(Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Mustangs v. Klippers

Goalies steal game four as Klippers defeat Mustangs in overtime

Mar 20, 2019 | 1:50 PM

If you’re a fan of overtime, and excellent goaltending, game four of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League quarter-final series between the Kindersley Klippers and Melfort Mustangs was for you.

On Tuesday, March 19, the Melfort Mustangs had a chance to close out their playoff series in four straight games, but Justen Close had something to say about it for the Klippers.

The SJHL’s Goalie of the Year was nothing short of tremendous in the hockey game as the Klippers grabbed a 2-1 overtime win over the Mustangs to give them another life, stopping 35 of 36 shots he saw.

The hometown Klippers were in control in the first period, outshooting the Mustangs 17-5 in the frame, and controlling most of the zone time, but going zero for two on the powerplay after the game was scoreless.

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A four-minute high sticking penalty put the Klippers down a man, but that didn’t seem to matter as Austin Nault scored a shorthanded goal just 11 seconds into the powerplay, and just over six minutes into the period. That was answered by the Mustangs 12 minutes later as a nice effort from Jake Hobson tied things up for the Mustangs. It was the second straight game where Hobson has scored a goal, and a tying goal as well.

Those were the only goals in regulation as both goalies stopped 27 shots through 60 minutes of hockey, both Close for the Klippers, and Shawn Parkinson for the Mustangs stopped multiple Grade-A chances.

Both teams got two powerplays in the first overtime period. The Mustangs were the first to get a pair of man advantages, but could not score on either, even with a few very good scoring chances. Kindersley’s powerplay chances began about 11 and a half minutes into the period, and was improved with a few seconds of five-on-three time as Tyson Meyers took a penalty for the Mustangs. The two-man advantage expired, but not long after, a scrum in front led to Nate Keeley wacking at the puck, and getting it by Parkinson, winning the game for Kindersley, and giving them one more life.

Game five of the series goes on Friday in Melfort with the Mustangs holding a 3-1 series lead.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6