The Swan Valley Stampeders opened the 2026-27 MJHL regular season on a winning note, scoring five times in the third period to defeat the Northern Manitoba Blizzard 6-2 Friday night in The Pas.
After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Swan Valley broke through just 27 seconds into the second period. Ben Groome converted on the power play, with Dylan Ruff picking up the assist.
The Blizzard answered early in the third, with Liam Carlone scoring on the power play at 3:56 to pull Northern Manitoba even.
The tie didn’t last long.
Ruff restored the Stampeders’ lead at 6:16, again on the power play, before adding his second of the night just over three minutes later to make it 3-1.
Carlone responded with his second goal at 10:04, bringing the Blizzard back within one, but Swan Valley took control late.
Hunter Toth scored at 18:21 to restore the two-goal cushion, and Ruff completed the hat trick with 50 seconds remaining to cap a five-goal third period for the Stampeders.
Swan Valley finished with a 37-32 advantage in shots and went 2-for-7 on the power play. Northern Manitoba was 1-for-5 with the man advantage.
The victory opens the net for the Stampeders’ regular-season home opener Saturday night in Swan River, with the Blizzard coming right back for the rematch.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
Elsewhere,
Waywayseecappo 5, Virden 2
Steinbach 3, Winkler 1
Dauphin 5, Selkirk 6 (OT)
Winnipeg Monarch 2, Niverville 5
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