Heading into their final game of the South Saskatchewan Lacrosse League regular season, the Moose Jaw 12U Mustangs could have been a bit nervous about what they were to face.
The Regina Crossfire not only had a 9-0-2 record heading into the contest at Kinsmen Arena, but they’d also scored 40 goals more than any other team over those 11 games, making for a daunting task for any opponent.
But the Mustangs just did what they always do -- play their game and let the chips fall where they may. It worked well during the season, as their 7-4 record would indicate, and lo and behold, it would work like a charm on Wednesday night.
Moose Jaw roared out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and scored twice early in the third on their way to a 5-4 victory, handing Regina their first loss of the season.
“It’s good for the confidence and it’s a good win for those kids,” said Mustangs coach Dustin MacAngus.”They worked hard to develop their skills this year and it’s good to see them tie it all together.”
Dace Schaffer, Caiden Arnott and Cooper Fulton all scored in the opening 20 minutes, a start that was important to the Mustangs’ overall success but not one that came out of anything unique or special. On the contrary, it was just a matter of playing the way they were capable of and being rewarded for it, said MacAngus.
“It doesn’t really matter to us who we play,” he said. “We have a gameplan that we want to follow and that’s all we ask of these kids… we played the same way as always, we have a structure to our game and they’re buying in.”
The Crossfire got two goals back in the second period, but a shorthanded marker from Fulton at 8:55 of the third and a power play marker from Schaffer with 7:59 to play restored the three-goal lead.
Moose Jaw ran into penalty trouble late in the game, though, including going down two men with five minutes to play, and Regina would score to get back within two. Another goal with the goaltender pulled with 1:03 remaining made for an interesting final minute, but the Mustangs would hang on for the win.
Moose Jaw finished their regular season with an 8-4 mark, good enough for fifth place in the 10-team league.
Next up are the double-knockout league playoffs beginning the week of June 20, with the schedule to be determined. Be sure to follow www.southsasklacrosseleague.ca for more information including dates and times.
