M’CHIGEENG—The Manitoulin Mustangs boys hockey team has gotten off to a very impressive second half of the season, defeating the Lively Hawks by an 8-3 score and Chelmsford 5-1.
The game against Lively was played at the NEMI recreational complex on Friday, January 13 and saw the two teams tied 1-1 after the opening period.
A wild second period saw the Mustangs score four markers and lead after 40 minutes by a score of 5-3. Two of their goals were while the Mustangs were short handed, with another being garnered on the power play. MSS scored three unanswered goals in the third period to close out the scoring in the game.
Leading the way for the Mustangs in scoring was Tait Wallace who garnered a hat-trick in the game. As well, notching two goals in the game was Alex Smith. Single markers went to Connor Belmore, Tyler Argue and Seth Peltier.
Notching assists for MSS was Matthew Redmond and Parker Dickinson with two each, with single assists going to Nathan Debassige and Jayden Little.
“It was a well played, entertaining game,” said MSS coach Steve Doane. “Lively always plays a physical game and this night was no exception with several huge body checks being thrown. We had a good spirited crowd and they seemed to be enjoying the game.”
“The game got a little rough in the last few minutes and I was happy to escape without any injuries or suspensions,” said Mr. Doane.
Tyler Hughson was solid in goal for the Mustangs. The shots on goal were in favour of MSS 22-18.
The Mustangs finished the first part of the season in the bottom half of the standings and are playing in the B division during the second half of the schedule.
However, the Mustangs are now two and zero to start to the second half of the schedule. In the Mustangs game against Chelmsford Flyers, held this past Monday at Carmichael Arena, the Mustangs started out strong, holding a 2-1 lead after the first 20 minutes. The Mustangs notched the lone goal in the second stanza and two more unanswered goals in the third period to win 5-1.
Five different players scored for the Mustangs, including Seth Peltier, Alex Smith, Nathan Debassige, Cole King and Tyler Argue. Zack Kategiannis contributed two assists to the MSS cause with Mason Pine and Connor Bellmore notching one assist each.
Mustangs goaltender Alex Martin got the win.
“Special teams were solid again on this night with several key penalty kills and a power play goal,” said Mr. Doane. “We’ve been fairly disciplined in the last few games which is really helping our cause.”
