(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Opening Weekend

Mustangs begin season with win over La Ronge, set for home-opening finals rematch

Sep 21, 2024 | 2:10 PM

The Melfort Mustangs began their 2024/25 season with a win over the La Ronge Ice Wolves on Friday.

In a game which Melfort never led, the Mustangs needed overtime to grab two points on the road in their season opener.

“It was a bit of a rough go for the first game, but the first game up in La Ronge is always tough, and the boys found a way to win, which is all that matters. We a lot of work to do, all through the zones, and Saturday is gonna be a good test,” said assistant coach Tye Scherger.

“Getting two points up in La Ronge, it’s always tough, especially the atmosphere to come play here, so good on the boys for finding a way to get it done.”

The Ice Wolves opened the scoring just three minutes in before Logan Belton tied it up four minutes later.

FSIN

Chief Bobby Cameron re-elected for fourth term as FSIN Chief

10h ago

Economy

Economy stalled in August, Q3 growth looks to fall short of Bank of Canada estimates

17h ago

Take a break

Hawks hope hiatus helps to turn season around

Oct 30, 2024

La Ronge then responded six minutes later to take a 2-1 lead after one.

The next and only other goal during regular time came from Brayden Westerlund, shorthanded, as the Mustangs were able to tie it up just before the second period.

A 2-2 tie lasted throughout the entirety of the third, forcing the game into five minutes of 3-on-3 overtime.

Two minutes into the extra frame, newcomer Nic Andrusiak played the overtime hero, giving Melfort their first win of the season.

“Playing in La Ronge, it’s tough to get into it and it’s a tough environment. Obviously we got work to do all through the rookies and even the vets, but we’ll get her done,” Scherger added.

“Nobody really played their A game tonight, except Coombs who stood on his head. The chemistry will come with just playing more games together and stuff like that.”

The Stangs will likely have to play better on Saturday night if they want to sneak away with another victory, as they’re set for a finals rematch.

The Blue and Green will welcome the Flin Flon Bombers to town, for their home opener, which will include a championship banner-raising ceremony pregame.

There will also be a free pregame tailgate barbeque in the Palace parking lot, beginning at 4:30 p.m., courtesy of Prairie North Co-op.

The first 500 fans inside the Palace will also get a free championship rally towel.

“It’s going to be an exciting day, let me tell you, the banner is going to be raised in front of our rivals that we won against, and we’re going to present the rings to the boys. We’re going to have a good crowd, and hopefully, we’ll get good support like I know we always do for Melfort, so it’s gonna be a fun night,” Scherger told northeastNOW.

“We want to be better in all situations of the game because we know it’s gonna be a fight and they’re gonna be looking to get some revenge. We’re looking forward to what should be a very physical and hard-fought game.”

Puck drop is scheduled 7:30 p.m.

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8