The Swan Valley Stampeders bounced back Monday night in Portage, defeating the Winkler Flyers 4-1 and snapped their recent five game losing skid.
Swan Valley’s offence was led by Callum Fortin who collected two goals, Jacob Paler-Chow and Quinn Mulder each picked up a goal, while Kobe Grant added an assist and stopped 26/27 shots he faced for his third win of the year.
The Swan Valley Stampeders needed a win in the worst way Monday night after losing their last five games and falling to last place in the West Division earlier today after Neepawa beat the Winnipeg Freeze 8-1.
Paler-Chow wasted no time getting the Stampeders on the board in Portage, scoring his fourth of the year just 36 seconds into the opening frame. Fortin gave the Stampeders something they haven’t seen in a few games, a two goal cushion at the 15:19 mark of the first period. Grant was on his game throughout the first period, stopping all nine shots he faced in the opening frame.
Mulder was Johnny on the spot, finding a loose puck and snapping home his fifth of the year beating Dylan Meilun at 11:06 of the second period. Now, you have to look all the way back to Oct. 23 vs the Neepawa Titans to find the last time the Stampeders lead 3-0. Grant continued his exceptional play in the middle frame, kicking aside six additional shots from the Winkler Flyers.
Winkler finally solved the Stampeder netminder as Gavin Waltz was left all alone, walked around Grant and slide home his fourth of the year with 2:35 left in the game. Fortin added an empty net goal with 24 seconds left and the Stampeders skated to a 4-1 win at home but on the road Monday night in Portage la Prairie.
Final shots on goal
Winkler – 27
Swan Valley – 21
The Stampeders record now sits at 8-11-0-2 and leap frogged the Neepawa Titans in the standings. Swan Valley is now two points behind Virden for third in the West Division and can catch them with a win tomorrow afternoon to close out their MJHL Showcase.
Swan Valley does have a quick turn-around after tonight’s big win. They will now get ready for the Selkirk Steelers Tuesday Nov. 23 at Stride Place in Portage. Puck drop is goes at 1:30 pm.