A three-goal outburst in the second period helped the Stampeders defeat the Oil Caps 3-2 in Swan Valley on Friday night.
Tyler Kirkup continued his solid season with the Oil Capitals, netting his 26th of the year early in the first period as Virden jumped out to a 1-0 lead.
The Oil Caps maintained the one goal advantage until the 5:29 mark of the second when Noah Basarab’s 14th tally of the year tied the contest at one apiece. Chartrand’s 11th of the season at 12:06 and Daylin Smallchild’s third of the year at 18:58 gave the home team a two-goal lead after 40 minutes.
The Oil Caps had a variety of chances in the third as the road team directed 13 pucks towards Swan Valley’s net but could only muster one goal as Kolten Kanaski’s 16th of the year at the 5:40 mark was as close as Virden would come on this night.
Ethan Peterson played a key role in Swan Valley’s win as the netminder stopped 39 of 41 shots directed his way. His solid performance resulted in him being named the first star on the night. Dalton Dosch ended up with the loss between the pipes for Virden, making 32 saves on the night.
Extra Notes:
-Josh Tripp of Swan Valley was the second star, while Jeran Knorr of the Oil Caps was the third star. The veteran forward had two assists for Virden.
-Both teams went 0-for-2 on the power play.
-The Oil Caps will continue their busy weekend on Saturday as the club will host the Stampeders at Tundra Oil and Gas Place. Game time for that contest: 7:30 p.m. The Oil Caps will then host the Neepawa Natives on Sunday night. Game time for that game: 7 p.m.