Coltyn Bates and CJ Corazzin both had a goal and an assist as the Winkler Flyers earned their sixth win in a row, defeating the visiting Swan Valley Stampeders 3-1 on Friday night. Thanks to a strong penalty kill and some timely goal scoring, the Flyers kept the ball rolling in their first meeting of the year against the Stampeders.

Having not played since their Sunday night victory over the Portage Terriers, extending their winning streak to five games, the Flyers welcomed the Stampeders who were looking to put the breaks on a mini two game losing streak.

Having scored first in six of their first seven games, Friday night’s game was no different as the Flyers hit the scoreboard first once again. After seeing a number of great chances stopped by Swan Valley netminder Brett Evans early in the game, CJ Corazzin charged the net and snuck the puck just across the line for the game’s first goal. Coltyn Bates and Weiland Parrish assisted on Corazzin’s first of the year. The helper increased Bates’ season opening point streak to eight games.

Despite being out chances and out played throughout much of the period, the Stampeders tied the game when Jaden Townsend beat Winkler goaltender Aaron Brunn with 1:42 left in the opening period.

The Flyers regained the lead early in the second, thanks to a great individual effort from Coltyn Bates. With 6:59 gone in the period, Bates took the pass from linemate Matt Christian and carried it towards the front of the net and shoveled in his sixth goal of the year to put Winkler in front 2-1. The assist also increased Christian’s season opening point streak to eight games.

Outshooting the Stamps 27-17 through the first 40 minutes, Winkler tacked on an insurance goal just past the five minute mark of the third. After cycling the puck around the Swan Valley zone, defenseman Garrett Kuklica’s shot deflected off the glove on Brett Evans and into the top corner to push Winkler in front by two goals. CJ Corazzin and Will Blake assisted on Kuklica’s first of the season.

For the rest of regulation, the Flyers solid penalty killing and the play off rookie goaltender Aaron Brunn would protect Winkler’s 3-1 lead and eventually turn that into a 3-1 victory.

Brunn finished the night stopping 28 of the 29 shots he faced while earning his second victory in his second start of the season. The Flyers outshot Swan Valley 42-29 overall. Winkler went 0-for-4 on the power-play and 8-for-8 on the penalty-kill.

The Flyers will host the Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Saturday night looking for their 7th straight win after dropping their first two games of the regular season. Puck drop at the Winkler Recreation Complex is 7:30pm with advance tickets available at the Winkler Coop Gas Bar, Petro Canada Gas Bar or at the door prior to the game. You can also watch the game live with a subscription to www.hockeytv.com.

GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE THREE STARS
1st STAR – F COLTYN BATES (WINKLER)
2ND STAR – G BRETT EVANS (SWAN VALLEY)
3RD STAR – D CJ CORAZZIN (WINKLER)

GAME STATS