Ponoka’s junior B Stampeders closed out the season with a win against Stettler Lightning setting them up on a high note for 2017.
Playing in Stettler Dec. 30, the Stamps seemed ready for a strong game despite ending the first period 3-2. In the first, Walker Guthrie scored with assists from Kieran Bulloch and Brendan Scott, Nate Higgins also scored with help from Roenick Minde and then Taite Opdendries scored with help from Minde and Higgins.
It was in the second period that things heated up for Ponoka. Minde and Higgins worked together to assist and score for each other, Higgins doing so on a power play. Then, shorthanded, Jordan Sears scored as well as Opdendries — who received a further assist from Higgins. Two goals for Stettler kept up some semblance of pressure on Ponoka.
At the end of the second the score was 7-4 for the Stampeders who seemed to have a game win locked.
In the third, Stettler managed to score two more goals but Ponoka continued its upward climb by scoring three of its own. Kieran Bulloch scored with an assist from Chevazz Rabbit while Kacey Straub scored on a power play; he received an assist from Opdendries and then Kolton Muyers also scored unassisted. The final score was 10-6 for Ponoka, setting the team up for 2017.
Penalty-wise the game appeared relatively clean with Ponoka taking in 20 minutes, 10 of which were for misconduct while Stettler took in 18 penalty minutes, 10 also for a game misconduct.
Shots on goal showed Zeke Leuck with 37 shots on goal, letting in six. Robert Michetti was called in where he took 10 shots on goal saving all 10. Ponoka was outshot by Stettler 47-42 shots with Lightning managing to make 42 shots on goal.
The Stampeders next home game is Jan. 11 against Stettler again and then on Jan. 15 against the Mountainview Colts.