The Dauphin Kings and Swan Valley Stampeders got together Tuesday evening for their first meeting of the young season. Dauphin came into the game winning 2 of their last 3 games, including a 3-2 win over the Portage Terriers.
The Stampeders came out of the gate strong, controlling the play and dominating the shot count 10-5 in the 1st period. Kings goalie Brennan Kitchen was excellent making 2 breakway saves off of Sam Harris and Dawson Waddell.
The Stampeders 2nd period struggles continued on Tuesday night, as they allowed the Kings to get on the board at the 5:09 mark when Grady Hobbs was able to get on the board with his 1st of the season. The Kings were able to close the gap in the shot count, outshooting the Stamps 10-6 in the second frame. Again, Kitchen was able to rob Dawson Waddell on a breakaway. The second period was not without controversy as it appeared Jaden Townsend had tied the game at 1 late in the period, redirecting a Dawson Waddell shot past Kitchen. After signaling “Goal” on the ice, the officials got together, and ruled that the puck had in fact not entered the goal, but ended up on the back of the net. After a lengthy discussion with the officials, the overturned call stood.
This would prove to be costly for the Stamps. In spite of controlling the play for the 3rd, and outshooting the Kings 15-8, they were unable to beat Kitchen. Just as a power play had expired late in the 3rd with the goalie pulled, Reece Gaber was able to break free and pot an empty netter, sealing the win for the Kings.
Brett Evans was again solid in goal for the Stampeders, making 21 saves on 22 shots.
The Stampeders head on the road for 5 in a row. The next Stampeder home game is October 24th when the Virden Oil Caps come to town.