The MJHL preseason kicked off for the Stampeders Monday September 2nd. The all rookie team travelled down Highway 10 to face off against the Dauphin Kings at Credit Union Place.
Both teams dressed a very young group of 2001-2004 born players.
Despite being outshot 16-3 in the first 15 minutes of tonight’s contest, it was Drayden Kurbatoff and the Dauphin Kings who struck first Monday night. A turnover in the Kings end sent Kurbatoff in all alone beating Bailey Huber with 4:42 left in the opening frame. The Stampeders rookies pressed to find the equalizer before the end of the first but couldn’t solve Zach Grouette as he stopped all 22 shots he faced.
Owen Harris would tie the game 1:17 into the middle frame, sliding one under the pad of Zach Grouette on the power play. Josh Olson and Justin Keck drew the assists on the Stampeders first goal of the contest. A late second period goal by Owen Wareham would send the Kings to the dressing room with a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Shots were 42-6 in favour of the Stampeders.
Parker Johnson tied the game with 4:10 left in the 3rd period sending the game into overtime.
Neither team could find the back of the net during overtime and the game would see a five player shootout.
Dauphin would find the back of the net twice in the shootout and would seal a 3-2 victory on home ice.
Final shots on goal 61-20 for Swan Valley.
Both teams will see one another tomorrow night in Swan River, dressing more of a veteran lineup. Puck drop is at 7:30pm.