The Swan Valley Stampeders skated to a 3-2 overtime win over the Steinbach Pistons Saturday night at the Centennial Arena.
Before tonight’s game, Swan Valley Stampeder forward Luke Beerman was presented a special award from League Commissioner Kim Davis. The 17-year-old was named to the Rookie All-Star team, and the award recognizes the players who were selected.
The Stampeder offence was lead by Carter Cockburn who picked up a goal and an assist. Parker Johnson tied the game in the final minute of the third period and Nathan Carl, with the overtime winner, each added a goal. Mikael Foucher turned aside 32 of 34 shots faced for his 23rd win of the year.
The Stampeders showed up to play tonight after dropping three out of their last four games. Tonight’s contest had that of a playoff atmosphere as both teams played very strong defensively. Mikael Foucher, who was left off the MJHL’s goaltender of the year nominations, had another stellar performance in goal for Swan Valley. It wasn’t until the 17:27 mark of the first period when the game’s first goal was scored, a Brendan Saether shot that was redirected in by the local product, Cockburn.
The Pistons would take the momentum in the middle frame, tying the game at the 12:11 mark as Ty Naaykens scored his 23rd of the year.
Penalty trouble for the Stampeders allowed the Pistons to gain their first lead of the night as Ryan Butler scored his 24th of the year, just seconds into a controversial double minor, high sticking penalty to Luke Beerman. The Stampeders pushed back, and with Foucher on the bench for an extra attacker, tied the game as Johnson tipped one past Thomson Phinney with 53 seconds left to force overtime.
For the second time in a week, the Stampeders would come out victorious in the extra frame. Carl would be tonights hero, tapping home his 24th of the year 1:37 into overtime.
With tonight’s win the Stampeders have claimed fourth overall in the MJHL standings heading into the Playoffs.
Final shots
Steinbach – 34
Swan Valley – 24
It will be a quick turnaround for both teams, as they are set to do battle tomorrow evening at the Centennial Arena. Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m.. A skate with the Stampeders will take place immediately following the game. Helmets are mandatory.