The Winkler Flyers took a two games to none lead in their best of seven MJHL Quarterfinal series with a 4-1 win in Virden on Sunday night. Ian Mackey led the way with two goals in the Flyers Game Two victory, while Lawson McDonald and Tyler Jubenvill both recorded a pair of assists on the road.

Just two days after a thrilling triple overtime win in Game One at home, the Flyers made the trek to Virden looking to build on the momentum from their come from behind win in the series opener.

The Flyers got off to a much better start in Game Two when Ian Mackey tipped in Lawson McDonald’s point shot on the power-play, giving Winkler a 1-0 lead with 6:38 left in the first. Tyler Jubenvill also assisted on the Flyers’ second power-play goal of the series.

Goaltender Troy Martyniuk picked up where he left off, making a number of great saves in the second period, allowing Winkler to take their one goal lead into the third, despite being outshot 32-18 in the first two periods.

Winkler doubled their lead with another power-play goal early in the final period, with Jubenvill and McDonald assisting on Coltyn Bates’ second of the playoffs. With 4:41 left in regulation, Nolan McGuire found Ian Mackey alone in the slot and his slap shot goal moved the Flyers in front 3-0. It was Mackey’s second goal of the game and it gave the Orange and Black some much needed breathing room.

The Oil Capitals hit the scoreboard with just over three minutes left on the clock, when Tyler Kirkup scored Virden’s fourth power-play goal of the playoffs, cutting Winkler’s lead to 3-1. But just over a minute later, Matt Christian was sent in on a breakaway and scored his second of the post season to restore the Flyers three goal cushion. Mitch Dyck and Brody Moffatt assisted on the goal.

Troy Martyniuk was rock solid once again between the pipes for the Flyers, making 38 saves in the win. The Oil Caps outshot the Flyers 39-33 overall. It was the sixth time in his last eight starts that Martyniuk has allowed one goal or less. The Flyers went 1-for-5 on the power-play and were 5-for-6 on the penalty-kill.

The series will now shift back to Winkler for Game Three on Tuesday, March 14th. Puck drop at the Winkler Rec Complex is 7:30pm with advance tickets available at the Winkler Coop Gas Bar or at the door prior to the game. You can also catch the game live on Country 88.9FM and online at www.pembinavalleyonline.com. Video stream will also be available at www.hockeytv.com.

Remember to fill in your name and phone number on the back of your game ticket and place it in the draw box in the arena lobby for a chance to win one of 15 free car washes from the Winkler Coop. If the Flyers win the series, you will also have a chance to win a Broil King BBQ courtesy of the Winkler Coop.

GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE THREE STARS

1ST STAR – F IAN MACKEY (WINKLER)

2ND STAR – D LAWSON McDONALD (WINKLER)

3RD STAR – D TYLER JUBENVILL (WINKLER)

GAME STATS