The Swan Valley Stampeders completed a first round sweep of the Dauphin Kings on Friday March 15, and will return to the MJHL Semi Finals for just the third time in franchise history.
The first round of the MJHL Playoffs couldn’t have played out any better for the Stampeders, winning their quarter final series in four straight games. Those wins came with scoring from several youngsters on the roster. Kasyn Kruse, who currently sits seventh in playoff scoring, lead the way with five goals and assist. North Vancouver, BC native Alex Uryga scored twice and added four assists, while the league’s regular season top defensemen Quintin Sudom chipped in with six assists.
Over the course of those four games, the Stamps’ high flying offence outshot Dauphin 181-138, and out-scored the Kings 23-12.
20-year-old goaltender Merek Pipes from Victoria, BC backstopped the Stampeders to their first round series win in nearly a decade. Pipes currently sits first in the league with a 4-0 record, holding a goals against average of 3.00, while posting a .913 SV%.
The Stampeders have only made it past the MJHL quarter finals twice in their 20 year history. The first was in 2003-2004 when they beat the Neepawa Natives in five games, but were defeated in round two by the Portage Terriers in six games. The most recent second round appearance came in the 2009-2010 season where the Stamps’ posted a regular season record of 34-22-0-6. Swan Valley defeated the Portage Terriers 4-games-to-1 that year but where were then eliminated by the Dauphin Kings in five games.
The Stampeders are sitting idol awaiting their second round opponent who is yet to be determined. Please follow all social media, and the Star & Times for second round playoff dates and times. #Believe