Hounds Drop Tough One!

Another week came to a close in the SJHL tonight with games in Notre Dame and Nipawin.
We will start in Notre Dame where the Hounds fought back from a two goal deficit only to lose 6-5 in overtime to the visiting Melfort Mustangs. The Hounds were trailing 5-3 with 1:05 to go before scoring two goals in a span of 12 seconds with their goaltender pulled to force overtime. Taylor Watt spoiled the celebration for the Hounds as he scored the game winner with 22 seconds to go in overtime. Watt had a big night as he contributed 2 goals and 2 assists to the Mustangs attack. Clint Olson and Matt Hill also had big games. Olson had a five point night as he scored twice and added three assists. Hill added a goal and three assists. Former Hound Riley Clark also scored for Melfort. Rylan Schwartz had a good night for the Hounds as he scored the two late third period goals and added an assist for the Hounds. Tanner Vandesype added three assists from the blue line and Eddie Gale also had a pair of assists. Steven Robinson, Travis Janke and Grayson Brown had the other Hounds goals. The Hounds outshot the Mustangs 42-26 on the night but could still not pull out the win. Mark Currie did not start for the Hounds for the first time since being acquired last weekend from Yorkton. In fact, Currie was not even dressed. Michel-Andre Guay made the start for Notre Dame and made 20 saves on the night. David Ritz saw a lot more rubber and made 37 saves in the Mustangs goal. Melfort salvages the final game of their road trip to improve to 6-7-0-0. With the overtime loss, the Hounds are now 2-13-1-0.

In Nipawin, a six goal outburst in the second period, propelled the Klippers to a huge 8-2 win over the Nipawin Hawks. Matt Sawa had two goals and an assist to lead the way for the Klippers. Casey Rempel also had a big night has he had a goal and four assists while Kirk Pearce added a goal and three assists as the line combined for 12 points. Byron Ismond added two goals and an assist and Jerrett Bicknell had a goal and an assist. Brett Leedahl also scored for the Klippers. Jeremy Beller chipped in with two assists for the Klippers. Kent Sauter and Torrie Dyck scored for the Hawks. Matt Weninger was sensational for Kindersley has he turned aside 46 of 48 shots faced. Derek Kleinsteuber had an off night as he only saves 27 of 35 shots fired his way. With the win, the Klippers improve to 7-4-0-0 and are now only two points back of Weyburn for third with three games in hand. The Hawks drop to 7-4-0-1 with the loss and are tied with Flin Flon for second in the Itech Conference.

Tonight's Three Stars:

1. Taylor Watt - Melfort Mustangs (Ot winner, 4 points)
2. Casey Rempel - Kindersley Klippers (5 point night)
3. Rylan Schwartz - Notre Dame Hounds (3 points including 2 late goals which allowed the Hounds to pick up a point tonight)

Honorable Mentions: Clint Olson (Melfort), Matt Weninger (Kindersley), Matt Hill (Melfort)