The Swan Valley Stampeders have a chance to clinch a playoff spot tonight with a win over the Dauphin Kings at Credit Union Place.
It has come down to a win and you’re in situation as the Neepawa Titans have made things very interesting for the Stampeders recently. The Titans defeated the Wolverines 6-3 Wednesday night in Waywayseecappo, pulling to within two points of fourth place in the West Division. Swan Valley holds the tie breaker so a win tonight or a regulation loss for the Titans would mean the Stampeders clinch the fourth and final playoff spot, and have another opportunity to play for the Turnbull Cup.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, as this is a big task tonight. On the road for a team who has struggled as of late, Swan Valley enters the contest going 1-4 in their last five games. The Kings meanwhile have gone 4-1 in that same stretch. Dauphin has gone 5-1 against the Stampeders this season so far, outscoring them 21-5 over the course of those six games.
Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff made a couple of minor tweaks to his lineup ahead of tonight’s game. Returning to the lineup is Trey Sauder and Emile Pichette while Cody Barnes and Adam Ward will join Cole Chauvette on the sidelines. Kobe Grant is expected to get the start tonight in Dauphin.
Players to watch
SVS – Carter Cockburn (21G, 26A), Quinn Mulder ( 12G, 29A), Ethan Matchim (6G, 11A), and Justin Keck (8G, 12A).
DK – Kaden Bryant (32G, 33A), Colby Jaquet (12G, 42A), Logan Calder (25G, 24A) and Nick Braun (25G, 16A).
Tonight’s road game can be viewed on hockeytv.com or can be heard on gx94radio.com with Benny Walchuk. Puck drop is set for 7:30pm.
More to come following the game.