The Stampeders took to the ice for the 3rd time in 4 nights Saturday evening against the Winnipeg Blues. Local Quinn Munro was making his first career MJHL start, behind a banged up Stampeders lineup. Both Parker Johnson and Matt Osadick were forced to sit this one out with injuries.
Looking very similar to Friday evenings game against Neepawa, the first period was mostly uneventful, as the teams traded chances, with both Munro and Blues goalie Jeremy Link keeping the score at 0-0.
With the Stampeders starting the second period on the powerplay, Noah Basarab kicked off the scoring, walking off the half wall and snapping home his 1st of the year. Winnipeg would answer with a powerplay goal of their own. Dale Goodbrandson tied the game at 1-1, beating the Stamps defender off the rush and making a strong move to the net.
With the 2nd period turning into a penalty filled period, the Stampeders were able to pull ahead again with Trevar Mann scoring his 1st of the year and Tanner Garnham adding another less than a minute apart. Leading 3-1 the Stampeders looked to be in control.
The Blues were able to cut the Stampeders lead to 1, when Cam Olstad was able to find the back of the net with 5 minutes left in the period. Already shorthanded, the Stampeders took a Too Many Men call in the last minute, resulting in a 5-3 for the Blues. Dylan Cassie would make the Stampeders pay, firing his 1st of the year home on a shot from the point with :20 remaining in the period.
Goodbrandson put the Blues ahead for the 1st time just :16 seconds in to the final frame, on a harmless looking play, knocking home a Dexter Kuczek rebound. The Stampeders did not give up, continuing to pressure the Blues. At the 13:22 mark of the 3rd, Quinton Sudom scored to knot the game 4-4.
The Stampeders fans were again sure to get their moneys worth, as the game was headed for overtime. Unfortunately this time, the game hero would be from the visiting Blues, as Levi Cudmore was able to redirect a Dylan Cassie pass past Munro just 1:24 into overtime.
That marked the 4th extra time game for the Stampeders in their 1st 6 contests.
The Stampeders conclude their 4 game homestand with a home game versus Dauphin on Tuesday night, before heading on the road for the weekend to take on the Portage Terriers and Winkler Flyers.