(Submitted photo/Melfort Mustangs, Broad Leaf Media)

By Ben Tompkins

David vs Goliath

Mustangs welcome winless Hounds to town

Sep 29, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Two streaks are on the line Friday night as the undefeated Melfort Mustangs welcome the winless Notre Dame Hounds.

Melfort is one of two teams (Humboldt Broncos) to still remain perfect early in the SJHL season, as they hold a record of 2-0.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame is the only team yet to earn a point, as they enter Week Two with a 0-2 record.

Despite what seems like a David vs. Goliath battle, reigning SJHL MVP of the Week, Aidyn Hutchinson knows this is a highly competitive league and that the Mustangs can’t take the Hounds lightly.

“It’s never a light game in this league and we gotta know that they’re gonna come at us hard, but we’re gonna come hard as well, so it’ll be a good game,” he said. “Just gotta play our game, do what we learned in practice all week and we should be good.”

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The Stangs are coming off an overtime thriller on the road, where they spoiled the Flin Flon Bomber’s home opener with a 2-1 win.

Hutchinson told northeastNOW that the group is still feeling some momentum from that contest and wants to keep the good times rolling.

“That was a huge one, so we just got to keep playing our game, keep putting the puck in the net and find ways to win,” he added.

“Obviously super honoured to be recognized for the performance that weekend (MVP of the Week) and hopefully, the team and I can carry it on this weekend. We just practice hard every week and hopefully, it carries over into the games.”

For the Blue and Green, Friday’s contest marks game one of a four-game homestand, as the organization plays five of their first six at the Northern Lights Palace to begin the 2023/24 season.

Hutchinson said the ability to play in front of their fans for the next stretch of four only adds to their confidence and gives the club more time spent with their newest members.

“It’s gonna give us some momentum in the games and hopefully it helps us win. We’re gelling real nice in the room there and even on the bus trips we’re gelling nice, so hopefully that carries over into the game as well.”

KidSport will also be a part of the organization’s weekend as a kickoff barbeque is scheduled before tonight’s game, while tomorrow’s against the Kindersley Klippers will be the team’s orange shirt game.

Friday’s Goals for KidSport raises money for Melfort and the rest of Saskatchewan’s KidSport chapters, while Saturday’s funds will go straight to the James Smith chapter.

“This weekend’s implications are felt a little more because of KidSport,” said Hutchinson. “It means a lot to us and we’ll be playing our hardest out there.”

Both puck drops are slated for 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Lights Palace.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8