(Submitted/Broad Leaf Media)

By Mat Barrett

Penalty Trouble

Penalties punish Mustangs as nine-game win streak snapped against Broncos

Jan 15, 2022 | 9:05 AM

On Friday, Jan. 14, the Melfort Mustangs lost their first SJHL game in nine tries after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Humboldt Broncos at the Northern Lights Palace.

It was also Melfort’s first game since New Years Day, a span of 13 days.

It was a fast-paced first period at the Palace, but both goalies stood tall in a 0-0 first frame.

However, Mustang captain Ben Tkachuk scored just over seven-and-a-half minutes into the second period giving the Mustangs a 1-0 lead. That was followed by Cam Emigh with less than five minutes to play, his first goal as a Mustang to give the home team a 2-0 lead. That’s where things stood after two periods.

Alec Saretzky scored for Humboldt to bring it back to within one, but it lasted just 14 seconds as Carter Anderson scored for the Mustangs to restore the two-goal lead to make it 3-1.

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Tkachuk said although the result didn’t fall the right way, there were lots of positives to take from the game.

“When they tied the game, we bounced back right away and got one back,” he said. “So, I think our response was really good tonight and I think there’s a lot of positives to look forward to tomorrow.”

Things did turn for Melfort at the 6:45 mark of the third with a Zac Somers five-minute major penalty for checking from behind, followed by two more minor penalties, creating a lengthy powerplay for Humboldt, the majority of which was five-on-three. Saretzky and Noah Barlage scored for the Broncos to tie things up, which ultimately led to overtime.

Just 39 seconds into overtime, Matthew Perkins emerged from a scrum and beat Joel Favreau with a nice shot for the Bronco win.

Tkachuk said while the penalties were the killer, they played pretty well throughout the game.

“Overall, our compete, and our defence, and our speed up ice was pretty good,” Tkachuk said. “And I think we just have to build off that and get one percent better tomorrow and we should be ok.”

The Mustangs and Broncos battle again on Saturday in Humboldt.

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matbarrett@melfortmustangs.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6