The Swan Valley Stampeders gained a point Friday night at the Centennial Arena, but dropped a 4-3 decision to the Winnipeg Blues.
The Stampeder offence was led by Swan River product, and Captain, Carter Cockburn who collected two goals and assist during the loss.
Winnipeg jumped out to an early lead as Eric Fawkes collected his 19th of the season, beating Dylan Black 7:34 into the contest. The Blues new acquisition Ryan Ostermann didn’t waste any time helping his new club out, scoring just over seven minutes later – giving Winnipeg a 2-0 lead. Brad Fortin puled the Stampeders to within one with two minutes left in the opening frame, shooting a puck over the net, off the glass – off Green and in for his fifth of the year.
Jack Kaiser deflected a puck past Black 8:50 into the middle frame and after a referee conference in front of the penalty box it was counted, giving the Blues a 3-1 lead. Cockburn pulled the Stampeders to within one skating across the blue-line and wiring home his eighth of the season four minutes later.
Cockburn had himself a night, scoring his second of the game, and ninth of the year 7:37 into the third period – scoring the game’s only power play marker. Both teams couldn’t solve the goaltenders for the remainder of the period, so off to overtime they went.
Both teams traded some high quality chances during the overtime period but couldn’t break the 3-3 tie. Just before the overtime period ended, the Stampeders had to make a goaltending change due to Black’s skate blade breaking.
It needed all three rounds of the shootout to find a winner at the Centennial Arena Friday night, and it wasn’t off of the home team’s sticks. Adam Rajsigl, Carter Cockburn and Lare Pahtayken couldn’t beat Green. Brayden Foreman and Ryan Ostermann were stopped by Kobe Grant. Josiah Vanderhooft sealed the win beating Grant on the teams third and final shot, defeating the Stampeders 4-3.
Final shots on goal
Winnipeg – 35
Swan Valley – 38
The Stampeders improved their record to 12-16-0-3, pulling to within three points of fourth in the West Division.
The two teams will go at it once again Saturday Jan. 8 at the Centennial Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m..
Game day tickets can be purchased by clicking the image below.
