The Swan Valley Stampeders kicked off their 2017-2018 season on Saturday night with a trip up to Opaskwayak Cree Nation to take on the Blizzard at Gordon Lathlin Memorial Center.
Former Blizzard forward Shane Roulette scored his 2nd goal of the game 2:30 into the 3rd period to tie the game up 2-2. The balance of regulation time would solve nothing thanks to an excellent effort from goaltender Brett Evans and the Swan Valley penalty killers.
Faced with an extended 5 on 3 late in the game, the Stampeders penalty kill units were up the challenge, limiting OCN to the outside for the most part. When they weren’t, Evans was sensational, making several highlight saves, including a cross crease glove save that prevented a sure go ahead goal for the Blizzard.
The Stampeders and Blizzard traded chances in the final 5 minutes before heading off to 3 on 3 overtime.
While the Stampeders had their chances early in overtime, the Blizzard responded with multiple high quality scoring chances. Evans again made several highlight reel saves before Lantz Hiebert was able to slide one home 3:14 in to overtime to give the Blizzard the win.
The Stampeders 2nd game is Friday evening when they head to Virden to take on the Oil Caps.