By Craig Stein
Mustangs/Broncos On Even Terms
Only one SJHL Quarter-Final is even after two games, and it’s not a surprise to see the Melfort Mustangs and Humboldt Broncos deadlocked in a series predicted by many to be going six or seven games.
After the Broncos came into Melfort and shocked the Mustangs 7-2 in Friday’s opener, the Mustangs responded in Game 2, with a 6-3 decision on Saturday, tying that Best-of-Seven up at 1-1.
Players going up against their former teams were at the forefront again, as Rock Ruschkowski scored twice for Melfort and Jaxon Joseph had a pair for the Broncos, and now has four goals and five points in the series. Drew Warkentine, Carson Albrecht and Justin Ball all had a goal and an assist and Zach Anderson also scored for Melfort while Brayden Camrud rounded out Humboldt’s scoring.
Evan Plotnik made 33/36 saves in the win. The series shifts to Humboldt for Games 3 & 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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The Weyburn Red Wings scored back to back quick goals early in the second period and held their first lead of the series, but the Battlefords North Stars found a way on home ice, as they often do, scoring the next four straight, before hanging on for a 6-5 win and a 2-0 series lead.
Layne Young had a goal and two assists, giving the regular season scoring champ, Player of the Year, and MVP, two goals and six points in the series. MacGregor Sinclar also added a goal and a pair of helpers. Keith Anderson, Garan Magnes, Brad Girard and Chaseton Braid also scored.
The Red Wings went 3/8 with the powerplay, as Cole Woodliffe and Tyran Brown each had a goal and an assist. Rounding out Weyburn’s office was Cade Kowalski, Jordan Kazymyra and Mike Eskra, all with goals.
The Wings look to get back in it on home ice as they host Games 3 & 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Michael McChesney scored a pair of second period powerplay goals, the second of which stood as the winner as the Estevan Bruins edged the Kindersley Klippers 3-2 to grab a 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Kindersley on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Zach Goberis opened the scoring in the first period, and then assisted on each of McChesney’s markers in the second.
Cole Plotnikoff and Keillan Olson scored for Kinderlsey and Nik Malenica had two assists, and has a 16-game point streak dating back to the regular season.
Bo Didur made 23/25 saves in the win while Kindersley’s Justen Close stopped 31/34 shots.
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The Nipawin Hawks did all their damage on the powerplay, going 3/9 in a 3-1 win over the Flin Flon Bombers in Game 2.
Isaac Jackson opened the scoring for the Bombers, also on a powerplay, but the Hawks did the rest of the scoring.
Brandan Arnold had a pair for Nipawin, and has now racked up three goals and six points in two games. Josh McDougall had a goal and two assists, while Grant Baetsen assisted on all three Hawks’ goals.
Declan Hobbs needed 21/22 saves for the victory, with Brenden Newton much busier at the other end, making 33/36 saves for Flin Flon.
All four series’ resume on Tuesday night.
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