James Venne remains perfect in the shootout, as the Mustangs begin a new winning streak (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Weekend Set

Mustangs escape La Ronge with shootout win, head back to Melfort for clash with Millionaires

Oct 21, 2023 | 2:01 PM

The Melfort Mustangs have now begun a new win streak, as they left the Mel Hegland Uniplex Friday night with a 5-4 shootout victory.

The game marked the first time since late March that the Mustangs visited La Ronge, as the last time they were there, they eliminated the Ice Wolves from the playoffs.

Melfort had previously hosted the Ice Wolves for their home opener this season, in what was an 8-4 win.

This contest was much closer, as the Mustangs realized how difficult it is to play La Ronge on their home ice.

“We did well in the first period, but then the penalties were kind of iffy, I guess you could say a little back and forth, but no we battled through it and it’s an ugly win, but a win’s a win,” said Melfort assistant coach, Tye Scherger post-game.

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Throughout the night, neither team had a lead greater than one, as the contest had multiple lead changes, along with four ties.

Ultimately, however, it was the Mustangs who were able to break through when it counted, with help from two players in particular.

James Venne stopped three of three in the shootout, as he’s now a perfect six-for-six in the skills competition this season, while Ryan Duguay had the lone goal, giving his club the win.

“(Venne), he’s our backbone of this team, he’s a big veteran goalie, he’s stellar, he’s here and starting for a reason, and we’re glad to have him,” Scherger added.

“(For Duguay), he’s got a great scoring touch. Some players just have that and he’s one of them. He’s definitely scary when he has the puck, so he’s got to keep going here and keep shooting the puck and it’s gonna go good for him.”

The Blue and Green, who have now won two in a row after their first loss of the season, are shifting their focus to the Melville Millionaires, as they return home and play host on Saturday.

The matchup will mark the first of four on the season between the two organizations, as a home and home will finish with a game on Tuesday night in Melville.

According to Scherger, his team will have to carry some momentum over, but also clean it up on their own side of the ice.

“Once again, getting that road winning in La Ronge, it’s not easy, so let’s get some rest and let’s get hydrated and we’ll be good to go tomorrow and we’ll come out hard,” he told northeastNOW.

“When he got hemmed in a little bit, we just started to scramble around which when that happens, we just have to play calm and play our positions, and we’ll be good.”

Saturday night’s contest against the Millionaires will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed on FloHockey TV.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8