The Virden Oil Capitals used five second period goals to down the Swan Valley Stampeders 7-3 Thursday night at Tundra Oil & Gas Place.
Both teams came into tonight’s contest looking to climb in the MJHL standings. Swan Valley entered the game just two points back of Winkler and second place in the standings, while Virden is chasing down the Waywayseecappo Wolverines for fifth place overall.
Five second period goals by the Virden Oil Capitals, propelled them on a 7-3 win over the Stampeders Thursday night on the road. Penalty trouble proved costly once again for the Stampeders, giving up three power play goals in under two minutes of play.
The Stampeders did jump out to an early 2-0 as Josh Maucieri scored his sixth of the year on the power play 7:53 into the opening frame. Jamie Valentino gloved down a high pass at the blue-line and wired home his first MJHL goal, and first as a Stampeder just under five minutes later. Virden’s offence came to life, scoring back-to-back power play goals to tie the game at 2. Brett Paddock scored his first of the game (15:55) and Dylan Halliday would score with 47 seconds left in the opening frame.
The Oil Capitlas jumped all over the Stampeders in the middle frame, scoring five goals to increase their lead to 7-3.
Kolten Kanaski scored 34 seconds into the second period, picking up his 20th of the year. Brett Paddock scored 28 seconds later, on the power play, grabbing his second of the game and 10th of the year. Ryley Lanthier would wire home his fourth of the year, sending a wrist shot over Kyle Kozma’s glove at 3:46, cutting into the Oil Capitals lead. Virden scored three unanswered goals to close out the middle frame. Jack Einarson (5:40), and Tanner Andrew scored back-to-back goals less than two minutes apart to close out the second period.
Jaden Little came on in relief of Stampeder starting goaltender Mikael Foucher to start the third period, stopping all 14 shots he faced. Swan Valley would skate to a 7-3 loss on the road tonight, and now hold a 1-3 record to kick off 2020.
Final shots
Swan – 30
Virden – 41
The next action for the Stampeders will be at home Saturday, January 11, against the Neepawa Natives. The game is a presentation of Special Olympics. Puck drop is 7:30pm.
*Note* the Holiday Cash Lotto draws will take place immediately following the game. Tickets can still be purchased online or from any board member.