The Swan Valley Stampeders dropped their first game of the season Friday night, losing 4-3 to the visiting OCN Blizzard.
The Stampeder offence was led by Swan River locals as Captain Carter Cockburn and Jackson Betcher each scored a goal along with Souris product Callum Fortin. Dylan Black stopped 32/36 shots in the loss.
The Stamp’s found themselves trailing quickly in tonight’s contest as Aaron Lorenz swatted home his first of the year 14 seconds into the game. Newly appointed Stampeder Captain Carter Cockburn evened the score 41 seconds later in a very entertaining opening minute at the Centennial Arena. Fans wanted hockey, they certainly got it tonight during the home opener. Riley Zimmerman regained the OCN lead with 1:32 left in the opening frame, taking a 2-1 lead into the dressing room.
Scoring resumed in the middle frame as both teams collected a goal. Dain Sardelli made a nifty move, cut around the net and wrap home is first of the year 2:35 into the middle frame. Jackson Betcher pulled the Stampeders within one, letting a shot go from the point that would beat Evan Van Laken just over four minutes later. The scoring dried up but the penalties would start to creep in for both teams for the remainder of the period with both goalies shutting the door.
Callum Fortin tied the game 1:22 into the third period, wiring home a loose puck in the slot to collect his first of the year. Ashton Paul would score just over ten minutes later and OCN held on for the win.
Final shots on goal
Swan Valley – 33
OCN – 36
The Stampeders will now regroup and head north to finish off a home-and-home against the OCN Blizzard. Puck drop at Roy H Johnston Arena goes at 7 pm tomorrow (Sept. 18).