The Estevan Bruins ended up on the wrong side of a high scoring, back-and-forth affair Friday night at Affinity Place.

The Bruins lost 5-4 to the Melfort Mustangs, dropping them to 4-3 on the season.

Damon Byers broke a 4-4 tie midway through the third period and his goal turned out to be the game winner as the Bruins were unable to find the equalizer in the dying minutes.

The Mustangs now have a record of 8-2-0-1 and sit atop the SJHL standings. 

Mikol Sartor scored to tie the game at 4-4 early in the third period, his first goal as a Bruin and first in the SJHL.

Cody Davis, Mark Rumsey, and Kade Runke also scored for Estevan.

The Bruins will try to rebound Saturday night at Affinity Place when they host the Nipawin Hawks.

The game starts at 7:30 p.m.