The Swan Valley Stampeders dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season, losing 5-4 to Waywayseecappo Saturday night. Special teams would help the Wolverines take over first place in the Northwest Division with three power play markers in front of an empty arena.
Mackenzie Belinski continues to be a thorn in the side of the Stampeders. The 20-year-old Vista, MB product picked up a pair of goals and an assist in their Halloween night victory. The 20-year-old put on a clinic the last four games against Swan Valley, putting up six goals and five assists.
The Stampeders quick strike offence was on full display in the opening 20 minutes in Waywayseecappo. Noah Fladager, Carter Cockburn and Cody Barnes would each find the back of the net in a wild first period. Fladager opened the scoring 2:08 into the game, snapping home his fourth of the year. Wayway responded less than seven minutes later as Gerrik Ripley picked up his third of the year on the power play. Cockburn responded two and a half minutes later, tipping home his second of the year. Barnes gave the Stampeders a 3-1 lead at the 19:37 mark when he was left all alone in front of the net. Swan Valley took a two goal lead to the dressing room, also leading 14-3 in the shot department.
Swan Valley’s lead would disappear before the 5 minute mark of the middle frame as Wayway came out flying. Tyson Zimmer let a rocket go on the power play that beat Mikael Foucher 53 seconds into period. Reagan Rabbit tied the game at 3-3 with a point shot at the 4:34 mark. That left the teams were deadlocked at three after 40 minutes of play, but the Stampeders were outshot in the second period by a wide 17-9 margin.
Mikael Foucher completely robbed Jaymes Knee at the 4:57 mark of the third period, sending the Stampeders on an offensive rush which resulted in Callum Fortin snapping home his third of the season at the 5:09 mark. Belinski took over and scored back-to-back goals just over five minutes apart to secure a 5-4 win for the Wolverines.
Final shots on goal
Swan Valley – 28
Wayway – 36
With tonight’s loss, the Stampeders now sit with a record of 5-3 which is identical to Wayway but with three head-to-head wins, the Wolverines now sit first in the Northwest Division.
The Stampeders will return home and regroup this week and await word on how the next two games will be played out. Swan Valley’s next two scheduled games are supposed to be in Selkirk Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7, but with the Code Red being put in place by the Health Officials in the Province the verdict is still out. Follow along on all social media platforms for an update on that situation as it unfolds.