The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins completed a season sweep of the Melfort Mustangs on Friday night, sparked by the play of yet another speedy and skilled played from Alameda with the last name Davis.
16-year-old forward Cody Davis, younger brother of Bruins forward Jayden who was called up from the Moose Jaw Generals (SMHL) for Friday night’s game, scored twice and added an assist as the Bruins thumped the Melfort Mustangs 6-1 at Affinity Place.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS: 6-1 Win Over Melfort
The Bruins came into the game winners of three straight and looked to continue their hot streak, albeit without some of their usual players. Jayden Davis, Bryce Platt and Tristyn Deroose were all serving the final game of their respective suspensions on Friday night, while Austin King-Cunningham continues to serve his until after the February 1st upcoming road game in Weyburn.
Those depleted numbers spurred the need for the Bruins to call up Cody Davis, who has been enjoying a solid year in Midget AAA with 15 goals in 33 games.
However, it would only take 57 seconds for Davis to get on the board for the first time in his fresh SJHL career. On his first shot of his first shift, Davis drove hard to the net and deflected an Aigne McGeady-Bruce pass-shot into the net to give Estevan an early 1-0 lead and get the crowd buzzing almost immediately. Will Koop also assisted on the goal.
That stood up as the lone goal in the 1st period and there wouldn’t be another until past the midway point of the game. That’s when the Mustangs tied things up as Colin Schmidt scored on the powerplay to even the score at 1-1 at the 13:47 mark of the 2nd period.
But the Bruins would regain their lead quickly afterwards, as Davis took a pretty pass from Tyson Manz and made a nice move to his backhand before beating Melfort’s Noah Giesbrecht for the rookie’s second of the game to make it 2-1 Bruins at the 15:42 mark. Kolton Leslie, celebrating his 19th birthday on Friday night, also assisted on the play.
The Bruins would extend their lead to 3-1 before the intermission as after a dominating stretch in the offensive zone on the powerplay, Michael McChesney took a sweet feed from Johnny Witzke and ripped his patented wrist shot top corner for his team-leading 21st goal of the season at the 18:08 mark. Kade McMillen also assisted on the goal.
It remained 3-1 as the Bruins were able to keep Melfort’s high-powered offence at bay until Estevan added to the lead at the 10:41 mark of the 3rd period. That’s when Ryder Pierson finished off a 2-on-1 with Isaiah Thomas and gave the Bruins a key insurance marker with his 5th of the season to make it 4-1 for Estevan. Witzke also assisted on Pierson’s second goal in as many games.
Just 50 seconds later, McChesney put the dagger home with his second of the night to make it 5-1 with his 22nd of the year. His linemates Tanner Manz and Koop assisted on the goal. The Mustangs pulled their goalie in desperation with just under five minutes to play in an attempt to come back, but instead TJ Irey scored into the open net at the 16:38 mark to round out the scoring in a 6-1 victory for the Bruins. Davis and Turner Ripplinger earned assists on the goal.
Grant Boldt (29/30) was outstanding in his return to the crease after resting last weekend against Weyburn, earning his 12th win of the season. Meanwhile Noah Giesbrecht (18/23) was tagged with the loss for Melfort.
The Bruins finished (1/3) on the powerplay, while Melfort’s offence was mostly shut down going (1/6) on the man advantage.
The win clinches a season sweep of the Mustangs, as the Bruins won all four games between the two teams with a goal differential of 24-9 in those four wins.
A total of 1,112 fans created an energetic atmosphere on Friday night, with the Certified Energy Services 50/50 jackpot totalling $3,950.
The Bruins will look for their 5th straight win as they welcome the Nipawin Hawks to Affinity Place on Saturday night at 7:30pm.
Michael McChesney Celebrates His Second Goal Of The Night During A 6-1 Home Win Over Melfort On Friday. (Photo: Durr Photography)
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