After a tough loss on the road last night in Waywayseecappo, the Swan Valley Stampeders are looking for redemption on home ice tonight, a place that has treated the team very well this season.
Swan Valley’s home record sits at 2-1 and they look to repay the favour by taking down the Wolverines and getting back to .500 on the season. Just four points separate these two teams in the Standings, and Swan Valley looks to gain traction with a win in front of the loudest fans in the MJHL.
Yesterday we talked about secondary scoring and what’s needed in order for the Stampeders to go on a bit of a run. For that to happen, and win games, the Stampeders need a hot goaltender to turn the tide in their favour. Last night’s outing by Dylan Black didn’t go his way, allowing three quick goals and being pulled for backup Kobe Grant. After Grant entered the game it was all Swan Valley for a period and a half, climbing back into the game and tying it at three four minutes into the third period. The celebration didn’t last very long though, as the visitors found themselves back on their heels, and defending a very potent, offensive team. The Wolverines offence took over and the Stampeders suffered their fourth loss of the year.
A side note on goaltender Kobe Grant – When entering the game last night, he held a shutout streak that was two games long from the BCHL. Time to get out the calculator, if my math is correct (and help from Mr. Grant) that’s roughly 165 minutes of shutout hockey to start his Junior “A” career.
Swan Valley’s secondary scoring is showing up, but the pucks must stay out of their own net in order to win games. The high flying offence of the Wolverines was completely shut down last Saturday in Swan River, and the Stampeders will once again be looking for a hot start and a turn-around game tonight at the Centennial Arena.
Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff will be changing his lineup for tonight’s game. Drawing back into the lineup tonight, after being sidelined the past three games, is Sedley, SK native Jayce Nikbakht – a player the Stampeders offence has missed the last few games. Also dressing tonight will be defencemen Dayvan Bull and Jayden Mosiondz. Out of the lineup tonight are Adam Ward, Callum Fortin, Ethan Matchim and Jackson Betcher.
Swan Valley heads into tonight’s contest with a 3-4 record, while the Wolverines hold a 5-2 record. Puck drop at the Centennial Arena is slated for 7:00 p.m..
Players to watch
SVS – Jamie Valentino (2G, 5A), Noah Fladager (2G, 3A), Trey Sauder (1G, 2A) and Adam Rajsigl (2G, 3A).
WAY– Caleb Petrie (4G, 4A), Lonan Bulger (1G, 7A), Troy Hamilton (6G) and Boston Bird (1G – 4A).
While waiting for the game tonight, be sure to purchase a 50/50 ticket. Our online system is back and you can once again purchase anytime in the days leading up to our home games. You can buy from home, work or from your seat at the game. To purchase your 50/50 tickets please click the link provided here >> https://www.fundingchange.ca/svstampeders/YUjYgGWcbUSuF4fW