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 being collected throughout the season. The top three players will be recognized and presented an award during our final home game of the season.
The Swan Valley Stampeders had another tough week, going 1-3 and playing four games in six nights. The Stampeders had a really good outing against the Virden Oil Capitals last Tuesday but ultimately fell 5-2 on the road. Swan then fell to the league leading Steinbach Pistons 7-0 Friday, 6-3 to the Winnipeg Freeze Saturday and found a way to snap their five-game losing streak Sunday against the Winnipeg Blues, winning 5-3.
The Swan Valley Stampeders made numerous moves leading up to the 5pm trade deadline January 10, shipping out F- Owen Warnick (06), F- Jakob Jones (03), F- Trey Sauder (03), D- Ashton Fishley (03), F- Alex Walicki (03), F- Josh Danis (03), G- Gage Stewart (03), D- Luke Schaeffer (03), and F- Griffin Ayotte (04).
Swan Valley was able to add six players who will help the rest of the way and into next season. Swan Valley acquired F -Will Brown (04), G -Kyle Abrahamson (04), F- Kai Clayton (04), and F- Ian Ness (04) while signing F-Ethan Lintner (03) and F- Olan Endres (05). The Stampeders will now look to the future after a complete tear down and rebuild by Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff.
A busy week ahead – Swan Valley will play three games this upcoming week, one on the road and two at home this upcoming weekend. The Stampeders will be right back on the road Tuesday night as they will take on the Dauphin Kings at Credit Union Place before returning to the Centennial Arena Friday and Saturday night.
Three star point system is as follows:
1st Star = 3 points
2nd Star = 2 points
3rd Star = 1 point
THREE STARS (Jan. 7 – Jan. 14)
3rd Star
Elias Giaccari-Dimitiou deserves more than just one star this week after seeing a barrage of shots in three games last week for the Stampeders. The 18-year-old proved he deserves a shot at the starter position stopping 154/169 shots in three games last week. The Montreal, QC, Greek speaking goaltender posted a .911SV% and a 5.00 GAA over three games.
2nd Star
Matthew Munro unlocked a new life challenge Sunday, scoring his first ever MJHL goal against the Blues, and the best part, it was a power play marker to help his team snap a five-game losing streak. Munro continues to grow as a player and maybe his offensive side will start to show with more opportunity. Munro collected 1 goal, adding 2A in three games last week.
1st Star
Darius Makse makes his way to the top of the mountain this week after scoring in three of four games last week and taking over his new role as Captain of the Swan Valley Stampeders. The 20-year-old sits first in team scoring with 21 points (11G, 10).
Honorable mentions this week go to Callum Halls, Ian Ness and Will Brown who all collected three points in four games.
The “Three Stars of the Week” is brought to you by Paull Funeral Home & Crematorium.
Ticket info | Stampeder flex packs and season tickets are still available, please contact Cody 1-204-281-2765 if you are interested in purchasing. Single-game student and adult tickets are now available at Home Hardware and Riddell’s Plumbing & Heating. Both locations will only accept cash for payment.
Corporate Sponsorship | We still have items available for anyone looking to help support the Swan Valley Stampeders during their 25th anniversary season. Please email Cody – marketing@stampedershockey.com for packages or if you would like to discuss in person.
Online 50/50 tickets can also be purchased leading up to every home game. You can buy your tickets at stampedershockey.com.
Point Leaders
Callum Halls – 8
Darius Makse – 5
Landen Gulutzan – 3
Aidan Taylor -1
Amar Powar – 1
Matthew Munro – 1
The next three star segments will be in the New Year.