The Swan Valley Stampeders were back on the comfort of home ice tonight as they faced off against the 4th place Winkler Flyers.
The Stampeders were all over the Winkler Flyers in the first 10 minutes of the game which lead to the opening goal. James Maxwell buried a cross ice pass from Jaden Townsend and put the Stamps up 1-0. Ethan Peterson stopped all 15 shots he faced and the 1st period came to a close with Swan leading 1-0.
The Winkler Flyers found their legs in the middle frame as Brett Opperman tied the game at 3:35. The Flyers moved ahead when Matt Christian scored his 24th of the year at 8:09. The Stampeders tied it up late in the middle frame as Shane Roulette scored a shorthanded goal at 19:28.
Both clubs had several chances to end it in the 3rd period but it was Daylin Smallchild who broke the tie when he let a point shot go that fooled Aaron Brunn. The Stamps held on and moved to 20-20-5 on the season. Final shots on goal were 53-43 for Swan Valley.
Ethan Peterson’s 41 save effort was named tonight’s 3rd star, and Daylin Smallchild’s game winner was named 1st star.
Next action for the Stampeders is Saturday February 3rd against the Neepawa Natives. Puck drop is 7:30p.m.