The Swan Valley Stampeders completed their 21st regular season last Thursday, closing out the year holding down fourth place in the MJHL.
With the regular season in the rear view mirror, the Stampeders have turned their attention to the playoffs, which get underway this Friday (March 6), against the fifth place Waywayseecappo Wolverines.
The Stamps had a unbelievable 20th anniversary year, posting a record of 43-13-3-2. Swan Valley followed that up with an impressive 35-19-5-1 record. When the puck drops this Friday, it will mark the fifth consecutive year of post season hockey in the valley.
The Stampeders have used their size, grit, goaltending, and skill to beat the leagues best this year and they are looking for redemption after last years’ Turnbull Cup, game seven, overtime loss to the Portage Terriers.
The coaching staff have built a team that has a little of everything, but their size and determination can wear you down throughout the course of 60 minutes – or a seven game series. Something that favours the Stamps’ over a smaller Waywayseecappo team.
The Stampeders are very familiar with Waywayseecappo . Swan Valley went 4-2 against the Wolverines in regular season play scoring 22 goals while giving up 13.
One thing the Stampeders will have to fix heading into the playoffs is penalties and shots against. In six games against the Wolverines, the Stampeders gave up 197 shots, and 37 power plays.
The matchup on paper pits the leagues 5 highest scoring team (Swan Valley) with 222 Goals For versus the league’s 7th place team (Wayway) in goals against, with 199.
The Stampeders have been backstopped by 19-year-old stand out Mikael Foucher. The St-Hubert, QC native played 2336 minutes, posting a .917 SV% while holding a 2.80 GAA.
The Stampeders offence was lead by Luke Beerman, Josh Maucieri, Nathan Carl,
Tommy Cardinal, and Trevor Schroder.
Beerman, scored 18 goals, along with 39 assists for 57 points in 60 games. Maucieri, scored 16 goals, added 39 assists for 55 points in 60 games. Carl, scored 23 goals, adding 23 assists for 46 points in 60 games. Cardinal, scored 22 goals, adding 30 assists for 52 points in 60 games while Schroder scored 20 times to go along with 30 assists for 50 points in 58 games.
The Stampeders also found offence from their defensive core. John Jebamani scored 5 goals, adding 26 assists in 57 games. Lane Kirk added 2 goals and 20 assists in 56 games, while Jackson Betcher lit the lamp 8 times while
adding 13 assists in 55 games.
The Waywayseecappo Wolverines will counter with Jaymes Knee who lead the team with 58 points in 56 games. Other notable players to watch during this series will be Conrad Phillips and Rayman Bassi, each with 48 points, and
Nick Doyle (46 points). In net, Colin Ahern is expected to get the call, posting a .905 SVS% and a 2.72 GAA in 19 games since being acquired.
Stampeder fans can purchase playoff tickets at Sports Excellence on Main Street or at the Centennial Arena tonight (Tuesday, March 3), Wednesday from 7-9pm and Thursday (March 5) from 6-9pm.
We look forward to the large crowds and the rowdiness Friday night at the Corral. Wear white and bring the noise.
We also want to thank you in advance of your playoff ticket purchase, and continued support of the Stampeders Hockey Club. Without you, we simply do not exist.
Playoff ticket prices
Advance
Adults (18 and over) $13
Students (13-17) $10
Children 12 and under $5
At the door
Adults (18 and up) $15
Students(13-17) $10
Children 12 and under $6
1st Round Playoff Schedule:
Game 1 – Mar 6 @ Swan River
Game 2 – Mar 9 @ Waywayseecappo
Game 3 – Mar 11 @ Swan River
Game 4 – Mar 13 @ Waywayseecappo
Game 5 – Mar 16 @ Swan River*
Game 6 – Mar 17 @ Waywayseecapp*
Game 7 – Mar 18 @ Swan River*
*NOTE* All game times are 7:30p.m. CST and DST