Lethbridge – Playing their final home game of the season, the Lethbridge Pronghorns jumped out to an early lead and then held on for a 4-2 over the Winnipeg Wesmen, earning the weekend sweep and keeping their post-season hopes alive.
Chris Rushworth scored twice and Riley Flint added a single, with the other goal being an own goal. Elliot Peddle and Prince Amara responded for the Wesmen.
Looking to make a step toward a playoff spot, the Pronghorns jumped all over the Wesmen, scoring three goals in the opening 23 minutes to take strangle hold of the game. Entering the day five points back of the Saskatchewan Huskies for the final playoff spot in the Prairie Division and it was imperative for the Pronghorns to earn three points.
'Horns opened the scoring in the 14th minute, Kendell Wiens sprung Pronghorn leading scorer with a great pass through the middle of the field and Rushworth made no mistake to score his seventh of the season, moving him into a tie for second overall on the conference goal scoring list.
Off a set piece, the 'Horns received a fortunate bounce and doubled the lead, after Dom Point du Jour's cross into the box hit a Wesmen defender and went in.
The 'Horns dominance continued and were rewarded with a third goal. Allan Siwela found a streaking Riley Flint, who curled the volley into the far right corner.
At the half, the 'Horns had nine shot attempts and the lead could have been bigger if not for a pair of great saves from Wesmen keeper Joshua Parker. At the other end of the field, the Wesmen tested 'Horns keeper Nolan French three times but all three were from long range.
Following a difficult opening half, the Wesmen started the second half with better pace and a sense of urgency and were rewarded in the 62nd minute. Off a great save from 'Horns keeper Nolan French and a second shot off the post, Elliot Peddle collected the rebound and put it away.
Two minutes passed and the Wesman clawed within one. Eric Smith cut the ball back into the box for Prince Amara and Amara blasted a shot low left corner.
The 'Horns had multiple chances to put the game out of reach, but could not find the touch they showed in the opening 45 minutes and were not able to regain a two goal cushion until 82nd minute from the penalty spot.
'Horns forward Kendall Wiens was taken down in the box setting up Rushworth for his eighth goal of the season.
With the win the 'Horns improve to 4-5-1 on the season, while the Wesmen fall to 1-8-1.
The 'Horns head out on the road for the final games of the season with their playoff hopes on the line. The 'Horns will face the MacEwan Griffins and Prairie Division leading Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton. The Wesmen will wrap up their season hosting the Calgary Dinos for a pair of games.