The Hanover Tache Red River Mudbugs ran into a hot Mitchell Mustangs squad on Thursday night, dropping an 11–1 decision at Mitchell Arena in HTJHL action.
Mitchell struck early and often, opening the scoring just 11 seconds into the game and carrying a 4–0 lead out of the first period. The Mustangs added four more goals in the second and three in the third to pull away.
Red River’s lone goal came late in the second period, when Oakley Peters found the net at 19:54, converting a feed from Reece Fehr and Tyson Froese to break the shutout.
Connor Parago faced heavy pressure in the Mudbugs’ crease, turning aside 39 shots, while Mitchell goaltender Sam Fontaine earned the win with 30 saves. Red River went 0-for-3 on the power play in the loss.
With the defeat, the Mudbugs sit eighth in the HTJHL standings at 8-14-0, holding 16 points through 22 games.
Red River returns to action Friday, Jan. 23, when they visit the Macdonald Jets at Sanford Recreation Centre. The Mudbugs then host the Springfield Falcons on Saturday, Jan. 24, before welcoming East St. Paul on Wednesday, Jan. 28, both games at St. Jean Arena.
