The Swan Valley Stampeders travel south to do battle with the Steinbach Pistons tonight at T.G. Smith Centre. This will be the first of two games the teams will play, and the first and only time these two teams will face each other this season.
It’s been a while since the Pistons and the Stampeders had played a game against one another. You have to look all the way back to the 2019-2020 season to find any results. The Stampeders skated to back-to-back, identical 3-2 overtime wins Feb. 22 and Feb. 23.
The Steinbach Pistons are a well-oiled machine and are sitting first overall in the East Division with a record of 24-6-1-0. Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck made some moves ahead of the Monday, Jan. 10 trade deadline. Steinbach acquired Jackson Betcher (’01) from the Swan Valley Stampeders, Zach Power (’01) from the London Nationals in the GOJHL, and Braden Birnie from the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL.
Swan Valley is coming off a pair of very solid, full effort games where they picked up three points over the Winnipeg Blues (second in the East). The Stampeders enter tonight’s game with a record of 13-16-0-3, one point behind Neepawa for fourth, and three behind Virden for third place. Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff made a few moves ahead of the CJHL Trade Deadline on Monday. The Stampeders sent Jackson Betcher to the Steinbach Pistons for futures and then signed Nic Roussel and Deepkaran Hans for the remainder of the season.
The Stampeders will be looking to keep up with their recent play in hopes of climbing the West Division and keeping pace in the very tight playoff race happening in the crowded standings.
Players to watch
SVS –Carter Cockburn (10G, 19A), Quinn Mulder (10G, 18A), Cody Barnes (12G, 9A), and Brad Fortin (6G, 13A).
STN– Jack Rodgers (15G, 21A), Davis Fry (8G, 21A), Dawson Miliken (13G, 15A), and Cooper Rice (10G, 16A).
**A couple of quick notes**
Steinbach will not be accepting outside ticket sales. According to their website and marketing department, only season ticket holders will be allowed into T.G. Smith Centre for both games this weekend. These changes are due to the current public health restrictions in place. Please follow along on our social media platforms for live updates or watch on hockeytv.com.
Also, the Stamps Cash Lotto is well underway. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased from any Stampeder board member, from Patty’s Sports Excellence, Cook & Cooke or the Swan Valley Star and times. You can also purchase by calling 204.281.4255 or visit our site directly at – stampedershockey.square.site/cash-lotto – please use the promo code LOTTO for free mail delivery. You MUST purchase a Stamps Cash Lotto ticket in order to purchase the added on 50/50 ticket. The draw will take place Saturday, Feb. 5 2022 after our home game against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.