The Swan Valley Stampeders dropped their first game of the regular season Friday night, losing 6-4 to the highly offensive Waywayseecappo Wolverines.
Both teams took some time Friday night to get into some structured style of hockey as this was the first meeting between the two clubs. Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff continues to shake up his line-up early on this season, looking for a spark and to find some consistency. Inserted into the line-up tonight was forward Emile Pichette and defenceman Chad Cousinea. A glaring issue with the Stampeders once again was penalties, the team combined for 38 minutes in penalties in tonight’s game.
Jackson Zloty kept his point streak alive Friday evening, scoring his fifth of the year, lifting home the game’s first goal at the 6:45 mark of the opening period. Wayway responded seven and a half minutes later as Tyson Zimmer finished off a 2-on-1 for his first of the year, sending the teams to the dressing room tied 1-1.
The second period was a completely different game in itself. Four goals were scored before the ten minute mark. Conrad Phillips was sent in all alone on a short-handed breakaway 3:20 before beating Stamps netminder Mikael Foucher. Just as Wayway’s penalty was expiring, Noah Fladager would tap home his second of the year just over a minute later. Haydn Delorme continues to add to his point collection, snapping one between the pads of Tereposky at the 7:22 mark. Mackenzie Belinski tied the game on the power play, notching his second of the season just over a minute later. Both teams continued their parade to the penalty box for the remainder of the period where it remained 3-3. Shots heavily favoured Wayway 29-17.
Belinski added his second of the night to give the Wolverines a 4-3 lead just 2:01 into the third period, beating Foucher blocker side. Alex Danis would pick up a loose puck down low, circle out and send a shot on goal that beat Tereposky at 11:53 tying the game 4-4. Logan Wotton scored to help the Wolverines retake the lead, again scoring on the power play with just over four minutes remaining in the game. Phillips added an empty net and the Wolverines skated to a 6-4 win on home ice.
Final Shots
Swan Valley – 22
Wayway – 39
The Stampeders will be back in action tomorrow night against the same Waywayseecappo Wolverines. Tomorrow evening we will be entertained by Tim Hortons Timbits players during the first intermission. Doors open at 6:15p.m and puck drop is at 7 p.m..
We ask that everyone who attends the Centennial Arena Saturday night to please follow the rules that have been put in place by the Town of Swan River and the MJHL. Please wear a mask at all times, social distance where you can, and to please stay home if you are sick.
See you all Saturday night at the Corral.