Kirk Mullen and Team Saskatchewan left little to doubt against Manitoba in men's hockey on Monday afternoon at the Canada Winter Games, and now they find themselves in first place in their pool.
Team Sask – with Moose Jaw Minor Hockey product and Prairie Hockey Academy standout Mullen in the line-up – built period leads of 2-0 and 5-1 on their way to a 7-1 win in Red Deer.
As a result, Saskatchewan now holds a 2-1-1 record, with their five points putting one point up on Alberta and two up on B.C.. Those two teams take the ice in the final round robin game later Monday.
The Games award three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime win and one for an overtime loss; Team Sask defeated Alberta on Satiurday before losing to B.C. Sunday.
Against Manitoba, Logan Linklater scored twice to go along with single goals from Regina's Kevin Anderson, Regina's Blake Swetilkoff. Prince Albert's Gabriel Klassen, Davidson's Nolan Allan and Prince Albert's Logan Cox.
Moose Jaw Warriors draft pick and Saskatoon product Brett Mirwald made 23 saves in taking the win, while Saskatchewan fired 38 shots at Manitoba, which includes Warriors first round pick Eric Alarie on defence,
Team Sask will now await the result of B.C./Alberta to determine their final round robin position. Be sure to keep an eye on MooseJawToday.com for that update!
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It was a quiet day at the games for other Moose Jaw competitors, as Moose Jaw's Marc-Andre Doyon is now off the ice until Tuesday when he competes in the long track 5,000 metres.
Moose Jaw Ryann Handlay hits the ice in female figure skating next week, alongside Ryann Eberl and Regina's Caidence Derenisky in pairs skating.
The female curling team of Skylar Ackerman, third Madison Johnson, second Chantel Hoag and lead Samantha McLaren are also in action during week two of the Games.
