The Swan Valley Stampeders fell flat on their face in Dauphin Friday night, losing 7-3 to the West Division leading Kings.
The Stampeders took 53 games this season to clinch a playoff berth, but with the loss in regulation by the Neepawa Titans this evening, that solidifies the Stampeders the fourth overall seed in the division. An odd way to gain an X beside your name in the standings, but the Stampeders have punched their ticket to this year’s MHJL Playoffs.
Swan Valley’s offence was led by Carter Cockburn, Darius Makse and Callum Fortin who each scored a goal while Kobe Grant took the loss in net.
Dauphin jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening 19 minutes of the game, getting goals by Nakodan Greyeyes (6:54), Nick Braun (14:50) and Owen Wareham (18:51). Swan Valley finally woke up and used a power play to get on the board as Carter Cockburn tipped in a point shot from Tyler Park, with less than a minute remaining in the first period.
Brayden Dube made it 4-1, 7:20 into the middle frame, scoring his 21st of the season. Darius Makse responded for the Stampeders 15 seconds later, scoring his third of the year to make the score 4-2. The Kings took over from there, scoring three straight goals, giving them a 7-2 lead heading into the locker room after 40 minutes of play.
Dylan Black took over in the Stampeder net for the third period, blanking the Kings in his 20 minutes of work. The Stampeders closed the gap in shots, and Callum Fortin picked up his ninth of the year on the power play – but it wasn’t enough as the Kings skated to the 7-3 win.
Final shots
Swan Valley 32
Dauphin 38
These two teams will close out the MJHL Regular season against one another tomorrow night at Credit Union Place. Puck drop is set for 7:30pm.