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 a very short work week with only one game on the schedule. Swan Valley had a full week off before Friday nights game in Waywayseecappo, which meant high intensity practices to stay sharp. That week of practice, and a road game, may have been what the doctor ordered. Swan Valley picked up a huge win, even though it’s very early in the season.
Best line | The line of Alex Walicki, Josh Danis and Darius Makse has been on fire early this season. Arguably one of the best lines in the MJHL, they have combined for 19 points and sit one, two, three in team scoring.
Slow week | The Stampeders had a very slow week, playing only one game last week and sat idle while the rest of the league played. It’s a bit of an odd schedule this year to say the least, but it somehow worked in the Stampeders favour. Coming off a 1-3 start, Swan needed a win on the road and they got it.
Shots against | Something the Stampeders have had a problem with for a couple of seasons. Shots against have been in the 40’s in all but one game this year and continues to put pressure on the goaltending. Look for that to be worked on as the season progresses.
Three star point system is as follows:
1st Star = 3 points
2nd Star = 2 points
3rd Star = 1 point
THREE STARS (Oct. 1 – Oct. 8)
3rd Star
Matthew Munro earns his first star of the week award after a solid outing in Waywayseecappo. The Swan River, MB product just turned 19 and instead of getting gifts last Friday, he dished out a pair of assists, helping his team claim a victory on the road. Munro leads all Stampeder defencemen with three points (3A).
2nd Star
Alex Walicki slides down one spot this week, and it wasn’t for a lack of effort or points that knocked him out of the first star spot. The 20-year-old forward collected two assists and scored on a breakaway against the Wolverines. The Calgary, AB sits fourth in league scoring and first in team scoring with nine points (4G, 5A).
1st Star
Jakob Jones claims his first weekly award after collecting two points last Friday against Wayway. Jones, who had a tough time finding the scoresheet, finally broke through and scored his first of the year that ended up being the game winner. Expect more to come from this young man now that the gates have opened.
Honourable Mention | forward Riley Fequet and goaltender Liam Vanderkooi.
Riley Fequet scored his first ever MJHL goal and by the looks of his play as of late, we can expect more. His vision on the ice and skill set will give the youngster a tonne of points. He is a player to watch and he is just getting started.
Liam Vanderkooi gets a tip of the cap from many Stampeder fans after a 39 save performance in Wayway. He didn’t garner a star this week but an honourable mention goes out to the 20-year-old goaltender for his first MJHL win.
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
Alex Walicki – 6
Josh Danis – 2
Callum Halls – 2
Darius Makse – 2
Check back every Monday for the Paull Funeral Home & Crematorium, Three Stars of the Week.