Neepawa Farmers win home opener

Details

Published on Friday, October 30, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Press/Neepawa Banner

The first home game of the Tiger Hill Hockey League regular season for the Neepawa Farmers was almost perfect, as the club cruised to a 6-1 win over the Pilot Mound Pilots. 

The game, held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, was the second of the season for Neepawa, who had previously dropped a 4-2 decision on the road in Hartney.  The Farmers were looking to rebound from that disappointment in the friendly confines of the Yellowhead Arena.

Neepawa would get off to a quick start, scoring three goals in the opening period. Lance Nugent opened the scoring at 13:35 of the first. Just under two minutes later, Matt Lowry added to the lead for the Farmers. Rodney White would close out the opening period with another goal for Neepawa, giving the Farmers a comfortable 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.

In the second, Neepawa continued to press the attack in the Pilot Mound zone, creating many opportunities to cushion their lead. They took advantage of that early pressure at the 4:57 mark, with Lance Nugent securing his second goal of the night. Pilot Mound would create some chances late in the period, which earned them their first goal of the game. Colton Bamford spoiled the shutout bid of Farmer’s goaltender Brad Nelson, just a little over three minutes remaining in the second.

The final period would continue to be all Neepawa, as they generated two more goals to ensure a 6-1 victory. Jeremy Hodgins scored his first of the season, while Lance Nugent earned a hat trick, with a goal midway through the final frame.

With the win, Neepawa improved to 1-1 on the season. The Farmers’ next game is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Yellowhead Arena against Boissevain. Opening face off is set for 7:30 pm.