The Swan Valley Stampeders picked up another big point in a 7-6 overtime loss to the Neepawa Titans Friday night at the Yellowhead Recreation Centre.
The Stampeder offence was led by Carter Cockburn (3G), Adam Ward, Quinn Mulder and Nic Roussel collected a goal each and Dylan Black took the loss in net.
The Stampeders looked a little rocky to start tonight’s contest on the road and that allowed the Titans to push the play. Parker Korman got things going for Neepawa 4:01 into the first period scoring his fifth of the year. Cameron Trimble collected his first of the game less than two minutes later giving the home team a 2-0 lead after the opening twenty minutes of play.
Swan Valley found the orange sliced or extra Gatorade in the intermission because they came out flying, scoring four straight goals. Ward kicked things off for the Stamps scoring his fourth of the year 6:04 into the second period. Cockburn took over the Stampeder offence, scoring three straight goals (natural hat-trick) in 2:12 to give the stampeders a 4-2 lead. Jaeger Lapointe pulled the Titans to within one, collecting his 19th of the season with 3:10 left to play in the middle frame.
Mulder added to the Stampeders lead 7:55 into the third period, scoring a short-handed breakaway goal for his 11th of the year. Neepawa found a way back into the game scoring three straight goals – Lapointe(10:12), Trimble (12:17) and Dallon Wilton (15:48) – to give the home side a 6-5 lead. Swan Valley was able to find a way to tie it late in the game as Collin Jennings sent a shot on net that looks like it deflected off of Nic Roussel and past Emrick Demers with less than a minute and a half to play in regulation, sending both teams to overtime.
A costly turnover in the offensive end by the Stampeders that lead to a 2-on-1 back the other way and it was Trimble who scored his third of the game and overtime winner 33 seconds into extra time.
Final Shots
Swan Valley – 23
Neepawa – 31
Despite a wild loss on the road tonight in Neepawa, the Stampeders point streak is still intact and a much-needed single point in the crowded west division standings. The two teams will play their final game against one another tomorrow night. Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm from the Yellowhead Rec Centre in Neepawa.