The Winkler Royals opened the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League final in impressive fashion on Sunday night, defeating the Ile des Chenes Northstars 3–0 to take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
Matthew Thiessen was outstanding in goal for Winkler, turning aside all 38 shots he faced to record the shutout. At the other end, Northstars netminder Matthew Radomsky made 35 saves but took the loss.
Winkler struck early and never trailed. Braden Hildebrand opened the scoring just 2:28 into the first period, finishing a play set up by Aaron Lewadniuk and Mike Heppner. The goal held up as the game-winner.
The Royals extended their lead midway through the second period when assistant captain TJ Matuszewski scored on the power play at 12:30. Justin Augert and Lewadniuk drew the assists on the goal, with Lewadniuk picking up his second helper of the night.
Lucas Ens added insurance in the third period, scoring at 6:46 off passes from Brett Bergman and Jordan Wall to seal the 3–0 victory.
Winkler went 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Northstars were unable to convert on five opportunities.
Lewadniuk led the Royals offensively with two assists, while Hildebrand, Matuszewski and Ens each scored once.
The series now shifts to Ile des Chenes for Game 2 on Wednesday, March 18 at 8 p.m. Game 3 returns to Winkler on Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m., before the teams head back to Ile des Chenes for Game 4 on Saturday, March 21 at 8 p.m. If necessary, Game 5 will be played March 25 in Winkler, Game 6 on March 27 in Ile des Chenes and Game 7 on March 29 in Winkler.
