Stamps Extend Kirkup / Gray Commits to College

The Swan Valley Stampeders are happy to announce they've extended Head Coach Dwayne Kirkup's contract for another two years, through the end of the 2012-2013 season.

In his rookie MJHL season as Head Coach, Kirkup was named the league's Coach of the Year, leading the 2009/10 Stampeders to a 34-22-6 record, and guided them to their second playoff series win in team history, upsetting the 2nd place Portage Terriers in five games. The Stamps then lost in 5 games to the eventual league and Anavet Cup Champion Dauphin Kings in the Sherwood Division Final.

In this, the final season of his original contract, Kirkup's Stampeders have been above .500 all season long, despite losing nine 20-year-olds from last year's offense-heavy roster. As of today's announcement, the 10/11 Stampeders sport a record of 24-17-4. In 107 games under Kirkup's direction, the Stampeders have a record of 58-39-10, a winning percentage of .589%.

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The Stampeders are also proud to announce the commitment of 20-year-old forward Shelby Gray to the Adrian Bulldogs for the 2011/12 season. Adrian is located about an hour outside of Detroit, and play Division III hockey in the NCAA (Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association).

Gray played his first season and a half of Junior Hockey with the SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings, before a trade to the Valley jump-started his career.

Playing on a line with Myles Stevens and Chris Reimer for most of his 19-year-old season, Gray scored 22 goals and totalled 46 points in 42 games.

In 40 games this season, Gray has put up team highs in goals (26) and points (43).

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Gray is one of three Stampeders playing on home ice tonight (WED) in the MJHL All-Star Game. Joining him are teammates F Ryan Marshall and D Clark Byczynski.

The Wayway Wolverines are also represented by three players (pictured below), D Stephane Robidoux, F Shane Goodrunning and F Paul Van de Velde.

Tonight's All-Star Game starts at 7:00 at the Centennial Arena in Swan River.