The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
With the first two games of the Semi-Final playoffs under their belts, the Bombers sat undefeated with two shutouts. But as the team traveled to Melfort for Tuesday nightÕs game, the hometown Mustangs were on their game as they earned themselves a shutout with a final score of 3-0. Calvin Bartel was back in net, but he was unable to keep his shutout past the first period as the Mustangs got past him twice in the second period and once in the third. And it was a low scoring games compared to what the Maroon and White normally pump out. Both teams tied at 21 shots a piece. Ilia Ejov was back in the net for the Mustangs, looking to redeem himself after allowing nine goals in the first two games. But he was on Tuesday night as he walked away with his first shutout of the series. The first period, although scoreless, came with a few penalties for both teams. Mustang Ryan Gareau was in for slashing while teammate Jordan Morgan was in for goaltender interference, giving the Bombers two powerplay opportunities, but the team was able to get one past Ejov. The Bombers had Cameron MacKinnon in for slashing, Myles Masse was in the bin for interference and the Bombers were given a bench penalty for too many men on the ice, which was served by Barrett Penner. Flin Flon mustered up six shots in the first period, while Bartel was busy, fighting off 12 of MelfortÕs shots. Similar to the first two games in the series, the score was 0-0 at the end of the first period. But changing things up was Melfort as Shane Gimas scored his, and the teamÕs, first goal of the series, after being fed by Jason Walker and Tommy Brown, on a power play 7:24 into the period. And just before the 11 minute mark on the clock, Clint Olsen found the back of the net as well, assisted by Creighton native Matt Hill and Walker, on another power play. The Bombers fired off another 11 shots on Ejov, unsuccessful, but Bartel faced five shots from the Mustangs, stopping three. Both teams were given two penalties in the second period as Mike Kirby was first in the bin for interference with Bomber Matt Dyck to follow five minutes later for hooking. Masse found himself behind the glass for boarding while Kirby was back in the box for high sticking. With a score of 2-0 for the home ÔStangs, the teams were back at it for the final 20 minutes of play. But it wasnÕt the BomberÕs night as Melfort found a hole, making it 3-0 for the win. Each team only had four shots fired off in the third period. And the penalties came throughout as Cole Wilson was in for roughing after the whistle 6:36 after the puck dropped. Nick Kalnicki was given two penalties, a goaltender interference and an unsportsmanlike conduct, just after the nine minute mark. Bartel found himself being called on delay of the game and Mustang Brendon Wall was give two minutes for hooking. And with one second to go in the game, Masse was given two minutes for slashing while John Payne was called on roughing. The Bombers played the Mustangs, in game four, last night at the Whitney Forum. Details were not available as of press time, so please see MondayÕs paper. Game five will be played in Melfort on Saturday, with a tentative game Sunday at the Whitney Forum.
