The Winkler Flyers dropped an 8-2 decision in Virden on Friday night, losing for the second straight game to the Oil Capitals. After a great effort in a 4-2 loss to the Oil Caps at the MJHL Showcase on Tuesday night, the Flyers failed to replicate their recent string of solid play, once again coming out on the wrong end of the score.
The Flyers dug themselves a hole early, giving up a power-play goal just over five and a half minutes into the game. Another goal on the man-advantage put Virden in front 2-0 later in the period, and just minutes after that, the home team took advantage of a turnover behind the net to take a three goal lead into the first intermission.
Virden captain Ben Dalke pushed his team in front 4-0 early in the second before Everett Bestland tipped in a Garrett Kuklica point shot to put the Flyers on the board with 9:08 to play in the period. It was apparent in the middle period that the bounces were with the Oil Caps as they regained their four goal lead moments later, and after Erik Dahl scored on the power-play to bring Winkler back to within three goals, a redirection in front of the net gave the Oil Capitals a 6-2 lead heading into the third.
Virden added two more tip in goals in the third and would skate away with an 8-2 victory.
Britt League got the start in goal for Winkler but was replaced by Riley Morgan after Virden’s fourth goal. League finished his night with 16 saves on 20 shots, while Morgan had 18 saves on 22 shots. The Flyers were outshot 42-25. Winkler went 1-for-5 on the power-play and just 2-for-5 on the penalty-kill.
The Flyers will look to rebound when they host the Portage Terriers on Sunday night. Puck drop at the Winkler Rec Complex is 7:30pm with advance tickets available at the Winkler Coop Gas Bar and Petro Canada Gas Bar. You can also stream the game on www.hockeytv.com