Photo: Jules Xavier
Three Goal 3rd Period Puts Oil Caps Into Round 2 – Virden Wins Series 4-2
Two goals in 1:20 put the Virden Oil Capitals up by 2 in the third period and despite some late-game magic, the Titans could not come all the way back and the Oil Caps punched their ticket into round 2. Grady Lane scored twice while Braden Lewis had a pair of assists, including setting up Evan Groening for the game-winner. Logan Paquette had a goal and an assist for Neepawa while Colton Alexander chipped in with a pair of helpers. Mason Lobreau battled all night to give his team a chance finishing with 29 saves while across the rink from him, Eric Reid stepped up with 22 stops of his own. The Virden penalty kill is a big reason why they’re moving on as they went a strong 14 for 15 shorthanded. The Titans put up a terrific fight and have a lot of positives to build on going into next year. The buttons they pushed could help the Oil Caps going forward as they’re going up against another of the league’s top teams in form of the Winkler Flyers.
Tonight – It All Comes Down To This, Blizzard vs Kings Game 7 |Â Series Tied 3-3
After one of the longest games in league history, the Blizzard and the Kings will look to dig deep and come up with one more win in the series that will put them into the second round. The battle between the pipes has been stellar, both teams have paid the price in blocking shots and playing physical. Forwards like Riley See, Sam Zagari, and Quincy Supprien have elevated and become constant threats for the Blizzard. Dauphin’s Jordan Bax has been a stud while overtime hero Cayden Glover and Alex Senf have brought their play to the next level. On the blueline, a timely goal from Naaman Hofer gave the Kings a needed boost while Sebastian Hamming proves every time he’s on the ice why he’s one of the league’s best all-around defensemen. A packed house is expected in The Pas with home fans filling the seats and a fan bus heading up from Dauphin. Good luck to the coaches, players, officials, and broadcasters when it comes to dealing with all the horns and noise makers that are sure to be going non-stop. Game 7 is at 7:00 pm on Flo Hockey.
