The Olds Midget Mustangs claimed the Tier 1 midget North Central Minor Hockey Association championship on Saturday by beating the Stettler Midget Legion 7-5 in Stettler. On Thursday, the Mustangs set up the chance for the two-game sweep by beating the Legion 6-4.
Coach Joel Hunter said starting off the season on such a strong note set the tone for the entire year and claiming the championship put a good cap on the season. The team lost only two games all year – both to the Midget Legion.
“That was the biggest goal we had. Obviously with the way we started, being in first place for the entire year, if you don't win the championship, it's kind of a waste. Everybody showed up and we played two really good games against Stettler,” he said.
In the game on Saturday, Hunter said the Mustangs controlled the play from the opening face-off, with special teams performing well.
“(Stettler) didn't quit. They're big and physical and they came at us but we just kind of outplayed them for the most part,” he said, noting the Legion played down to the final buzzer, scoring with 1.1 seconds left.
Jay Adrian, the Mustangs' goaltender, provided some excellent net-minding when called upon during Legion powerplays, Hunter noted.
With the championship in hand, and a provincial berth previously locked up, the Mustangs will be setting their sights on a provincial championship this weekend in Slave Lake.
"Obviously with the way we started, being in first place for the entire year, if you don't win the championship, it's kind of a waste."Joel Hunter, coach, Olds Midget Mustangs
