The Swan Valley Stampeders used a four-goal first period to help them snap a two-game losing streak Saturday night, defeating the Winnipeg Blues 6-3.
The Stampeders offence was led by Swan River, local Steven Arp (2G, 1A), Myles Mason (1G, 3A), Darius Makse (1G, 2A) Justin Keck (1G, 1A) and Matthew Munro (2A) while Loic Mainguy-Crepault stopped 28/31 shots he faced for his second win of the season.
Swan Valley scored early and often Saturday night. Before some late-entering fans found their seats, the Stampeders led 1-0. Munro sent a wrist shot on net that was deflected in by Jones (6) just 27 seconds into the opening frame. Luke Janus tied the game just over three minutes later, scoring his fourth of the season. Keck added to his point total, streaking in all alone and wiring one short-side past Jackson McLeod seven minutes later. Arp got in on the action, scoring back-to-back goals, (first and second MJHL goals) two minutes apart to give his team a commanding 4-1 lead after just 20 minutes of play.
Makse sent a wrist shot on goal 7:10 into the second period that found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Eric Kreklewetz answered back for the Blues with 32 seconds left in the middle frame.
Garret Zasitko made things interesting early on in the third period, pulling the Blues to within two at the 5:57 mark. Any comeback was silenced by the excellent defensive play of the young Stampeder squad, blocking shots and LMC with timely saves. All that led to Mason adding an empty net goal with nine seconds left and the Stampeders found a way back into the win column with a 6-3 win.
Final shots
Winnipeg – 31
Swan Valley – 32
The Stampeders earned a massive two points tonight, keeping them in the mix in the West Division. Swan Valley will now have a couple of days off before returning to action Wednesday, Oct. 19 when they host the Neepawa Titans. That game is a proud presentation of Swan River’s Key Chevrolet Buick GMC. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m..