Portage, MB. – The Swan Valley Stampeders stayed red hot Sunday night, defeating the Portage Terriers 6-4 at Stride Place.
Swan Valley’s offence was led by Darius Makse (2G) with Ashton Fishley, Trey Sauder, Justin Keck and Noah Wilson all collecting a goal. Kobe Grant stopped 24 shots for the win.
BOX SCORE | HIGHLIGHTS
The Story
The Stampeders showed up to play tonight in Portage, scoring early and often in a lopsided win on the road Sunday night.
Swan River product Trey Sauder opened the scoring at 6:29 of the first period, driving the net and swatting home a loose puck for his seventh of the year. Brandon McCartney tied the game 24 seconds later, scoring his second of the season. Austin Peters deflected home his tenth of the year 25 seconds after McCartney tied the game, giving the Terriers a 2-1 lead after twenty minutes of play.
Darius Makse pulled the Stampeders even, scoring his second of the year at 11:21 of the middle frame by driving to the net and the puck somehow found its way to the back. Shortly after, Makse gave the Stampeders a 3-2 lead, scoring his second of the game by sending a laser on net that popped the water bottle of Jayden Catellier two minutes later. Brandon McCartney collected his second of the game on the power play at 15:46. Ashton Fishley scored his first goal as a Stampeder with 39 seconds left in the second period, giving his team a 4-3 lead heading into the third period.
Justin Keck kept things rolling, scoring just 49 seconds into the third period to give the Stampeders a 5-3 lead. Noah Wilson sent a shot in from the blue line that Catellier bobbled and ended up in the net at the 7:52 mark of the third, giving the Stamps a 6-3 lead. Ryan Botterill added his ninth of the year just over two minutes later but it wasn’t enough and the Stampeders skated to a huge 6-4 win on the road Sunday night at Stride Place.
Final shots
Swan Valley – 28
Portage – 28
He Said It
Head Coach and General Manager giving his assessment of how the contest went…
“I am very proud of all 20 guys tonight. They stuck to the game plan and didn’t steer away from it all night. We executed on team systems and found a way to score 5-on-5 against a great opponent. The guys played for each other and dug in all night.”
Bonus Notes
- Stampeder defenceman Collin Jennings missed the game due to receiving an automatic two-game suspension for a hit-from-behind call that took place Saturday night against Winnipeg.
- Kobe Grant kicked aside 24 shots for his seventh win of the year.
What’s Next?
Part of the team is scheduled to travel home post-game and get ready for a pair of weekend games at home starting Friday (Nov. 18) while a select few stay behind to attend the MJHL’s showcase.
Once home, Friday night is Swan Valley Communities that Care Toys 4 U Toy Drive night at the Centennial Arena. The Toy Drive provides gifts to children and youth throughout the Valley. Donations of new unwrapped toys for children ranging in age from newborn to 18 years old would be gratefully accepted. Everyone who donates over the course of both nights (Fri, Nov. 18 and Sat, Nov. 19), will be entered to win a signed Stampeders jersey.
Saturday, Nov. 19 is Ag Appreciation night.
Both games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m..
Tickets are available online at Stampedershockey.com or at the door upon entry.