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Rustlers beat Morinville to end losing streak

Dec 10, 2018 | 10:38 AM

The Red Deer Senior Rustlers are back in the win column following a 3-2 win over the NCHL-leading Morinville Kings on Saturday, becoming the first team defeat the Kings in regulation this season.

The Rustlers came out of the gate with a three-goal first period, including two from Connor Patchett and another from Ty Berkholtz – who added an assist on both Patchett goals to finish the game with three points, Berkholtz leads the Rustlers with 14 points on the season.

The Kings finally solved Rustlers netminder Brett Bothwell late in the second period, and would add another with a two-man advantage in the third, but the Rustlers shut the door the rest of the way to preserve the win.

Special teams were the difference maker for the Rustlers, who went 2-for-5 on the power play, and an impressive 7-for-8 on the penalty kill, including a big five-on-three kill in the opening minutes of the game.

“This was a huge win for us, both in the standings, and mentally,” said Bothwell, who made 30 saves for his fourth win of the season. “We’ve faced some adversity over the past month, but tonight was an opportunity to bounce back and make a big statement against one of, if not the top team in the league, and we did just that.”

The Senior Rustlers improve to 7-3 on the season and stayed perfect at home with their fifth straight win at the Penhold Multiplex.

The Rustlers are back home for the last time in 2018 on Saturday, December 15 for another important match-up against the Eckville Eagles, who also sit near the top of the NCHL standings. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The 2018 portion of the season closes out in Sylvan Lake on Friday, December 21 against the Pirates.

 

(media release)