NACI Hockey hosts Slasher Showcase

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Published on Thursday, November 5, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The Neepawa Tigers are ready for the Westman High School Hockey League (WHSHL) season. But before the regular season officially begins, the Tigers had a chance to test themselves against some familiar foes, as they hosted the annual Slasher Showdown at the Yellowhead Centre. 

The Showdown opened for the Tigers on Thursday, Oct. 29, against the Minnedosa Chancellors. Neepawa was able to defeat Minnedosa 3-0, to move on to the championship bracket. Will Rainka, Braden Gillies and Brennan Wiebe all scored for the host team, while Brenden Funk notched the shutout.

Neepawa’s next game would not be so easy however, as they tangled with the team who defeated them in the 2014-2015 WHSHL championship series, the Vincent Massey Vikings. Much like last year’s final, it was the Vikings who were able to execute on their opportunities, as they were victorious by a 5-0 score. The first period remained scoreless, but Vincent Massey was able to open things up in the second, scoring on four occasions. The fifth goal was notched in the third. With the win, Vincent Massey advanced to the final, while Neepawa found itself battling for bronze.

The last game of the weekend for Neepawa would be a penalty filled matchup versus the Portage Trojans. Both teams combined for 61 minutes of penalties, in a very chippy affair. As for the score, it was Portage who ended the evening on top, winning 4-0. 

Neepawa will now focus on their regular season home opener on Friday, Nov. 6 versus Minnedosa. Opening face-off for the Tigers is scheduled for 7:15 pm.  The Tigers will play their second league game in Dauphin on Saturday, Nov. 7. Game time is set for 2:00 pm.