The Swan Valley Stampeders are coming off a fairly busy week, posting a 2-1-1 record over the course of four games, picking up five of an eight possible points. The teams hard work and commitment to getting better every day, allowed them to clinch a playoff berth for the third consecutive season.
After the game seven overtime loss in the Turnbull Cup final, to the Portage Terriers last year, the team has some unfinished business they would like to address. In order to do that, they need to stay out of the penalty box. Out of the four games last week, the Stamps` were penalized 25 times, amounting to 50 minutes in penalties. Out of those penalties, the team was scored on four times, leaving their penalty kill unit sitting third best in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League at an 81.5% success rate. The teams second ranked power play (26.9%) was a big factor last week as well, scoring six times with the man advantage.
The Stampeders continue to find offence throughout their lineup, which is needed down the stretch and into the playoffs. The team is also looking a bit healthier, with 19-year-old goaltender Parker Rey rejoining the team. In three games Rey posted a 2-1 record, allowing 10 goals on 113 shots he faced.
Another first took place as 19-year-old defenceman Danny Griffith scored his first goal as a Stampeder, beating Matt Lenz Monday night in Steinbach.
Week Results
3-1 win over Dauphin Wednesday, January 29.
Goals by: Jackson Betcher (2), and Josh Maucieri (EN)
3-2 OT loss to Winker Saturday, February 1.
Goals by: Callum Fortin and Trever Schroder.
7-6 win in Winnipeg Sunday, February 2.
Goals by: Daunte Fortner, Tommy Cardinal (3), Luke Beerman (2), Josh Maucieri,
5-1 loss to Steinbach Monday, February 3.
Goal by: Danny Griffith
The Three Stars of the Week is awarded week-to-week with points being collected throughout the season.
The top three players will be presented an award before our final home game of the regular season.
Three stars point system is as follows:
1st Star = 5 points
2nd Star = 3 points
3rd Star = 1 point
Check back every Monday for the Paull Funeral Home & Crematorium, Three Stars of the week.
THREE STARS (Jan 27 – Feb 3)
3rd Star
Jackson Betcher has been playing some great hockey of late, even chipping in on the offence last week. The 18-year-old, speedy defenceman put up a four point week (2G, 2A). The 6’1” 170 lbs local product scored a pair of goals against Dauphin last Wednesday in their 3-1 win over the Kings. He would also pick up an assist in each of their games in Winkler and Winnipeg on their road trip. The Swan River, MB native has scored 7 goals, adding 10 assists in 48 games.
2nd Star
Tommy Cardinal broke out of little funk over the weekend. The 20-year-old power forward picked up four points Sunday night in Winnipeg. Previous to that, the 5`10” 201lbs product of St-Etienne-du-Lauzon, QC only scored two goals in his last ten games. Cardinal would help his team in a big way on their recent road trip, scoring three goals, adding one assist to help the Stampeders claim their 30th win of the year Sunday night, clinching a playoff berth for the third consecutive season. In 51 games, Cardinal has scored 18 goals while adding 22 assists.
1st Star
Daunte Fortner makes his way to the top this week, collecting six points in four games. The 19-year-old shifty forward was the benefit of some power play time, scoring a goal and adding three assists on the man advantage. The 6’0” 181 lbs product of Kingsford, MI, USA grabbed a pair of assists Saturday night in a 3-2 ovetime loss to Winkler. He would add a goal and three assists Sunday evening in their 7-6 win over Winnipeg. Since being acquired by the Stampeders, he has scored 5 goals, adding 15 assists in 26 games.
Honourable mentions this week go out to Josh Maucieri (2G, 2A), and Luke Beerman (2G, 2A).
The Stampeders have a slower week ahead with two games this weekend. The team will host the Virden Oil Capitals Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. and the Selkirk Steelers Sunday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m.. Saturday’s game will feature a special evening with the Stampeder player parents in town. Taylor School Choir will be singing O’ Canada, while the timbits hockey players will take to the ice during the first intermission. Sunday’s game is a presentation of the Westwood Inn. A skate with the Stampeders is booked immediately following the game for 30 minutes. Please bring skates and a helmet if your child wishes to skate with the Stampeders. Also please note that pictures will be taken during the skate, if your child/children are not allowed to be photographed, please contact Cody during the event.
Stay up-to-date with all Stampeder happenings by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
*NOTE* The Stampeders organization will be holding a Comedy and Game night Friday this Friday night(February 7) at the Veterans Community Hall. Tickets can be purchased from Cook & Cooke, Star & Times, or from any board member. Also, the White set of Stampeder jerseys are being auctioned off, if you would like to place a bid, head over to www.stampedershockey.com to find out how.
Point Leaders (2019-20)
22 – Trevor Schroder
21 – Josh Maucieri
14 – Nathan Carl
14 – Frazer Dodd
11 – Tommy Cardinal
9 – Luke Beerman
9 – Carter Cockburn
7 – Jackson Betcher
6 – Ryley Lanthier
6 – Josh Beauchemin
5 – Mikael Foucher
4 – Parker Johnson
3 – Lane Kirk
2 – Leyson Coleman
1 – Tanner Glasrud
1 – Callum Fortin
1 – John Jebamani