The Winkler Flyers earned their 11th win in 12 games with a 7-2 victory over the visiting Waywayseecappo Wolverines. Back at home after spending the last three games on the road, Winkler flew past the Wolverines to earn their fourth win in a row.

After going 3-0 on their recent road swing, the Flyers were back at the Winkler Rec Complex looking to keep their early season success going. With two wins in two previous games against the Wolverines, the Orange and Black got off to another good start on Friday night.

Playing in his first game back after serving a five game suspension, forward Coltyn Bates picked up right where he left off, scoring the game’s first goal just over five minutes in. Matt Christian and Garrett Kuklica assisted on the goal which increased Bates’ season opening point streak to nine games.

After the Wolverines tied the game 1-1, the Flyers regained the lead on the power-play later in the first. Once again it was Captain Nolan McGuire, who stepped into a slap shot to earn his team leading 12th of the campaign and fourth goal in his last two games.

The Flyers increased their lead to 3-1 early in the second, when Weiland Parrish tipped in Mitch Dyck’s point shot, picking up his 4th of the year. Just over a minute later, defenseman Brady Pupp raced down the ice and ripped home his first goal in his first game to push Winkler in front 4-1.

With 8:29 gone in the middle frame, Wayway got a lucky bounce on the power-play and Winkler’s lead was cut to 4-2. Winkler got that one right back a few minutes later thanks to Cole Kirkup’s third of the year, followed quickly by Parrish’s second goal of the game and the Flyers took a 6-2 lead into the second intermission.

Winkler put the game to bed in the third, outshooting the Wolverines 15-3 in the period and adding one more goal. It came from Matt Christian, who scored his eighth of the season on the power-play with 5:11 left in regulation.

Aaron Brunn earned the win in goal, improving his record to 4-0. Winkler outshot the Wolverines 39-19. Winkler was 3-for-6 on the power-play and 3-for-4 on the penalty-kill.

The Flyers (11-3) will host the Selkirk Steelers (10-4) on Sunday night in a battle of two of the hottest teams in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The Flyers are tied for top spot in the MJHL Standings after winning 11 of their last 12 games, while the Steelers are just two points behind after winning their last nine games. Puck drop at the Winkler Rec Complex is 7:30pm. Advance tickets are available at the Winkler Coop Gas Bar, Petro Canada Gas Bar and at the door prior to the game.

GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE THREE STARS

1ST STAR – F WEILAND PARRISH (WINKLER)

2ND STAR – F COLTYN BATES (WINKLER)

3RD STAR – D MITCH DYCK (WINKLER)

GAME STATS