BHP Recap: Broncos Trail Mustangs 3-1 in Semi Finals Series
Photo: Marla Possberg Photography Another overtime game, this time ending much earlier.
After a triple-overtime marathon in Game 3, the Mustangs ended things much quicker in extra time as Rhett Hamilton scored the game-winning-goal 5:26 into the first overtime in Game 4 to give Melfort a 4-3 victory and a 3-1 series lead.
The Mustangs’ top lineup of Aidyn Hutchinson, Ryan Duguay, and Clay Sleeva was once again shut down by the Broncos’ Landon Stromme, Brayden Skogstad and Marik Mamic. However, it was secondary scoring, and two ‘AP’ callups that created the damage.
Melfort’s young callups Owen Nelson and Tristen Ziola both scored, while defensemen Cole Unger added the third regulation goal.
Humboldt’s offense was provided by Maddox Amaral and Travis Bryson, who each scored their 5th goal of the playoffs, while Daylan Weigel completed a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play to tie the game in the third period with his first of the postseason.
Ben Motew was the busier goaltender as Melfort outshot Humboldt 37-24. Motew stopped 34 while Melfort’s James Venne turned aside 22.
While both sides were unable to score a powerplay goal, the Mustangs were slightly favoured in the penalty calls. Melfort was 0/4, while the Broncos finished 0/2.
With their back against the wall, Humboldt will need to win three straight games to advance to the SJHL Finals.
Trailing 3-1 in the series, Game 5 will take place back in Melfort on Saturday, April 13th.