After a disappointing loss in their first game at the MJHL Showcase on Monday, the Oil Caps responded beautifully on Wednesday night, defeating the Neepawa Natives 5-1 at the Bell MTS Iceplex.
After Ashton Anderson’s 18th of the year gave Neepawa a 1-0 lead in the first period, the Oil Caps responded in the middle frame as Dylan Thiessen’s 11th of the season at the 4:11 mark tied the game, while Kyle Salaway’s 17th tally at 8:17 on the power play made it 2-1 after 40 minutes of play.
The positive vibes continued for Virden in the third as Graeme Hore netted his 11th of the year at 15:13 before power play markers by Ben Dalke (11th of the year) and Landyn Cochrane (first of the season) at 18:05 and 18:32 respectively rounded out the scoring on this night.
The power play was clicking on this night for the Oil Caps who went 3-for-4, while outshooting Neepawa by a rather wide margin 49-17.
The Natives meanwhile went 1-for 2 with the man advantage.
Dalton Dosch stopped 16 of 17 shots directed his way to pick up the win in net for Virden, while Spencer Eschyschyn was busy between the pipes for Neepawa, turning aside 44 of 49 pucks.
The Oil Caps improved to 20-10-1-0, while the Natives dropped to 15-18-2-0 on the year.
Next up for Virden: A home game against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Friday night at Tundra Oil and Gas Place. Puck drop for that contest is shortly after 7:30 p.m.
Reminder: It’s Virden Truck and Trailer Teddy Bear Toss night! Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed toy to the game and then toss it on the ice following the Oil Caps first goal! All toys will be collected and donated to Virden and Area Christmas Cheer!
That night is also Valleyview Co-op Tin for the Bin night. All non-perishable food items collected at the upcoming game will be matched by Valleyview Co-op (cash value) and donated to Christmas Cheer as well.