it though, as he pounced on a loose puck just 20 seconds later, scoring the game-winner with less than five seconds left on the clock.

“Unbelievable response, that was a gut-check moment for us and it was as simple as just getting the puck to the net. Shepherd went hard nose to the net and buried the loose puck. We had adversity and the bets were against us, but everyone on our team came in ready to play and I’m so proud of them for gutting it out,” explained assistant coach Tye Scherger.

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The Stangs had just 10 forwards in the lineup, two of which were APs, along with a defenceman having to play the role of 11th forward.

They also had to kill off eight Broncos powerplays, which included multiple 5-on-3 and four-minute chances.

“We were relentless. When you have to kill that many penalties with a lot of our top killers out, it was just that next-man-up mentality all the way through,” Scherger added.

“Credit to Coombs as well, he battled in there and this was a game that he wanted to have. He is just such a competitor and it’s just great to see him back.”

Kristian Coombs made 36 saves for the win, his team’s 40th of the season.

Now the team will get to rest until this coming Friday when they’re set to host the Flin Flon Bombers, and hopefully, they’ll get a bit healthier in the process.

A big seven of eight points against Humboldt this season, as an even bigger set awaits next weekend.

“The Broncos have a great team and they work hard, so to get seven of eight against them this season is awesome… you really can’t ask for much more than that,” concluded Scherger.

“Now we’re gonna get Flin Flon at home and we want Melfort to pack the Palace. They’re one of the best teams in this league and we’re still fighting them for the top spot. I hope everyone in Melfort is there on Friday night.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8