The Selkirk Steelers experienced mixed results this week in a trio of Manitoba Junior Hockey League contests, picking up three out of a possible six points in just five days.
The action began at home against the Winkler Flyers on Tuesday. The Flyers struck early in the first period and continued their momentum, ultimately winning the game 5-0. The Steelers took 27 shots on Winkler’s goalie, Leif Ekblad, but were unable to score, as he earned a shutout.
On Friday night, the Steelers rebounded with a 5-2 victory over the Swan Valley Stampeders. Remy Hlady opened the scoring early in the first period, followed by Owen Branson, who made it 2-0 late in the frame. Swan Valley narrowed the gap to 2-1 early in the second period, but the Steelers responded when Hlady scored his second goal with under five minutes left in the middle frame. Just three seconds before the end of the second period, Landon Jamieson added another goal, bringing the score to 4-1.
Although Swan Valley scored again to make it 4-2 in the third, Ian Lavallee sealed the game with a final goal for the Steelers, ending the match at 5-2. Ethan Sawyer made 20 saves in goal, earning his 10th win of the season.
The next night, the Steelers faced the Northern Manitoba Blizzard at Roy H. Johnston Arena. The Steelers fell behind 4-3 heading into the third period, despite Landon Jamieson scoring twice and Cole Babych once. However, Branson quickly tied the game in the third period, leading to a 4-4 deadlock at the end of regulation. After overtime yielded no winner, a shootout was necessary. Northern Manitoba’s Tyler Dahms scored during the shootout, giving the Blizzard a 5-4 victory and earning them the extra point. The Steelers collected one point from the shootout loss and currently sit fifth in the MGEU East Division, nine points behind the final playoff spot, currently held by the Niverville Nighthawks.
In notable news, Steelers forward Hlady was named Chevrolet Rookie of the Month for February. He scored eight goals and added four assists in ten games during the month, bringing his season totals to 19 goals and 28 assists.
Upcoming Games:
Tuesday, March. 4 at Winnipeg Blues, 7:30 p.m. at Hockey For All Centre
Saturday, March. 8 vs Niverville Nighthawks, 7:30 p.m. at Selkirk Recreation Complex
Sunday, March. 9 at Winnipeg Blues, 6 p.m. at Hockey For All Centre
