LONDON, Ont. - As the season nears its end, Laurier continued to show its determination to keep team morale strong regardless of injuries and suspensions.
Early defensive errors made way for three goals in the first ten minutes of play against Western though, costing the Golden Hawks the game in a 4-2 loss - their eighth straight.
The Mustangs started the game with an aggressive offence, allowing Andrew Bruder to open up the scoring at 1:34 when he caught goaltender Tristan Malboeuf off-guard.
An easy opening gifted Western's Jake Gravelle with a scoring chance at 5:27.
The Golden Hawks struggled to maintain defensive positions, getting caught again at 9:36 when Shane Bulitka scored on the power play.
With just two minutes left in the third, rookie defenseman Kai Stothers scored top-shelf for his fourth of the season.
After regrouping during the first intermission, Laurier returned strong on both fronts.
Max-Antoine Melancon scored just past the halfway point, assisted by Callum Chisholm and Evan Benwell. Melancon's goal made it 3-2, giving the Golden Hawks hope to tie it up.
The hope was short-lived when Franco Sproviero scored with 33 seconds left in the period, giving the Mustangs a two-goal lead for the remainder of the game.
"The guys need each other more than ever to keep spirits high," said Laurier's manager of men's hockey operations and head coach Kevin Forrest. "Hopefully we can wrap up the season on a high note for our seniors."
Up Next
Sitting last in the West division at 4-18-4, Laurier is set to host Carleton (12-13-1) on February 14th for a Valentine's Night match-up. Puck drop at the Waterloo Memorial Reco Complex is at 7:00pm.
Follow the action on X at @WLUAthletics or live on OUA.tv.         Â
