Troy Martyniuk earned his second shutout of the season on Saturday night, helping the Flyers extend their winning streak to seven games with a 3-0 win over the visiting Waywayseecappo Wolverines. Griffin Leonard, Brett Opperman and Mitch Dyck all recorded their first goals of the year as the Flyers increased their record to 7-2-0.

Back at home for their seventh home game already this season, the Flyers welcomed the Wolverines for the second time this year. The first meeting between the two clubs happened on September 29th, which saw the Flyers come out of top 7-1.

The Flyers jumped on the Wolverines early and opened the scoring just over four minutes in. It was rookie forward Griffin Leonard redirecting a pass into the back of the net giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead. Everett Bestland and Mitch Dyck drew the assists.

Wayway goaltender Ethan Peterson also had a strong night between the pipes, preventing the Flyers from building on their lead until late the third. Winkler put the game away in the third, outshooting the Wolverines 20-5 in the frame and adding two more goals.

Assistant Captain Brett Opperman gave the Flyers some breathing room with 4:55 left in regulation, when he banged in a rebound from a Jacob Lacasse shot pushing Winkler ahead 2-0. Just over two minutes later, Mitch Dyck took the pass from Lucas Barker in the neutral zone, danced around the Wayway defense and picked the far side of the net to give Winkler a 3-0 lead.

That is all goaltender Troy Martyniuk would need to earn his fifth win of the year and second shutout of the season. The 20 year old netminder made many key stops along the way and kicked aside all 19 shots he faced. Winkler outshot Wayway 36-19.

The Flyers were 0-for-3 on the power-play and 5-for-5 on the penalty-kill. The Flyers (7-2-0) are now alone in third place in the MJHL Standings, just two points back of the first place Steinbach Pistons with a game in hand. The Flyers will be back in action on Tuesday night when they host the Selkirk Steelers (5-4-0). Puck drop at the Winkler Rec Complex is 7:30pm. You can watch the game online with a subscription to www.hockeytv.com.

Note: The Manitoba Junior Hockey League has handed down a five game suspension to Flyers F Coltyn Bates for an Interference penalty taken during Winkler’s game against Swan Valley on Friday. He will be eligible to return to the lineup when the Flyers host Waywayseecappo on October 27th.

GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE THREE STARS

1ST STAR – G TROY MARTYNIUK (WINKLER)

2ND STAR – F BRETT OPPERMAN (WINKLER)

3RD STAR – D MITCH DYCK (WINKLER)

GAME STATS