Submitted by: Della McKay

The Swan Valley Midgets hosted this years Hockey Manitoba Midget A Provincials this past weekend with 7 teams attending, Shoal Lake, Winkler, Lake Manitoba, Carman, Beausejour, Mitchell and our hometown team Swan River.

Click any picture for a larger version.
Team Photo by Jodi Proctor, Game Photos by Rob McDonald

The Swan River Midgets kicked off the weekend with their first game on Friday at noon against Shoal Lake. In front of an enthusiastic packed crowd Swan River won the game 6-2. After one period of play Swan River and Shoal Lake were tied 1-1. Swan River had the lone goal in the second and went into the third period with a 2-1 lead. In the third period, Swan River’s skill took over and they outscored Shoal Lake 4-1 to win by a final score of 6-2. Swan River’s Brendan Gilroy lead the team with two goals and Pete Spence, Karter Prieston, Robby Mckay, and Marty Peyton each contributed with a single goal. Morgan Kushniryk picked up the win making several key saves during the contest.


Swan Rivers second game was on Saturday morning against the Winkler Flyers. The boys came out flying and never quit as they beat the flyers handily by a score of 8-3. Swan River outscored Winkler 4-1 to take the lead at the end of the first period. In the second period, much was the same as swan added two more goals to take a commanding 6-2 lead. The teams traded goals in the third and Swan River ended up winning by a final score of 8-3. Leading the scoring for Swan River was Robby McKay with 4 goals. In the first period, Tyler Betcher opened up the scoring early with Mckay countering to take an early 2-0 lead. Ryan Cable and Ryley Staples added the assists.

Jarrett Beck scored the 3rd goal and Mckay capped off a terrific first period with his second goal in the period assisted from Darcy Mullin. In the second period Marty Peyton lit up the lamp and soon after Ryan Cable chipped one in for his first of the tournament. Riley Morden got the assists on both goals. In the third period, Mckay went on to get his 3rd of the game without assistance giving the Stampeders a 7-2 lead . On the powerplay, McKay netted his fourth goal of the game assisted by Stacey Genaille. Swan River’s Drew Denischuk turned away 15 shots for the win. After the round robin Swan River finished with a 2-0 record.


From there it was off to a semifinal match up with Lake Manitoba on Saturday evening. After an intense 3 periods of back and forth action, the game needed overtime to decide the winner. In overtime, Lake Manitoba prevailed over Swan River by a score of 4 – 3. After the first period Lake Manitoba lead 3-2. Riley Morden and Marty Peyton scored for Swan River. Neither team could score in the second period which set up an exciting third period. Swan River’s Robby McKay scored with 7 minutes left in the third to tie the game 3-3. In overtime, Swan River thought they had won only to be disappointed when the goal was called off.

Lake Manitoba scored soon after to send them off to the gold medal game. Kushniryk was under siege all game long and played strong between the pipes.

Swan River played for Bronze on Sunday morning where they would again face Shoal Lake for the second time this weekend.

Shoal Lake scored the only goal in the first period to lead 1-0. Robby Mcaky scored early in the second to tie up the game 1-1 with assists going to Marty Peyton and Stacy Genaille. Pete Spence added to that to make it 2-1 for the Stampeders. Assists coming from Hoss Campeau and Eric Evens. Shoal Lake came back with a goal themselves to again tie the game at 2-2 after the second period. At the end of the second Shoal Lake took a 5 minutes major goaltender interference penalty giving the Stampeders a lengthly powerplay to start the third period. Swan River capitalized early and didnt quit by scoring 4 goals on that powerplay.

Robby McKay scored to break the tie assisted by Jarett Beck. Riley Morden’s slap shot from the blueline made it 4-2 for the Stampeders. Assits going to Stacy Genaille and Marty Peyton. Ryley Staples assist from Eric Evans gave the Stampeders a 5-2 lead. Riley Morden added his second of the game shortly after assisted by Darcy Mullin and Tyler Betcher to give the Stampeders a 6-2 victory a Bronze medal!!

Beausejeur Blades faced Lake Manitoba in the Gold Medal Final game. Beasejeur come out on top with a 8-3 victory.

Swan River Midgets next action will take place this Thursday when they will travel to Preecville for game #2 in the second round of playoffs.