Loss to Winnipeg hampers hopes of 7th place finish for Neepawa Natives

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Published on Monday, January 15, 2018

Jeremy Link makes one of his 43 saves on the night, as Winnipeg defeats Neepawa 6-3, on Saturday, Jan. 13.

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner & Press

The hopes of a seventh place finish in the MJHL standings for the Neepawa Natives took a serious hit on Saturday, Jan. 13, with a 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Blues. Whether or not this loss impacts their chances for eighth place remains to be seen.

The Natives came into this game just two points behind the Blues in the standings. With that in mind, Neepawa was able to jump off to a quick 3-1 lead. Ashton Anderson, Griffin Chwaliboga and Justin Metcalf all potted singles. The Blues scored one of their own during the first 20 minutes of action, with a Cam Olstad power-play chance.

In the second period, Neepawa thoroughly outskated and outworked the Blues, but that didn’t translate into any more goals. Winnipeg, however, was able to take advantage of their opportunities, which turned into a pair, tying the game at 3-3.

An early power-play goal in the third period by Winnipeg’s Dexter Kuczek seemed to take some of the air out of the sails for Neepawa. The Blues posted two more before the end of regulation, giving them the 6-3 victory. 

Dale Goodbrandson, Dexter Kuczek both lead the way or Winnipeg with three point night. (2 goals - 1 assist apiece), while former Natives goaltender Jeremy Link collected the win with a 43 save night, including several saves which stole goals from the Neepawa stat-line.

Immediately after the game, Natives head coach Dustin Howden expressed disappointment with the result, but not in the effort from his players.

“[The coaching staff is] not frustrated with the way we played. We had a lot of scoring opportunities, especially in the second period. It’s a humbly game at times. The second period, I thought, was one of out best periods we’d put together all season, honestly. A lot of great scoring opportunities. The cycling of the puck was good. We moved the puck with ease out of our zone, but yet, we got outscored. Sometimes you just don’t get back the effort you put in. Kudos to [Link] for that effort out there tonight and to their defensive core for blocking some big shots,” Howden said.

The Natives have a bit of time to reflect on this game, as the SJHL/MJHL Player Showcase in Regina takes place this week. Neepawa (18-20-3. 39 points) returns to action on Friday, Jan. 19 with a game in Dauphin against the Kings (10-31-2. 22 points). The Natives once again hit home ice at the Yellowhead Centre on Saturday, Jan. 20, when they meet the challenge of the first place Steinbach Pistons (33-8-2. 68 points)