Photo: Erica Perreaux/Hockey Canada Images
CALGARY, AB – Benson Hirst and Brett Ward scored early third period goals to help the Northern Manitoba Blizzard take a 3-2 win over the SIJHL’s Kam River Fighting Walleye on Monday night at the Centennial Cup in Calgary.
The Blizzard controlled play for most of the first period but just couldn’t quite lock down and find their offensive game. In the second, Northern Manitoba outshot Kam River, 16-7.
Despite that, Kam River opened the scoring into the back half of the period. It wasn’t until 19:16 of the second when Quincy Supprien broke the goose egg and deflected in a point shot from the stick of Cheechoo Lathlin.
Tied 1-1 into the third period, Kam River scored 52 seconds in and the Blizzard responded once again. Benson Hirst skated the puck by the dot and fired in a shot to the back of the net that would tie the game at 2-2.
Just two minutes later, Brett Ward’s one-timer blast on the powerplay gave the Blizzard their first lead of the night. Kam River would pull their goaltender for the extra attacker but it wouldn’t be enough as Northern Manitoba would earn a hard-fought 3-2 win.
The regulation win gives the Blizzard a total of 7 points in Group A, and solidifies their spot in the Centennial Cup quarterfinal or semifinal round. Should the Blizzard finish first in Group A, they will earn a bye directly into the national semifinal game. Anything lower than first, they will play in the national quarterfinal.
With one more preliminary game to play against the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL), the Blizzard hold their fate heading into Wednesday evening.
