The Swan Valley Stampeders catapulted into third place in the West Division after they completed a weekend sweep of the Pistons, wining 3-2 Saturday night at the T.G. Smith Centre in Steinbach.
Swan Valley’s offence was led by Myles Mason (1G,1A), Cody Barnes (1G) and Trey Sauder (1G) while Dylan Black stopped 29/31 shots he faced for a massive win on the road.
Back-to-back wins on the road is tough in any league and the Stampeders proved once again they can hang with the top teams in the MJHL. Something Swan Valley hasn’t accomplished this year is a three game winning streak, well folks, the team has done it and now have seven points in their last four games which has catapulted them into third place in the West, one point up on both Virden and Neepawa.
The Stampeders opened the scoring off the stick of Swan River product Sauder who beat Simon Harkness 13:56 into the first period and just as the Pistons penalty expired.
Quinton Pepper tied the game 11:43 into the second period, scoring his 17th of the year off his shin pad and past Black. Barnes has found his scoring touch again and wired one past Harkness, who didn’t even move, for his 15th of the year on the power play less than two minutes later. Pepper found a loose puck and snapped home his second of the game less than two minutes later and both teams headed to the dressing room tied at two apiece.
Mason went to the net with his stick on the ice and deflected home his third of the year 46 seconds into the final frame giving the Stampeders their third lead of the game. Black and the strong, shot-blocking effort on the Stampeders part took over the rest of the game and ran the clock out, holding on for a massive 3-2 win over the Pistons.
Final shots
Swan Valley – 26
Steinbach – 31
The Swan Valley Stampeders will return home and get ready for the Dauphin Kings Wednesday Jan. 19 at the Centennial Arena. Wednesdays game is a proud presentation of Swan River Key Chevrolet Buick GMC. Gifts to be handed out as you enter, gift giveways throughout the game and a ceremonial puck drop will all take place. Tickets for Wednesday nights game can be purchased online at stampedershockey.com as well as your 50/50 tickets. Only 250 people are allowed in due to the current public health restrictions. If tickets are still available online or at Patty’s Sports Excellence, that means you are still permitted to attend. Please buy early and avoid disappointment.
Don’t forget, the Stamps Cash Lotto is well underway. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased from any Stampeder board member, from Patty’s Sports Excellence, Cook & Cooke or the Swan Valley Star and times. You can also purchase by calling 204.281.4255 or visit our site directly at – stampedershockey.square.site/cash-lotto – please use the promo code LOTTO for free mail delivery. You MUST purchase a Stamps Cash Lotto ticket in order to purchase the added on 50/50 ticket. The draw will take place Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 after our home game against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.