January 28
Neepawa, MB – The Virden Oil Capitals fired everything but the kitchen sink at Neepawa Natives goaltender Jeremy Link, and even if they had the 17 year old probably would have stopped that too.
The Caps fired 51 shots on goal on Wednesday night but ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 overtime game.
Kyle McDonald scored just over three minutes into the extra frame on the power play to give the Natives the win, just their 9th victory all year and their first in five games against the Caps.
In an entertaining first period, both teams exchanged chances as the play went back and forth with few whistles. Although both teams came close, nobody could find the back of the net. Shots were 13 all after the opening period.
Midway thru the 2nd period Reigan Buchanen got Neepawa on the board on a seeing eye shot that fooled Patrick Zubick.
The Oil Caps had a dozen quality shots on goal in the 2nd period but could not beat the Natives net minder who turned in a first star performance on the night.
Midway thru the 3rd, two Neepawa defensemen got crossed up at the blue line sending Dylan Thiessen in alone. The Winnipeg native would make no mistake going to his backhand to tie the game at one.
In overtime, the Cap were outshooting Neepawa 5-0 when Drake Bodie was called for goaltender interference. The Natives would capitalize, scoring on their first shot of the extra frame to seal the victory.
With the loss the Caps move to just 2-6 in the month of January and 26-17-1 on the season. Virden remains in fifth place, one point back of the Winnipeg Blues.
The Caps return to home ice for the first time in almost a month when they welcome the OCN Blizzard on Friday. Its Subway Hockey Card Night!
Game time is 7:30
Scoring Summary – Click Here