Stampeders Gallop Through The Blizzard Friday Night

The Stampeders scored six times on opening night as they skate to a 6-3 win Friday night in OCN.

Swan Valley looked a bit shell shocked to start the game but rebounded with a dominating performance on the road.

Parker Johnson lead the way for the Stamps’ scoring twice, while Alex Danis, Quinn Mulder, Lane Kirk, and Cody Barnes all added singles. Mikael Foucher stopped 42 of 45 shots he faced in the season opening win.

A wild and entertaining game for both teams kicked off the MJHL season. It took just 14 seconds for the home team to grab a 1-0 lead on what seemed to be a rebound from Foucher into the slot, allowed a trailing, and untouched, Jaeden Pasche to bang home the loose puck. The Stampeders would rebound just over two and a half minutes later as new comer Cody Barnes ripped home his first of the season beating Danick Rodrigue high glove side to tie the game at one apiece. Parker Johnson who is returning for his second full season with the team would give the Stampeders their first lead of the game at 17:24 of the opening period. The Blizzard though, responded nearly two minutes later on a somewhat of a fluky goal by Michael Hlady, and the teams would head to the dressing rooms tied at two after one period of play.

After a penalty free first period, both teams would test their special teams in the middle frame. The Stampeders capitalized on their only man advantage as Alex Danis would one-time home his first of the year at the 4:47 mark. OCN was handed a 5-on-3 advantage midway through the period, but Foucher and company stood their ground, locking it down and stopping everything directed on net. Swan Valley would head to the locker room up 3-2, but trailing in the shot department 34-29.

The Stamps defence kicked in some offence in the opening six minutes of the third period. Swan River product, and newly minted captain, Lane Kirk would walk off the point and one-time home his first of the year at 2:51. Danny Griffith would send a point shot on net that appeared to go straight in, but was later awarded to Quinn Mulder, at 5:59. Johnson added his second of the night, and tied for the league lead, on the power play at the 8:56 mark. Levi Thiessen would tuck one home for OCN at 17:33 but it wasn’t enough as the Stampeders skated to a dominant 6-3 win.

Fans that have a season ticket will be guaranteed entry into the game. Anyone who has a flex pass or wants to buy at the door must be lined up and waiting screening at the front door NO EARLIER than 6:15pm. Anyone who purchases a ticket online is not guaranteed a spot and is subject to the same rules as flex pack holders. You still have time to switch to or purchase a season ticket before Saturday’s game. We ask that everyone abide by the rules put forth by the MJHL and the Town of Swan River to ensure the safety of players, fans, workers, game day staff, etc. EVERYONE must wear a mask at all times during the game. Fans are also asked to stay seated during the play, and to not run around the arena. Parents must keep track of their children at all times.  A RULE YOU MUST FOLLOW or you will be removed from the building – NO EXECPTIONS.

Our 2020/21 is going to be full of new normals as we make our way through the COVID-19 pandemic together. We want everyone to stay safe and follow all social distancing rules as best as possible while attending.

MNP is the proud sponsor of our home opener and has graciously donated bottles of hand sanitizer for the first 200 fans in attendance.

See you soon Swan Valley.

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