Wouda nets OT winner in Mustangs 2-1 win over TMU

LONDON, ON — Western edged TMU, 2–1, in an intense match up that extended into overtime on Friday night. Western secured the victory with an overtime goal, having tied the game in the third period. This marks Western's second consecutive win in extra time. Both teams remained scoreless in the first two periods, with Western out shooting TMU 24–9 throughout the game.

"We played them early in the season, and their systems, they clog the middle. They have second layers willing to block shots, and they really were able to take away our grade A scoring opportunities," said Mustangs Head Coach Brittany Howard. "We had a ton of o-zone time, and it's finding space in the grade A inside the dots to cash in. We were able to do that. And then obviously the late goal by them. It was good to see our versatility to be able to come back, bounce back, and obviously capitalize on OT and take the W

GAME RECAP
The game began with Western and TMU both seeking to establish control on the ice. Throughout the first period, neither team found the back of the net, resulting in a scoreless tie as the period concluded. Both teams will look to break the deadlock in the subsequent period.

Mackenzie Lizotte broke the deadlock for the Mustangs with a goal at 10:02, assisted by Sara Forwell. Shortly after, a tripping penalty on the Bold's Nahvin Bal gave the Mustangs a power play opportunity. Despite the advantage, the Bold equalized with a goal from Eden Dusome at 17:47, assisted by Bal. The third period ended with both teams tied at 1-1.

In overtime, initially it appeared TMU had won the game after a two-on-one ended with the puck in the Western crease that ended up in the net. While the Bold celebrated, the referees converged for a discussion, and it was determined that the puck was kicked in and called off.

When asked about the emotions during the referees' discussions on whether the goal would be called off, "I think we're definitely hopeful, but my team's given me more gray hair by the day."

Off the next faceoff, the Mustangs picked up the puck and took the play into the TMU zone. Arnica Bulmer took the initial shot, which deflected off the Bold goaltender's pad and dropped in the blue paint, Alyssa Wouda jumped on the opportunity to bury the winner and secure the 2-1 win for Western.

"I think that's something we've got better at as the season has gone on and not having those huge slumps where it's the ebbs and flows of the game, one bounce in the back of our net, one bounce in the back of their net, and being able to play through those moments are huge," said Howard "I think our leadership, (Alyssa) Wouda being able to capitalize there. She's a veteran player, crashed the net. Good things happen."

KEY STATS
Mackenzie Lizotte - 1 goal
Alyssa Wouda – Game-winning goal
Presley Daschuk - 8 saves

NEXT GAME
The Mustangs are on the road for a pair of games next weekend, starting with a Friday night matchup against Brock. Game time is set for 6:00pm. Fans can catch the action on OUA.tv.