By COLBY STOESZ
The Martensville U16AA Marauders continued their dominance on Sunday, February 23, beating the Prince Albert Renegades 5-2.
With their 16th win in a row, the Marauders are riding a high into the playoffs as they look to repeat as league champions.
The first period of play came and went with no goals for either side. The Marauders outshot the Renegades 9-3 over the first frame.
The second period began with a power play score from Martensville’s Ben Dust, assisted by Cooper Sawatzky. Ryder Hagel followed with back-to-back goals, his 31st and 32nd of the season. Cooper Sawatzky assisted on both scores, while Hudson Sawatzky grabbed his first assist of the match.
Prince Albert’s Jordan Probert scored with 19 seconds left in the period to bring the score to 3-1 in favour of Martensville after 40 minutes.
The third period remained scoreless until Ben Dust found nylon again with a power play goal at the seven-minute mark. Once again, both Sawatzkys assisted on the play.
Renegade Drake Butterwick scored with under three minutes remaining to make it a two-goal game, but an empty net score from Marauder Corban Friesen squashed any hopes of a comeback as Martensville won 5-2.
Ryder Hagel and Ben Dust both scored two goals to lead the Marauders to another victory. Cooper Sawatzky assisted on all but one of Martensville’s goals, and Hudson Sawatzky notched three assists himself. Mason Hatzel earned the win in net, stopping 27 of 29 shots.
The Marauders are firmly in first place in the league with three games remaining until playoffs. Sunday’s win moves them to 28-2-0-1 on the year, 13 wins clear of second place in the North Division.
Martensville will travel to Moose Jaw on Thursday, February 27 for a meeting with the Warriors, before hosting the Bridge City Blues on Saturday.