Halfway Report: Swan Valley Stampeders

Record: 18-11-1-1 (38 pts) 2nd in Sherwood

On Pace: 36-22-2-2 (76 pts) .613%

Synopsis:
Few expected this type of start out of the Stampeders, coming off a 2008-09 season that left them well out of the playoff picture. Add to the fact the Stampeders also brought in a new coach, an MJHL Rookie in Dwayne Kirkup, and there was sure to be a learning curve. But, the Stamps started the season 8-and-3, had a bit of a dry-spell, ending up 8-and-8 at one point, but have since gone 10-3-1-1. G Chris Ward was expected to be one of the top goalies in the league, but had numbers below his standards, and was traded to Melfort for Charlie Pogue. In seperate deals, GM Guy Vestby also moved G Josh Hohn to Steinbach and acquired G Caden Unger from the Winnipeg South Blues. Since Unger's arrival, the Stampeders have gone 7-1-1-1, and he's got a 5-0-1 record, a 1.62 GAA, .943%, and a shutout. Up front, the Stamps have put together a top-six that rivals anyone else's. The lines of Darcy Riddell-Ryan Marshall-Carter Selinger, and Shelby Gray-Myles Stevens-Chris Reimer have both contributed big time. It seems if one line's having an off-night, the other's firing, and on night that they're both on, the Stamps can rack 'em up, and they proved that with a 7-goal performance against Dauphin last week. Some more production from lines three and four will likely be needed down the stretch to ensure a spot in the post season. On defense, Cody Straker's the only 20-year-old, and has certainly been a steadying force back there with his physical play, and has also chipped in his share of points. But the bulk of the offense from the defense has come from Brent Wilson and Paul Bonar, each hovering around the point-per-game mark.

What to Expect?
I think it's safe to say playoff hockey will return in the Valley this spring, but home ice advantage in round one is anything but locked up. The Stamps currently have a slight lead over OCN with a game in hand, but I see the Blizzard as having piles of potential if everyone gets healthy. And I think teams you really have to watch are Portage and Neepawa. The Terriers and Natives have oodles of games in hand on everyone, and their winning percentages are almost on par with Swan Valley's. And certainly worth noting: in the final half of the season, the Stampeders play Dauphin 6 times, Portage 6 times, Neepawa 5 times, and OCN 5 times. Infact 19 of the Stamps' final 21 games in January and February are against Sherwood Division opponents. There are LOTS of points still on the table, and a team could go from 5th to 2nd, or, 2nd to 5th, in a hurry. And with the top 4 teams in the Addison all above .500, a cross-over's far from a guarantee at this point too. After typing this, I'm not sure "safe to say SV will make the playoffs" was the best choice of words with it being so close, but I feel they've given Dauphin as hard a time as anyone, and they've held their own against the Saints, too. Odds are a very good Sherwood team won't see the post season.

HALFWAY HARDWARE
(I did these awards at the halfway point last year for Melville and Yorkton, and will try to do them for all 4 teams this year. They're awards I just makeup myself and are only my opinion. You can feel free to leave any comments!)

Most Valuable Player
Ryan Marshall, Forward

This was a tough one to pick. With so many Stampeders having great offensive seasons, I've gotta go with the leading scorer, and not just for his 23-goals and 43-points. Marshall plays a tonne of PK minutes, and takes a lot of key faceoffs in his second season in Swan Valley. He led the MJHL in scoring through the first month, and still isn't far off the pace, after missing three games for the World Junior 'A' Challenge when he won a silver medal with Team West.

Honourable Mentions:

F Darcy Riddell: Riddell, like Marshall, does it all. He's added a lot more offense this season and is consistently the Hardest Working Stamp.

D Paul Bonar: Bonar coming back from the WHL drastically improves the Stampeder powerplay, as Coach Kirkup can have both Bonar and Brent Wilson on the backend on the PP. It paid instant dividends.

Most Improved Player
Chris Reimer, Forward

Reimer had 21 goals in his first two seasons of Junior Hockey, and has 23 in half a season as a 20 year old, including 16 in his last 13 games. Sure, he's on a hot streak, and likely won't continually put up more than a goal per game, but he's a threat to snipe 40 (on pace for 46).

Honourable Mentions:

F Carter Selinger: Selinger's fit in nicely alongside Riddell and Marshall, putting up a point-per-game as a 20 year old.

D Dylan Trowell: Trowell makes few if any mistakes, keeps things simple, and has built on a solid rookie campaign with another great defensive, physical role on the blueline as a sophomore.

Most Pleasant Surprise
Caden Unger, Goalie

I pondered if this was fair or not, since Unger's only played six games, but it's tough to argue with a 5-0-1 record, and the other statistics he's putting up. Originally brought in to replace Josh Hohn as Chris Ward's backup, Unger's now splitting time with fellow 18 year old Charlie Pogue, who was acquired for Ward shortly after Unger's arrival. So far the two rookies have been flip-flopping, or alternating games. But if Unger's numbers keep up, one has to wonder if he'll take on more of a "starter's" role.

Honourable Mentions:

F Shelby Gray: After getting little or no ice time in Weyburn, Gray's emerged as a top-six forward, and rounds out the Stamps' top two lines nicely, on a line with Myles Stevens and Reimer.

F Chris Reimer: Sure, they expected increased production, but to lead the team in goals? Reimer's exceeded expectations, and almost didn't play this season because of career opportunities.