The 100 Mile House Wranglers saddled the Williams Lake Mustangs at the South Cariboo Rec Centre on Friday, Feb. 28.
The Wranglers beat the Mustangs 2-1 in the first round of playoffs for the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. This win comes after the Wranglers finished first in the Doug Birks Division last week. The rec centre was packed with fans from 100 Mile House and Williams Lake to watch the two Cariboo teams put on a show.
From the initial puck drop, it was clear both teams were giving it their all. The first period proved to be an intense and exciting game with both the Mustangs and Wranglers getting chances to score, including a brief double power play for the Mustangs the Wranglers succeeded in shutting down.
Shortly after that power play opportunity the Wranglers' Nelson Webster found a hole in the Mustangs' defence and scored the first goal of the night. Despite this, the Mustangs seemed unshaken and came at the hometown team again in the second period where neither team was able to score, despite both making several shots on net.
During the third period, the Wranglers widened their lead within the first five minutes as Jayden Ruznak chipped the puck in, much to the delight of the crowd. The Mustangs kept up the pressure, however, with several penalties being issued to both teams and scuffles in between plays. In the dying seconds of a double power play, Asher Lucas was able to score a goal for the Mustangs putting them on the board.
The Wranglers' defence held firm for the rest of the period, however, and even the Mustangs' gamble of pulling their goalie was unable to tie the game. The Wranglers are now one step closer to advancing in the playoffs but will have to face the Mustangs at least three more times.
The two Cariboo teams meet again on Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at the South Cariboo Rec Centre before the series travels to Williams Lake on Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4. More games will be scheduled as needed.
