The Flyers scored five goals in the third period in an 8-1 win over the Neepawa Natives, Friday night at the Yellowhead Centre. Jason Cohan and Kayden Jarvis both recorded two goals and an assist to help the club pick up their fifth straight win on the road.
Having not played since last Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the visiting Virden Oil Capitals, the Flyers boarded the bus for their second trip of the year to Neepawa. The two teams had not met since late November when the Flyers scored four times in the third for a 6-3 come from behind win.
After scoring the game’s first goal just three times in their previous eight games, the Flyers were looking for a good start against Neepawa. After spending much of the first period in the attacking zone, the Flyers were rewarded with a good hard working goal by Scott Gall. Kayden Jarvis and Kurt Sonne would assist on Gall’s 25th of the year and Winkler had taken a 1-0 lead with just over five minutes left in the period.
Just over a minute later, Jason Cohan picked off a pass in the neutral zone and went in and scored his first of the game to push Winkler ahead by two. Outshooting Neepawa 19-6, the Orange and Black took their 2-0 lead into the second period.
Jason Cohan scored his second of the game and 6th of the year just over four minutes into the middle frame and the Flyers lead had grown to 3-0. But with less than four minutes to go in the second, John McCammon scored for Neepawa to cut Winkler’s lead to 3-1.
Leading heavily in the shot department through 40 minutes, the Flyers put the game away in the third. After a good shift of offensive pressure, Braden Billaney found a loose puck in the crease and potted his 8th goal of the year. Jason Cohan assisted on the goal for his third point of the night and Winkler was ahead 4-1. Just over a minute later, Jeff Michiels tipped home a Tyler Jubenvill point shot and the Flyers led by four. Coltyn Bates also assisted on Michiels’ 15th of the year.
Tristan Keck and Cam Whyte then assisted on Kayden Jarvis’ first of the game, just before the halfway mark of the third and Winkler was up 6-1. The Flyers would keep the gas peddle down and score their seventh of the night with 8:12 left on the clock. That goal went to Kurt Sonne with Jordan Wall drawing the assist.
The Flyers would get one more with just over seven minutes to play thanks to Kayden Jarvis’ second of the game on the power-play to make the final 8-1. Forward Jordy Williamson, who was in the lineup as a defenseman picked up the lone assist. The move was necessary due to the fact that the Flyers top two point producing defenseman, Zak Hicks and Lawson McDonald, were unavailable to the club on Friday night.
Nathan Warren was good when called upon making 19 saves in his ninth win of the year. The 20 year old has now picked up wins in six of his last seven starts. Winkler outshot Neepawa 48-20 overall. The Flyers were 1-for-9 on the power-play and 2-for-2 on the penalty-kill.
With the win, the Flyers improve their record 35-12-3 which is still good for third place in the MJHL Standings. It was also the Flyers 21st win where the margin of victory was three goals or more. It was also Winkler’s 9th win in their last 11 games.
Winkler will return home to host Dauphin on Saturday, February 13th in their fifth meeting of the year against the Kings. Winkler is 3-1 against Dauphin this season. Puck drop at the Winkler Recreation Complex is 7:30pm. Advance tickets are available at the Winkler Coop Gas Bar.
Great Canadian Oil Change Three Stars
1st Star – F Jason Cohan (Winkler)
2nd Star – F Kayden Jarvis (Winkler)
3rd Star – F/D Jordy Williamson (Winkler)
Winkler Canvas Hardest Working Flyer
F – Braden Billaney