The Stonewall Jets came up short in their first matchup of the season against the defending Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League champion St. Boniface Riels on Thursday night.
The Jets, entering the contest 1-1 after a road loss to Transcona, found themselves under pressure early from the reigning champs. The Riels outshot Stonewall 23–9 in the opening frame, building a 3–0 lead by the first intermission.
Determined to respond, the Jets turned the momentum in the second period. Peyton Bateman and Rylan Slatcher each found the back of the net, cutting the deficit to one while Stonewall outshot St. Boniface 16–10.
The Jets continued to press in the third, firing 14 shots to the Riels’ eight to finish with 39 on the night. But a pair of mid-period penalties gave St. Boniface a timely power play, and the Riels capitalized to go up 4–2 with under 10 minutes remaining. They added two more goals late — one into an empty net — to seal a 6–2 victory.
With the win, St. Boniface stayed undefeated, while Stonewall dropped to 1–2 on the season.
The Jets now prepare for a busy stretch with three games in four days, including two at home.
Upcoming games:
Thursday, Oct. 16 — vs. St. James Jr. Canucks, 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex
Friday, Oct. 17 — at Pembina Valley Twisters, 7:30 p.m. at Morris MultiPlex
Sunday, Oct. 19 — vs. St. Vital Jr. Victorias, 2:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex
