A controversial late goal with 48 seconds remaining by the London Jr. Mustangs, snatched victory from the hands of the Stratford Canadian Tire Major Bantam Warriors, as they settled for a 4-4 draw in a battle for first place overall in the Alliance Bristol Division Wednesday night at the Allman Arena.
The late goal was scored on a wild goalmouth scramble that saw London players laying on Warrior net minder Kari Dingman, in his crease and restricting his movements to prevent the tying goal. Stratford remains one point ahead of London for first overall, but the Mustangs have a game in hand. Stratford has three regular season games remaining and London four.
The Warriors fell behind 2-0 early, but second period goals by Callan Ferguson and Connor Hill drew Stratford even heading into the second intermission. Josiah Kraayenbrink set up Fergusons tally, while Hill tipped in a good low point shot by Callum McMann for the other Warrior goal of the middle frame. Kraayenbrink picked up an assist on the goal as well.
Stratford came out flying in the third period, and thanks to two goals from Adam Windsor, jumped out to a 4-2 lead with 10 minutes remaining. Jared LeSouder picked up assists on both of Windsor’s goals. The Warriors then ran into a bit of penalty trouble which London capitalized on to draw within one, until the late goal sending the two teams’ home with a point each.