Bears close out Mustangs

The Sydney Bears closed out their penultimate game of the season with a hard fought 2-1 win over the Melbourne Mustangs at Penrith Ice Palace on Saturday night.

With the Mustangs fifth and Bears sixth on the AIHL ladder, it was a game that had little bearing on the season but saw both sides turn out a tough defensive battle.

The side’s kept the shots off their goalies with the Mustangs producing 19 shots on the Bears’ Anthony Kimlin, while the Mustangs’ Jack Hayes faced only 14 from the Bears.

A cagey first period seemed to set the tone for the game, with defensive skill rather more on display than any sort of offence, leading to a scoreless opening to the game.

Moving into the second period, the game continued in much the same manner with limited stoppages allowing a fast-paced but hard-hitting display of skill.

The Bears, fielding a mainly Australian line-up in light of season-ending injuries to their import contingent, battled valiantly but were unable to prevent the Mustangs taking the lead through Mustangs Captain Pat O’Kane.

O’Kane notched the opener with just four-and-a-half minutes into the second, assisted by Eric Louis-Seize and Michael McMahon.

Tempers boiled over shortly after as Tyrell Clare found himself sent to the penalty box for slashing and misconduct, though the Melbourne side were not able to make the most of the power play.

High levels of physicality remained on display throughout as the game turned into a real tussle; neither side settling into a rhythm, struggling to take the puck into the offensive zone.

With just twenty six seconds left in the period, Nic Kawasaki one-timed a shot past Jack Hayes in the Mustangs net to ensure an exciting final period as the teams headed to the locker-room all-square.

As the teams tired in the third period, Billy Cliff found a chance to capitalise slotting home what turned out to be the game winner with over 14 minutes remaining, assisted by Kawasaki and Clare.

Despite the time remaining, the Mustangs were unable to get on the board, giving the home fans a hard-fought win the close out the season.