Stampeders host Rustlers in BRHL action this past weekend
The Hardisty Stampeders hosted the Wainwright Rustlers on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Battle River Hockey League action. Despite the Stamps outshooting the Rustlers 32-19, they came up short in a 2-1 loss to Wainwright.
The Stampeders applied pressure early but were unable to get one past Rustler goalie Adam Bartko, who was stellar in net.
There was no scoring in the first and only two minor infractions called for a clean period.
The Stampeders continued to dominate shots on goal. Cam Dion scored from Chevan Wilson and Shawn Thomson midway through the frame.
Late in the period, the Rustlers tied the score on a goal by former Stampeder Adam Andrew, assisted by Chad Marchand and Cody Woodward.
A minute after the goal was scored, there was tussling at centre ice which resulted in roughing and unsportsmanlike calls for Stampeder Dustin VanHecke and Rustler Jeremy Creasy.
Then Wainwright’s Adam Creasy challenged Hardisty’s Shawn Thomson to fight. This was a good bout with Thomson getting the upper hand and the win.
This got the crowd on their feet and lifted the roof with cheers. Both players were ejected with game misconducts. The score was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes.
The Rustlers came out strong in the third, throwing hits and hammering shots on net.
There was some pushing and shoving, but officials were quick to diffuse anything before it exploded.
Wainwright got the go-ahead goal with two minutes remaining by Woodward.
The Rustlers kept the play in Hardisty’s end to burn the clock. This left Hardisty with a small window with the extra attacker once the goalie could be pulled.
The home team was unable to score and the final was 2-1.
Upcoming BRHL games in Flagstaff will have the Stampeders host the Macklin Mohawks on Friday, Nov. 15.
The Daysland Northstars had the weekend off and will travel to Wainwright on Wednesday, Nov. 13 to face off against the Rustlers. They will host the Tofield Satellites in a rematch of last season’s final on Friday, Nov. 15.
Jae Robbins
Staff Reporter
