The Swan Valley Stampeders skated to a 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Blues Saturday night at the Centennial Arena on the back of stellar goaltending from Kobe Grant.
Swan Valley’s offence was led by Brad Fortin, Adam Ward, Cody Barnes, Jacob Paler-Chow and Carter Cockburn who all collected a goal, Collin Jennings added three assists, Lare Pahtayken collected a pair of assists while Grant stopped 41/42 shots he faced in the win.
The Stampeders proved to many doubters that they can play with the best teams in the MJHL after a 5-1 win on home ice, taking three points in a weekend series against the Winnipeg Blues.
Ward kick started the Stampeder offence on home ice Saturday night, scoring his third of the year on the power play just over five minutes into the game. Jacob Paler-Chow added to the Stampeder lead ripping a one-timer off the back bar over Dawson Greens glove with just under two minutes remaining in the first period.
Winnipeg picked up the lone goal of the second period, scoring a power play marker of their own 7:15 into the period. After that it was full lock down mode for Grant who stopped everything sent his way.
The Stampeders added three goals in the third period, Fortin at 3:32, Barnes at 14:42 and Cockburn sealed the win with an empty net goal with less than a minute left and the Stampeders skated to a 5-1 win.
Final Shots on goal
Winnipeg – 42
Swan Valley – 28
The Stampeders have now pulled themselves to within one point of fourth place in the west division behind Neepawa and just three points behind Virden for third place.
Swan Valley will now get set for a weekend series in Steinbach next weekend. More on that next week.