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WINKLER WINS IN WINNIPEG TO STAY PERFECT IN PRESEASON – SEPTEMBER 12

The Winkler Flyers picked up their fourth straight win of the pre-season with a 3-1 victory in Winnipeg on Tuesday night. Nolan McGuire, Griffin Leonard and Trent Halfdanson all scored for the Flyers to help the club earn their second straight win against the Blues.

Exactly one week ago, the Flyers started their MJHL exhibition campaign with a 4-2 win over the visiting Blues. And after back to back wins over the Thief River Falls Norskies on the weekend, the Orange and Black looked to stay on the right track as the opening day roster starts to take shape.

It was a good opening 20 minutes for the Flyers, as they carried the play in the first period outshooting Winnipeg 10-5. Captain Nolan McGuire put Winkler on the scoreboard first, scoring his first of the preseason just past the five minute mark of the first frame. New comer Lucas Barker drew the assists, which was his third point in his last two games.

The Flyers doubled their lead to 2-0 midway through the second period when rookie forward Griffin Leonard cashed in a loose puck in front of the net. Everett Bestland and Max Daerendinger picked up the helpers.

Still leading by two goals late in regulation, the Blues finally managed to beat goaltender Troy Martyniuk with 3:11 left in the game, cutting Winkler’s lead to 2-1. However, the Flyers were quick to restore their two goal cushion thanks to Trent Halfdanson’s second of the pre-season.

Martyniuk made many key stops along the way, earning his second pre-season win. Winkler outshot Winnipeg 32-25 overall. Winkler went 0-for-5 on the power-play and 4-for-4 on the penalty-kill.

The Flyers will now prepare their roster for the final weekend of the exhibition season. Next up is a home and home series with the Neepawa Natives, beginning Friday night at the Yellowhead Centre in Neepawa. Puck drop is 7:30pm. The two teams will conclude their pre-season schedule on Saturday night in Winkler, also at 7:30pm. Remember, admission for all Flyers’ pre-season home games is free of charge thanks to the support of Crocus Real Estate. At the game, you will have the opportunity to make a donation to Katie Cares.

GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE THREE STARS

1ST STAR – F GRIFFIN LEONARD (WINKLER)

2ND STAR – F NOLAN McGUIRE (WINKLER)

3RD STAR – G TROY MARTYNIUK (WINKLER)

GAME STATS