Cowboys rein the Mustangs in with shootout thriller

Chris Davis and Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Peigan Cowboys vs Fort Macleod Mustangs
C. Davis photo

The Peigan Cowboys hosted the Fort Macleod Mustangs at the Memorial Community Centre arena in Pincher Creek on Saturday evening, November 12.  The fans for both teams came out in droves to see these long-time rivals in action, and both teams obliged them with a thriller of a game.

C. Davis photo

After getting smoked 16-4 by Lomond last week, the Cowboys were looking for some redemption.
The Cowboys hit the ice running.  Otis Potts, Shay Prairie Chicken and Bryan Jackson knocked in a goal each.   Down but not out, the Mustangs rallied, and C. Marr managed to get one on the board with 4:24 left in the first period.

With the score sitting at 3-1 heading into the second period, it seemed likely the Cowboys were going to walk away with this one in the bag, but it wasn't destined to play out that way.  Mustangs' Kyle Eskes and  Kevin Olson  slipped one in each to tie the score 3-3 by the end of the second period.

Mustangs harry the Cowboys net in the second period
C. Davis photo

Heading into the third period, the Cowboys hit a new peak for this season.  Their passing play was much improved over what we saw in exhibition play, and the rough stuff was kept to a minimum, replaced by focused hockey. Goaltending has gone up a notch too.

C. Davis photo

There were moments when it seemed like time had stopped, but for the most part a quick pace was maintained by both teams.  Despite a strong effort from both teams, and a near miss by Fort Macleod in the waning seconds, the score still stood tied, 3-3 at the end of the third period.

C. Davis photo

Otis Potts takes a shot
C. Davis photo

A five minute overtime period resulted in nothing but a heightened state of excitement in the crowd.  A tie-breaking shootout saw three Cowboys and three Mustangs take their best shot on the opposing goaltenders.  A miss for Fort Macleod, and it was Cowboys' #9 Shay Prairie Chicken's turn.  In it went, to the boisterous approval of the hometown crowd.  Another miss for Fort Macleod, and a miss for Cowboy's #8 Otis Potts.  Fort Macleod's #19 Brady Hall scored on his attempt, and the score stood at 4-4.  You could hear the whole arena hold their breath as Cowboys' #10 Byron Jackson took his shot.  In it went, and the crowd went wild.  A big win for the Cowboys, at a time when they need it most.  Could you get two teams more obviously evenly matched?  We'll find out as they face off against each other over the next two weekends.

The Cowboys presently sit at the bottom of the Ranchland Hockey League standings with 4 losses and one win in regular-season play.  If they keep playing like they did this night, that situation could change rapidly.  Cowboys #9 Shay Prairie Chicken is presently the 4th-ranked scorer in the league.

The Cowboys are scheduled to play Fort Macleod again next weekend on Saturday, November 19 here in Pincher Creek, and then once again in Fort Macleod the weekend after that on Saturday, November 26.  Both games start at 8:30 pm.



Video: Toni Lucas