Webster’s dictionary describes the word Believe as: to expect or hope with confidence; to trust. Something that this year’s Swan Valley Stampeders team has instilled, not only in themselves, but in every fan from coast to coast.
This year’s group has been exciting to watch and holds on to a never quit attitude, which was reflected in their regular season record of 42-13-3-2 .
Believe has been the key word since the Stampeders started their magnificent playoff run back on March 8th.
In their 20th season, the Stamps’ finished second overall, which set up a first round matchup with their Highway 10 rival the Dauphin Kings. Swan Valley made quick work of Dauphin, defeating the Kings in four straight games.
Swan then turned their attention to the Semi-Finals, and their opponent the Steinbach Pistons. That was a series that still has several fans talking about it, and has made believers out of so many others. The playoff series proved the team had what it takes, knocking off the defending champions in six games.
For the first time in the organizations existence, the club has advanced to the MJHL Turnbull Cup Finals. Though the team trails the series by a 2-1 margin, they will have a chance to even the series Saturday night in Swan River.
The team was given a special sendoff prior to game three. Given a police escort down Main Street and on the way out of town, fans lined the streets, cheering and holding signs in hopes of giving them an extra boost starting out the four hour trek to Portage.
The excitement for junior hockey in the Swan River Valley has returned in full force as fans from all over are joining the Stampede. With the Valley clearly backing the team these days, you can bet the Stampeders will get a huge boost when they step on the ice for game four, which is scheduled for this Saturday night (April 13). Game time is slated for 7:30pm.
Advance tickets can be purchased at Atkinson’s Sports Excellence or at the door prior to the game.
#Believe #FearTheStampede