The Stonewall Jets continued their strong run in Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League play with a convincing 4-0 shutout victory over the St. Boniface Riels on Thursday, Jan. 15, before inclement weather forced the cancellation of their scheduled Sunday matchup.
The Jets were set to host the St. James Jr. Canucks on Sunday, Jan. 18, but the game was called off due to weather conditions and will be rescheduled by the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League.
In Thursday’s contest at Stonewall Veterans Memorial Arena, the Jets controlled play early and never looked back. Cohen Cheung opened the scoring 5:28 into the first period, converting a setup from Seth Clements and team scoring leader Gavin Holod, who entered the game with 47 points on the season.
Peyton Bateman, Stonewall’s second-leading scorer, made it 2-0 midway through the opening frame with his 19th goal of the season, continuing a strong offensive campaign that has seen him produce at nearly a point-per-game pace.
Stonewall added to its advantage in the second period when defenceman Evan McMurtry fired home his second of the year, again with Holod picking up an assist. Rylan Slatcher capped the scoring early in the third period with a power-play marker, finishing off a passing play involving Karson King and Bateman.
Goaltender Spencer Hunnam was sharp throughout, turning aside all 43 shots he faced to earn the shutout. At the other end, St. Boniface netminder Jack Martin made 30 saves in the loss.
The win improved the Jets’ record to 17-11-1 on the season, placing them fourth in the league standings and firmly in the playoff hunt as the schedule resumes later this week.
Upcoming games:
The Stonewall Jets return to Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League action on Wednesday, Jan. 22, when they visit the St. Vital Jr. Victorias for a 7:30 p.m. start. The Jets are back home Friday, Jan. 23, hosting the Pembina Valley Twisters at 8 p.m. at Stonewall Veterans Memorial Arena, before travelling to Transcona on Sunday, Jan. 25, for a 2 p.m. matchup against the Transcona Railer Express.
