Stampeders begin week in Waywayseecappo
Stampeders – 1-3-0-0 (T3rd in West Division); Power Play % (23.8%) Penalty Kill % (73.7%)
Wolverines – 2-2-0-0 (T2nd in West Division); Power Play % (21.1%) Penalty Kill % (63.6%)
The Stamps will head into Waywayseecappo tonight trying to snap a three-game losing streak. Those losses have come at the hands of Dauphin, Selkirk, and the Winnipeg Blues. This is a start that the team themselves were not wanting.
This past Monday was one for moves for the Stampeders, as they were able to acquire 08 born forward, Chantyn Michelle-Thompson from the Northern Manitoba Blizzard to bolster their forward depth which has already shown that they can put the puck in the net. However, the main issue at the moment seems to be the Stampeders defence, as the team is currently dead last in goals against in the MGEU West Division and currently sit second last in the entire MJHL ahead of only the Winnipeg Monarchs.
Defensive structure and composure will be a must tonight as they face the Wolverines, a team that is full of firepower. Don’t forget their solid goaltending in Jase Wareham and Mariko Bercier who have so far played very well and could potentially be the most consistent goaltending duo in the MJHL. However, for the Stampeders, the line of Crosby Harrison, Trace Langan, and Finlay Johnston came alive Saturday night in Winnipeg, as the three combined for 7 points in the 7-5 loss to the Blues.
The major thing for the Stampeders that could be the difference maker is being a little bit more meaner and gritty in tonight’s game while in their own zone, along with being more composed and calm on the break-out. The Stampeders want to be known as one of the toughest teams to play against, but are yet to show it. Tonight would be a great time to start to show that edge.
Players to Watch:
Stampeders – Finlay Johnston, Darren Hunt, Ekam Dhaliwal
Wolverines – Ben Roulette, Aiden Herring, Sebastien Hicks
Tonight will be the first of three games on the week for the Stampeders as they will try to claw themselves back into the public eye. It’s Truth and Reconciliation night in Wayway and it is always a big night with some loud fans. The Stampeders will play Virden for a home and home on Friday at the SRCA, and in Virden on Saturday.
