Not much went the Flyers way Thursday night in Winnipeg, as Winkler fell 5-1 to the Blues at the MTS Iceplex. Evan Last scored the only Flyers goal with just eight seconds left in the game as the Flyers winning streak was halted at four.
Having not lost a game in regulation since September 30th, the Flyers went to Winnipeg in search of back to back wins against the Blues. Winkler beat Winnipeg 3-2 in overtime, Tuesday night back in Winkler. The Flyers came into the game with an 8-0-4 record in the month of October.
Just like they did the game before, Winnipeg took a 1-0 lead, 12:45 into the first period when Kamerin Nault beat goaltender Adam Vander Linden on a breakaway. The Blues took their one goal lead into the first intermission while outshooting the Flyers 10-9.
The Flyers improved greatly in the second period but it was apparent early on that the breaks just weren’t going to go their way. Taeron Lewis scored just over five minutes into the period, giving the Blues a 2-0 lead. With just under seven minutes to go, Scott Rowsell extended Winnipeg’s lead to 3-0 and before the end of the period, Brett Brooks had the Blues up by four.
All the while, Winkler was out shooting and out chancing the Blues but still could not get the puck over the line. Winkler out shot Winnipeg 14-6 in the middle period, but trailed 4-0 heading into the third.
Rowsell scored for the second time in the game at the 5:26 mark of the third and the Blues lead had grown to 5-0. The Flyers went on the power-play late in regulation and managed to spoil Scott Parson’s shutout with just eight seconds to play in regulation. After Bryce Enns circled the puck up high in the Blues zone, he let a wrist shot go towards the net. Evan Last was able to get a piece of it and score his fourth of the season, cutting Winnipeg’s lead to 5-1. Zak Hicks also assisted.
Adam Vander Linden (4-2-2), who was making his first start since October 18th made 20 saves in the loss. Winkler out-shot Winnipeg 36-25 overall, 27-15 in the second and third periods. Winkler went 1-for-1 on the power-play and 1-for-1 on the penalty-kill.
The Flyers (12-3-4), who are still in control of second place in the MJHL, will look to regroup when they host the Waywayseecappo Wolverines (5-11-1) on Friday night. Winkler is 2-0 vs Wayway this season after shutting them out 4-0 in both meetings. Puck drop at the Winkler Recreation Complex is 7:30pm.
The Flyers will also be holding a special Halloween party where you are asked to come to the game dressed up. There will be special prizes for all age groups who come to the game in their Halloween costumes. There will be a coloring contest and candy for the kids.
NOTE: Goaltender Gavin Klassen (96) has left the team and will join the Pembina Valley Twiters of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League. The Flyers wish Gavin all the best this season.