YORKTON, SK — Ashton Paul’s third-period goal with 5:53 remaining stood as the game-winner, as the Melfort Mustangs edged the Yorkton Terriers 4–3, pushing them to the brink of elimination.
In the first period, the Mustangs’ dynamic power play continued to shine, striking for the fifth time in the series. Ashton Hutchinson, making his series debut, found space in the slot and beat Terriers goaltender Callum Creig high on the blocker side for his third goal of the playoffs.
The Terriers responded late in the first, with Jye Zawatsky finishing off a 2-on-1 rush with Vinay Junek, tying the game 1–1 with his first goal of the postseason. Yorkton went 0-for-1 on the power play and outshot Melfort 7–5 in the opening frame.
The Mustangs came out flying in the second, adding two quick goals within the first 1:17. Zac Sommers scored on a breakaway just 35 seconds in, notching his sixth of the playoffs. Moments later, Rielly Kotai beat Creig under the pad, ending the goaltender’s night after allowing three goals on just seven shots.
True to form, the Terriers battled back. Carter Briltz finished off a slick feed from defenceman Thierry Laliberté, beating Mustangs netminder Kristian Coombs short side to cut the deficit to 3–2. Yorkton had a couple of power play chances in the second period but couldn’t convert. Ethan Farrow stopped all six shots he faced in relief, while the Terriers held a 15–13 shot advantage through 40 minutes.
Early in the third, the Terriers tied it once more, as David Coyle pounced on a loose puck in the crease and jammed it past Coombs for his fifth of the playoffs.
However, the Mustangs answered late. Ashton Paul picked up a rebound off Farrow’s pad and tucked it past the outstretched glove, giving Melfort a 4–3 lead.
The Terriers pressed hard with the goalie pulled, creating a flurry of late chances, but couldn’t find the equalizer.
Farrow finished with 12 saves on 13 shots in relief. Yorkton will look to stave off elimination tomorrow night at home, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM.
