Swan River, MB. – The Swan Valley Stampeders stayed red hot amongst the Blizzard Wednesday night, scoring seven goals in a wild-west showdown at the Centennial Arena.
The Stampeders offence was led by Jakob Jones (3G, 2A), Trey Sauder (2G), Collin Jennings and Alex Walicki each scored a goal while Kobe Grant stopped 33/38 shots he faced, earning his 19th win of the year.
The Story
It may have been chilly outside, but it was fire inside the Centennial Arena Wednesday night as the Stampeders and the OCN Blizzard squared off for the final time this season.
The Blizzard jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as Eduard Wruck beat Grant on the power play 3:13 into the first period. Collin Jennings used his skillset to walk through the entire OCN team, sent a wicked wrist shot on net that beat Chace Hamm clean at 8:08 of the first, tying the game 1-1. Jakob Jones linked up with Landen Gulutzan who fed a wide open Trey Sauder 59 seconds later and the Stampeders lead 2-1. Drayden Kurbatoff answered back for the Blizzard, scoring on the power play at 12:32. Jakob Jones regained the Stampeders lead at 14:23 and the Stampeders held a 3-2 lead after a wild 20 minutes of play.
Trey Sauder collected his second of the game, and 22nd goal of the year, on the power play at 7:36 of the second period. Alex Walicki cleaned up a loose puck and deposited his 9th of the season seven minutes later and Swan Valley held a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes of play.
The third period was a wild one with five goals being scored between the two teams. Alex Bernauer pulled the Blizzard to within two, scoring on a long shot at 3:21 of the third period. Jakob Jones deposited his 25th of the season, driving the net and tapping home a loose puck at 14:32. John Kremer answered back for the Blizzard less than 30 seconds later, collecting his 6th of the season. Michael Hlady picked up a loose puck in the slot, and roofed his 22nd of the season at 18:26, pulling OCN to within one. Jakob Jones finished off the hat-trick, scoring into an empty net with 14 seconds left and the Stampeders skated to a 7-5 win Wednesday night at the Centennial Arena.
Final Shots on Goal
OCN – 38
Winkler – 31
Bonus Notes
- Stampeders push win streak to four games.
- Trey Sauder is on a four game point streak (4G, 4A).
- Jones collects a hat-trick.
- Kobe Grant stopped 33/38 shots he faced for his 19th win of the year.
What’s Next?
The Stampeders will now have a day to get ready for a pair of games this weekend against the Winnipeg Freeze, Friday, Feb. 24 and the Winkler Flyers Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Centennial Arena.
Tickets can be purchased online at stampedershockey.com, through our app or at the door.
Also, the Stampeders Hockey is for Everyone game night jerseys will be auctioned off online starting Thursday, Feb. 23. The bidding will end Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m.. A link will be posted Thursday afternoon to start bidding. Happy bidding.
Upcoming home games to note
- Friday, Feb. 24 – Dufresne game night.
- Saturday, Feb. 25 – Billet Appreciation night. Taylor School Choir performing the national anthem.
- Wednesday Mar. 1 – 12:30pm vs Dauphin – Kids game