Swan River, MB. – The Swan Valley Stampeders earned a victory in game one Friday night at the Centennial Arena. Swan scored two goals in the third period to defeat the Dauphin Kings 2-1, and take a 1-0 series lead against the defending champions.
The Stampeders found their stride in the second period and finally broke through the Kings defensive structure to score back-to-back goals in the third period to claim victory in game one of their best-of-seven, first round series.
Swan Valley’s offence was led by Jakob Jones and Collin Jennings who each collected two assists while Kobe Grant stopped 29/30 shots he faced in the win.
The Story
The Dauphin Kings started the game flat but found a way into the game after Swan Valley found themselves in penalty trouble. That momentum, lead to the game’s first goal which came off the stick of Carter Zalischuk at the 18:54 mark of the first period.
Both teams traded several high quality chances in the second period but it was both goaltenders putting on a show for the crowd at the Centennial Arena.
Swan Valley found a way to tie the game, 4:45 into the third period as Trey Sauder deflected home his first of the playoffs to even the score 1-1. Justin Keck was in the right spot at the right time, deflecting home the go-ahead marker, and eventual game winner, with 1:08 to play in the third period.
Final Shots on Goal
Dauphin – 30
Swan Valley – 39
The two teams will go at it once again tomorrow night in game two of their best-of-seven series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30pm at Credit Union Place in Dauphin.
Catch all the action live on hockeytv.com and on GX94 radio with Benny Walchuk.