Stampeders Go Local in Goal

Swan River native Josh Hohn (pictured) is living what was likely a childhood dream. The 18-year-old will start the season as the Swan Valley Stampeders #2 goalie behind returnee Chris Ward. Going back to their Intra-Squad game, the Stamps carried 3 goalies aside from Ward. Hohn, along with Evan Reiffersheid and Dustin Lehne. Coach and GM Guy Vestby says the local guy earned it.

"We're down to 2 goalies today. Josh has come with a good enough attitude to work hard in practice and keep getting better and get the confidence of his teammates. When he gets a chance to get in there, he'll be confident and try and be the best he can. He's a good sized player, has a good attitude, so we're looking for big things out of Josh this year."

The Stampeders have used 2 goalies in each of their Pre Season games so far, and Ward's had half-game shut-outs twice. Vestby likes how things are setting up between the pipes.

"We're looking to Chris for some big things this year. He's not going to disappoint, he's a very serious guy, he's trained all his life to be the best hockey player he can be, and that's not going to change. He's taken hold of the starting spot here and I think he's going to show great leadership. We're expecting him to be one of the top goalies in the league, and hopefully we can support him in that department."

Swan Valley rounds out their Pre-Season Friday in Waywayseecappo.

(Hohn picture courtesy http://www.eteamz.com/ParklandRangers)