The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins played a solid game at both ends of the rink on Friday night, earning a 5-1 victory over the Melfort Mustangs.
The Mustangs posed a tough test for the Bruins after their strong start to the season, and the visitors would strike first in Friday night’s matchup. At the 14:07 mark, Tanner Zentner buried a rebound off a scramble in front of Estevan starter Grant Boldt to give Melfort a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.
But for the remainder of the game, it would be the Bruins in control.
Just 1:27 into the 2nd period, Bryce Platt came out of the penalty box and fired a shot past Mustangs’ goaltender Hunter Arps to even the score at 1-1. Eddie Gallagher and Tanner Manz assisted on the play.
Estevan then quickly struck for two quick goals to take their first lead of the night. On the powerplay, captain Jake Heerspink found the loose puck and put it home to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead at the 8:09 mark. Johnny Witzke and Turner Ripplinger assisted on the play. Shortly thereafter at the 9:30 mark, Jayden Davis scored to make it 3-1 with Isaiah Thomas and Heerspink assisting on the goal.
That remained the score until midway through the 3rd period. After killing off a penalty, a sweet passing play from Ripplinger to Platt ended up on the stick of TJ Irey who made no mistake to put Estevan up 4-1 at the 10:26 mark.
Melfort pulled the goalie late, but the Bruins defence continued to shut them down holding the Mustangs to only five shots in the final period. Thomas buried an empty-netter, with Boldt drawing the assist, at the 18:30 mark to make the final score 5-1.
Boldt picked up his first SJHL win in the victory, stopping (23/24) shots. Arps was tagged with the loss for the Mustangs, making (30/34) saves.
Estevan went (1/4) on the powerplay, while shutting down Melfort’s powerplay who struggled at (0/5).
On a busy Friday night in Estevan, 837 fans enjoyed the win at Affinity Place. The 50/50 jackpot totalled $3,340.
The Bruins (6-7) will close out their six-game homestand hosting the Nipawin Hawks (8-4) on Saturday night in the first meeting of the two teams since last season’s Canalta Cup Final. Puck drop is at 7:30pm.
Grant Boldt (’00) Makes A 2nd Period Save En Route To His First SJHL Victory On Friday Night.
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