It’s time for another Three Stars of the Week, which is brought to you by Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium. Every Monday we will be awarding three players who had a big week and giving them stars. We will be doing this week-to-week with points accumulating throughout the season. The top three will players will be recognized and presented an award during our final home game of the season.
The Swan Valley Stampeders had another impressive week, going 2-1 and improving their record to 17-17-0-3. Since returning from the Christmas break the Stampeders have been one of, if not the hottest team in the league going 5-1-0-1 picking up 11 of a possible 14 points as they climbed two spots in the standings to hold down third overall in the West Division.
The Stampeders kept their momentum rolling last week, taking down the Dauphin Kings – the top team in the West Division – Wednesday, Jan. 19 by a final score of 5-2. Brad Fortin (2G, 1A) and Carter Cockburn (1G, 1A) led the way offensively. Adam Rajsigl and Trey Sauder also added to their point tallies collecting a goal in the win.
The Stampeders stumbled hard out of the gate Friday night against the visiting Neepawa Titans. Swan found themselves trailing 4-0 in the first 13:11 of the game. Deepkaran Hans and Nicolas Roussel added a goal apiece but the first period blunder was a devastating blow and the Titans skated to a 5-2 win.
The Stampeders found their form once again Saturday night in a high-scoring affair. Brad Fortin (3G, 1A) and Carter Cockburn (2G, 1A) led the way in a wild night at the Corral. Also to note, Ethan Matchim collected his first-ever MJHL goal scoring a power play marker during the first period of play.
Dylan Black has been steady eddy all year in net for the Stampeders and quietly one of the most unsung goaltenders in the league. The 19-year old stopped 67/73 shots he faced and earned two wins for his team against Dauphin (Wednesday) and Neepawa (Saturday).
Three stars point system is as follows:
1st Star = 3 points
2nd Star = 2 points
3rd Star = 1 point
Check back every Monday for the Paull Funeral Home & Crematorium, Three Stars of the week.
THREE STARS (Jan 16. – Jan. 23)
3rd Star
Adam Rajsigl continues to put up points from the back end. The 19-year-old from Tecumseh, ON collected a goal and three assists last week. The offensively gifted defenceman sits fourth in team scoring with 26 points (6G, 20A).
2nd Star
Carter Cockburn has not found the off switch all year and has been one of the best players every night for his hometown team. The 20-year-old forward had another big week for his team collecting three goals and two assists. The 6’2” 220 lbs. captain sits first in team scoring with 36 points (13G, 23A).
1st Star
Brad Fortin has been on fire for his team, collecting five goals and two assists in three games last week. The 20-year-old speedster broke out of his scoring funk in a large way. The 6’1” 185 lbs. Langley, BC product now sits third in team scoring with 26 points (11G, 15A).
The Stampeders’ next action will be on the road Friday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Jan. 29 in Neepawa. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:30 pm and can be viewed on hockeytv.com.
Don’t forget, the Stamps Cash Lotto is well underway. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased from any Stampeder board member, from Patty’s Sports Excellence, Cook & Cooke or the Swan Valley Star and times. You can also purchase by calling 204.281.4255 or visit our site directly at – stampedershockey.square.site/cash-lotto – please use the promo code LOTTO for free mail delivery. You MUST purchase a Stamps Cash Lotto ticket in order to purchase the added on 50/50 ticket. The draw will take place Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 after our home game against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.
STANDINGS (Point Leaders)
13 – Carter Cockburn
13 – Cody Barnes
9 – Kobe Grant
8 – Quinn Mulder
5 – Adam Rajsigl
4 – Callum Fortin
3 – Trey Sauder
3 – Tyler Park
3 – Jacob Paler-Chow
3 – Justin Keck
2 – Myles Mason
2 – Collin Jennings
2 – Dylan Black
1 – Darius Makse