The Carman Beavers couldn’t keep pace with the league-leading Winkler Royals on Sunday, dropping a 7-3 decision in SEMHL action on Nov. 23 in Winkler.
Winkler jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from Brett Stovin and Jamie Thiessen, but Carman clawed back in the second when Scott Atkins converted on the power play, assisted by AJ Nychuk. The Royals responded just 26 seconds later to restore their two-goal cushion.
Carman’s Tyler Park scored 44 seconds into the third to make it a one-goal game, but the Royals’ offence surged from there. Winkler scored four times in the final frame, including Lawson McDonald’s game-winner at 3:22 and his second of the night later in the period. Marcus Neufeld and Adam Henry also found the back of the net, while Stovin added his second.
Dean Gorchynski notched Carman’s final goal at 12:25, assisted by Mikol Sartor.
Beavers goaltender Luke Zacharias faced a heavy workload, stopping 35 shots. Winkler netminder Matthew Thiessen turned aside 41 of 44 to earn the win.
Carman’s next game is Friday, Nov. 28 when they host Warren at 8 p.m. at the Carman Arena.
Hawks idle ahead of December home date
The Notre Dame Hawks (2-3) were idle this week but remain part of a tight group sitting at four points. The Hawks return to action on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., hosting the Morden Bombers in a matchup that could shift the early-season standings.
Winkler remains atop the standings at 5-0-1 for 11 points, followed by Morden (8 points) and Springfield (7). Carman sits in a four-way tie at four points with Notre Dame, Red River and Portage, and Warren just behind with four points in five games.
The Hawks next game is Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. when Morden travels to Notre Dame.
