Neepawa Natives outplay Winker Flyers in 5-3 victory

Details

Published on Friday, December 5, 2014

Newcomer Zach Heisinger on a breakaway in the second period. He would score the game winning goal on the play for Neepawa

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

Despite having a depleted lineup due to recent injuries, the Neepawa Natives proved to be the better team on Friday night as they defeated the Winkler Flyers 5-3 in MJHL action.

Goaltender Alex Henry, forward Jordan Martin and defencemen Nigel Swab and Sam Stormoen were all in the stands watching the action due a variety of injuries. This type of adversity could have easily allowed the Natives an excuse to buckle under the pressure. Instead, the remaining veterans, along with several young players called up to fill the void, put together one of the most complete games of the season.

Drake Lindsay led the way for Neepawa with a pair of goals and two assists. Steven Phillips also stepped up with a goal and an assist. A very pleasant surprise during the evening was the play of newcomer Morgan Geekie, who was called up from the Yellowhead Chiefs. The 16 year old from Strathclair tallied a goal and an assist in his first regular season gane in the MJHL. New acquisition Zach Heisinger scored the game winner while goaltender Reid Stallard stepped up with an outstanding performance between the pipes to secure the win.

Neepawa coach Dwayne Kirkup said the entire team is playing with more confidence.

"Our structure is better, our defensive play is better. I think there is just more confidence and you can see that [on the ice], and when you get to be a confident group you find ways to win," said Kirkup.

The victory was the tenth of the season for Neepawa, who know have 21 points on the season and leapfrog the idle Waywayseecappo Wolverines into tenth place in the MJHL. The next home game for the Natives is Sunday, Dec. 7 against the Swan Valley Stampeders.