(Mat Barrett/Melfort Mustangs)

By Mat Barrett

Ridiculous Rioux

Rioux plays hero for Mustangs in overtime win over Broncos

Nov 20, 2022 | 9:10 AM

It was probably the game of the year to this point in the season as the Melfort Mustangs and Humboldt Broncos dueled in Humboldt on Saturday night.

It ultimately ended 3-2 in Melfort in a game that went to overtime, and with the Mustangs short a number of key pieces in the lineup, they still managed to pull it out. Mustangs Head Coach Trevor Blevins called it a gutsy effort all around for his group.

“Tough environment, lots of excuses, and there was none tonight,” he said. “That was the mentality we had and great job by everyone in the lineup, everyone contributed.”

The scoring started just over a minute into the second period as Tye Evans would put one over the shoulder of Broncos netminder Benjamin Motew. That was followed by a Leith Olafson goal just before six minutes had passed in the frame for a 2-0 Mustangs lead. Alec Saretzky would score on a powerplay for Humboldt late in the second to bring things back to within one to set things up for a wild third period.

In the third, both teams had golden chances, and both goalies stood tall. However, Humboldt did manage to squeak one by Mustangs goalie James Venne to make it 2-2, and force overtime.

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In overtime, the Broncos would have one major chance from Carsten Kayter, but back the other way the Mustangs came and David Rioux made two moves by Bronco defenders and fired one five hole on Motew for his second goal of the season.

“Rioux played great,” Blevins said. “He was hard, both ends of the ice. I thought he created lots of chances too, and he was really responsible defensively. He’s going to be a great player for us.”

For Melfort, it’s their fourth win in a row and they improve to 11-8-4-0 on the season. Their next action is Friday night at home to Flin Flon.

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matbarrett@melfortmustangs.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6