Adam Berg's go-ahead goal scored for the Calgary Mustangs midway through the second period stood as the game-winner as the Olds Grizzlys dropped a 3-2 decision at home on Oct. 31.
The Grizzlys lost more than just their fifth consecutive game, as forward Austin Kernahan was suspended two games for kneeing Mustangs forward Bryan Huck late in the third period.
At the 18:22 mark of the third period, Kernahan and Huck collided knee-on-knee at centre ice.
Mustangs forward Zach McNeill subsequently dropped the gloves with Kernahan and was given two minutes for instigating, five minutes for fighting and a game misconduct.
Kernahan received four minutes for roughing, five minutes for kneeing and a game misconduct.
Huck lay on the ice as the Mustangs trainer came out to assess him and later left the game with the help of teammates.
The Grizzlys entered the game short four players and their head coach, who were suspended by the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) after their bout with the Brooks Bandits the week before.
The Mustangs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals by Huck and forward Vincent Paquette in the first period.
It wasn't the start Grizzlys assistant coach Jeramie Heistad was looking for.
“I thought we came out flat. We were generating some scoring chances but obviously we weren't bearing down and we were giving them some opportunities in our zone that we generally don't give up,” Heistad said.
The Black and Gold got on the board at the 13:30 mark on Colton Sheen's first goal as a Grizzly, a one-timer that beat Mustangs goaltender Matthew McDonald high, blocker-side.
Christopher Gerrie and Kodi Schwarz were credited with assists.
Early into the second period, Alex Brewer's pass found Landon Kletke, alone at the top of the Mustangs' crease, who then slid the puck past a sprawling McDonald to tie the game.
However, that was as much damage as the Grizzlys would do against McDonald, who stopped 43 of 45 shots.
“We had opportunities in the third to score. I take my hat off to the goaltender. He stopped 40-whatever shots tonight and played well,” Heistad said. “But our team didn't show up the way that we can. It's a learning experience.”
The Grizzlys next visit the Drumheller Dragons on Nov. 7 and then the Calgary Canucks on Nov. 8.
Heistad hasn't been worried about his team's play during the current five-game skid and said his players just need to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“It's not like we're not generating chances and stuff like that. We're just getting little saucers on a number of backdoor plays. If guys get their sticks on them it's in the net.”
