Dauphin, MB. – The Swan Valley Stampeders earned a massive road win Saturday night at Credit Union Place, defeating the Dauphin Kings 6-5 to take a 2-0 series lead.
Swan Valley’s offence was led by Collin Jennings (3G, 1A), Trey Sauder, Justin Keck and Landen Gulutzan all collected a goal and an assist while Kobe Grant fought hard to earn the win in net.
The Story
The Dauphin Kings started the game on time and found themselves leading 2-0 through 19 minutes of play in the first period. Mathew Gough opened the scoring just past the midway mark of the first period, beating Kobe Grant for his first of the post season. Anthony Bax was able to convert on the power play with one minute left in the period. The Stampeders finally found some life as Trey Sauder deposited his second of the post-season at 19:38.
Dauphin added to their lead 1:08 into the middle frame as former Stampeder Jamie Valentino converted on a turnover in the neutral zone. Penalty trouble for the Kings allowed the Stampeders to start galloping near the midway mark of the second period. Landen Gulutzan scored his first of the playoffs onthe power play at 6:18, snapping one into an empty cage to pull the Stampeders to within two. Dauphin quickly responded, as another former Stampeder Deepkaran Hans snapped on home at 8:27. The Stampeder power play came alive and scored three straight goals. Collin Jennings scored his first of the playoffs at 13:06. Justin Keck deposited his second of the post-season two minutes later to tie the game 4-4. The Stampeder faifthful erupted when Collin Jennings collected his second of the game three minutes later, giving Swan Valley thier first lead of the game.
The Kings did not go away and it was Jakob Brook who tied the game 5-5, 8:17 into the final frame, collecting his first of the playoffs. Collin Jennings played hero for the Stampeders, collecting his third of the night at 17:31 and Swan Valley hung on to win in a gutsy performance Saturday night on the road.
Final Shots
Swan Valley – 30
Dauphin – 34
The best-of-seven first round series will shift back to the Valley Tuesday Mar. 28 at the Centennial Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m..
Tickets are available online at stampedershockey.com, through our app or at the door.