A third period outburst and timely goaltending proved key to the Prince Albert Mintos’ return to the win column.
After goaltender Carter Woodside made 17 saves in an opening period that saw his teammates only muster four shots on net, the Mintos’ offence came to life in the final frame with three unanswered goals to pick up a 4-2 win over the Saskatoon Contacts at Merlis Belsher Place.
Not only did the Mintos end a two-game losing skid Thursday, but they also brought a halt to the Contacts’ six-game win streak in the process.
Dawson Springer scored twice in the final frame to lead the charge for the visitors, while Gavin Ingram had a goal and an assist in his return to the lineup from a four-game suspension.
Logan Cox also lit the lamp for the Mintos, who received a 40-save performance from Woodside.
Matthew Hodson led the way on offence for the hosts with a goal and an assist, while Josh Paulhus also scored.
Cole Johnston turned aside 26 shots for the Contacts, who have a 9-6 record and are in seventh place in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League standings.
The only drawback to the evening for the Mintos came in the first period as blueliner Marek Schneider received a game misconduct for a head contact major penalty.
Next up for the 11-6-1-0 Mintos is a meeting with the 10-2-2-1 Regina Pat Canadians at the Art Hauser Centre Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The Pat Canadians enter this weekend tied with the Mintos and the 10-2-1-2 Tisdale Trojans for second place in the league table.
