The Swan Valley Stampeders suffered a 4-3 overtime loss to the Neepawa Natives Saturday night, dropping their last three games and slipping to fourth place in the MJHL standings.
Tommy Cardinal, Nathan Carl, and Jackson Betcher would score for the Stamps but it wasn’t enough as the Neepawa Natives would find a way to win in overtime.
After a sluggish start to the game for both teams, it certainly picked up, both in goal scoring and physicality.
Jaeger Lapointe opened the scoring Saturday night, deflecting home his fourth of the year with 1:48 left in the opening frame.
Tommy Cardinal tied the game just past the midway point of the middle frame, tipping in a Trevor Schroder’s point shot for his 13th of the year.
Nathan Carl would give the Stampeders their first lead of the contest, sending a wicked wrist shot upstairs on Michael Davis for his 17th of the year. Will Highet picked up his ninth of the year at 12:45 of the final frame, scoring on a one timer from the bottom of the circle just as the penalized player stepped onto the ice. Eli Liefers would collect his 14th of the year on the power play just over two minutes later taking back their lead. Daunte Fortner would pay the price in front of the net, Jackson Betcher scooped up the loose puck and hammered home his fifth of the year with 3:42 remaining in regulation, forcing overtime.
Connor Smith proved to be tonight’s overtime hero, scoring 1:54 into the extra period, scoring his fourth of the year.
Final shots on goal
Neepawa – 34
Swan – 35
Tonight’s loss drops the Stampeders record to 23-12-4, and slip one spot in the MJHL standings.
Next action for the club will be Tuesday, January 7, at home against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. Puck drop is 7:30pm. The game is a presentation of WAMMA.
*Note* Holiday Cash Lotto Tickets remain on sale. Be sure to pick up your tickets online or from any board member. Draw date is Saturday January 11 immediately following the game. First prize is $20,000 with 12 – $1000 draws.