With the regular season in the rear-view mirror, the Swan Valley Stampeders are looking forward to the start of the MJHL Playoffs.
The club had an incredible 20th anniversary season, closing out the regular season with a record of 43-13-3-2 – one win shy of the all time record and finishing in second spot in the 11 team MJHL, a feat never accomplished by the franchise.
The Stampeders have one of the most potent offensive units in the MJHL, lead by the league’s top scorer in Josh Tripp, along with the just as equally gifted Bradly Goethals and Matt Osadick. On the back end, the Stamps’ are full of offensive skilled defenseman in Dane Hirst and Quintin Sudom as well.
The Stamps will kick off the 2018/2019 MJHL playoffs against the Dauphin Kings, a team they are very familiar with. Swan Valley went 5-1 against the Kings in regular season play scoring 23 goals while giving up 17 to the Kings.
On paper, this matchup pits the leagues second highest scoring team with 251 Goals For versus the league’s seventh place team for goals allowed with 193.
The Stampeders are backstopped by 20-year-old Merek Pipes, a Union Dutchmen commit who posted a .924 SV% and held 2.45 GAA. As mentioned, Tripp won the league scoring title posting 36 goals, 48 assists for 84 points in just 57 games.
Sudom contributed big numbers from the Stampeder blue line putting up 55 points in 50 games. Sudom would have shattered the franchise record for points by a defenceman (Dave Grimson with 57) had it not been for a late season injury that seen him miss the teams final 10 games.
The Dauphin Kings will counter with Riley Shamray who lead the team with 47 points in 60 games. Other notable players to watch during this series will be Byron Fobair (37 points) and Riley Buller (38 points).
Stampeder fans can purchase playoff tickets at Atkinson’s Sports Excellence or at the door. Fans who cannot attend will have the chance to watch the games live on HockeyTV.com or can listen live on GX94 radio.
Playoff ticket prices
Advance (Atkinson’s)
Adults $12
Students $8
Children 12 and under $5
At the door
Adults $14
Students $9
Children 12 and under $6
Playoff Schedule (all games start at 7:30 p.m.):
Friday Mar, 8th @ Swan River
Sunday Mar, 10th @ Dauphin
Wednesday Mar, 13th @ Swan River
Friday Mar, 15th @ Dauphin
Sunday Mar, 17th @ Swan River (if necessary)
Tuesday Mar, 19th @ Dauphin (if necessary)
Wednesday Mar, 20th @ Swan River (if necessary)