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Stamps Win 4th Straight, Clinch Playoff Berth

The Swan Valley Stampeders pushed their win streak to 4 games Friday February 1st, downing the Virden Oil Capitals 5-3 on home ice and clinching a playoff spot. 

Crosby, MN, USA native Josh Maucieri led the way tonight scoring twice, while Michael Davis stopped 31/34 shots for the win in net.  

The Stampeders pushed the play for most of the opening frame, taking the play to the Oil Capitals. Josh Maucieri opened the scoring as he tipped home a John Jebamani point shot at 6:56 of the 1st period, picking up his 12th of the year. Both teams headed to the locker room with the score 1-0 in favour of Swan Valley and the shots 11-6 for the Stamps. 

The two teams traded goals in the 2nd period. Josh Maucieri picked up a loose puck and snapped home his 2nd of the night and 13th of the year at 6:36. Virden responded as Hunter Cloutier found a loose puck laying just outside the crease and swatted home his 18th of the year at 7:47. Josh Belcher tied the game on a short-handed breakaway beating Micheal Davis at 16:36. Before the period closed out the Stampeders regained the lead as Matt Osadick made a nifty move, walked off the boards to the center of the ice sniping his 20th of the year at 19:29. After 40 minutes of play the Stamps held a 3-2 lead. 

Tanner Andrew tied the game at 3 as he re-directed home his 12th of the year at 4:27 of the 3rd period. The Stampeders power play finally kicked in as Bradly Goethals sent a shot wide of the net that found its way back out front for Brian Harris at 12:49. Bradly Goethals scored into an empty net at 18:46 and the Stampeders went on to win their 4th straight game, 5-3 over the Virden Oil Capitals.  

The win moves the Stamps to 33-10-3-2 on the season, and have now clinched a playoff spot. 

The next action for Swan Valley will be at home Saturday February 2nd against the 1st place Portage Terriers. The game is a proud presentation of Special Olympics. Tickets are available at Atkinson’s Sports Excellence or at the door.