The Swan Valley Stampeders suffered their third consecutive loss Friday night as they travelled to Virden in a rescheduled game against the Oil Capitals at Tundra Oil & Gas Place.
The Stamps’ were originally supposed to play a pair of games in Selkirk but due to the Code Red put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic; those games were postponed to a later date. The MJHL, along with Swan Valley and Virden, rescheduled their March 5, 2021 game to be played last weekend instead.
With Jayce Nikbakht out due to suspension and the team missing their leading scorer Haydn Delorme, it looked like an uphill battle was on their hands in Virden. The guys didn’t quit and pushed the WHL laden Oil Caps to the max but ended up losing 5-4, pushing their losing streak to three games.
Swan Valley did a great job in staying out of the box against the first overall Oil Capitals. The team only took five minor penalties, giving up one power play goal against. The team did concede a shorthanded goal that nearly broke the camel’s back per se. The Stamps’ couldn’t contain Hunter Cloutier and Jack Einarson who put up nine points in the win. Swan Valley did find scoring throughout their lineup which seems to come in spurts lately. Carter Cockburn put up a pair of goals while Jackson Zlotty and Alex Danis grabbed a goal and an assist each.
The Stampeders continue to find the back of the net, look to have fixed their penalty box parade, but have yet to fix the issue of keeping the puck out of their own net. The Stampeders youth continue to evolve every game, something Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff instills in each and every one of his players. Though the team did choose not to bring in WHL players to help, they currently sit second in the Northwest Division and sixth in the MJHL with a record of 5-4-0.
The “Three Stars of the Week” is brought to you by Paull Funeral Home & Crematorium, and will be awarded week-to-week with points being collected throughout the season. The top three will players will be recognized at the end of the season.
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 (November 1 – November 8)
3rd Star
Alex Danis returns to the three stars of the week, in third place. The 19-year-old from Calgary, AB had another great outing Friday in Virden picking up a goal and an assist. The 5’10” 165 lbs shifty forward is one of only a handful of Stampeders to play in all nine games. Danis currently sits first in team scoring with seven goals and seven assists.
2nd Star
Jackson Zloty also returns to the list this week, putting up a goal and an assist against Virden Friday night at Tundra Oil & Gas Place. The 20-year-old from Calgary, AB continues to quietly put up points for the Stampeders. Since he was acquired from the Prince George Spruce Kings of the BCHL he has scored six goals and added three assists. The 5’11” 180 lbs speedster sits third in team scoring.
1st Star
For the first time in the history of Paull Funeral Home & Crematorium Three Stars of the Week, we see someone stay on for three consecutive weeks. That is none other than Swan River, MB product Carter Cockburn. The 19-year-old has put up points in every single game since returning to the line-up earlier this season. The 6’2” 194 lbs forward scored to tie the game in the first period of Friday night’s game in Virden. He added another in the middle frame with an impressive solo effort to help his team climb back from a 3-1 deficit. Cockburn now sits fifth in team scoring with four goals and four assists.
The Stampeders, along with the rest of the MJHL, will now enter their first scheduled break of the 2020-21 season. The breaks were implemented to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. That being said, the Stampeders will use the break to regroup, heal, and stay COVID safe.
The next action for the Stampeders, barring any postponements, will be Friday, Nov. 20, at home, against their Highway 10 rival Dauphin Kings. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m..
We would like to remind our amazing fans that we a have clothing pre-sale on now. Be sure to support your favorite team by purchasing some amazing gear. Pre-ordering ends November 15. Get yours here https://stampedershockey.square.site/shop/pre-order-exclusive/23
You can also purchase 50/50 tickets online for the Nov. 20 contest as well. Visit stampedershockey.com.
STANDINGS (Point Leaders)
4 – Haydn Delorme
4 – Alex Danis
3 – Brad Fortin
3 – Mikael Foucher
2 – Carter Cockburn
2 – Callum Fortin
2 – Noah Fladager
2 – Jackson Zloty
2 – Quinn Mulder