Oil Caps enter week on four-game streak

As of Monday, the team was on a four-game winning streak. Since returning from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Christmas break, the roster has held a 6-1 lead. Last weekend, the Oil Caps won their two games against the Niverville Nighthawks.

“I think our level of performance has been exceptional and our willingness to stick to the game plan,” said Oil Caps head coach Tyson Ramsey. “Our special teams were very good, as were our goalkeepers. We find ways to win games and that’s what good teams do.”

Josh Lehto was named one of the MJHL Star of the Week. The rookie forward from Thunder Bay had three goals and four points from two wins last week.

The team went into the week with a 20-17-1-0 record. On Wednesday, the Oil Caps were scheduled to host the Selkirk Steelers (14-20-3-1) for a rescheduled game after the Empire Advance deadline. Over the weekend, the Virden team hosts the Winnipeg Freeze (3-33-2-0) on Friday. The same two sides meet in Winnipeg on Saturday.

On Jan 31-Feb 1, the MJHL and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League will host a joint showcase in Winnipeg. Each league is represented by three teams of selected players. Of the Oil Caps, Nolan Chastko will play for 18U White, while David Bielik will play for 20U Black. Ramsey will be the head coach of 20U Red. Dana Warrener will be the sports therapist for 18U White.

Last Friday night, the Oil Caps and Nighthawks were tied 1-1 after two periods. In front of 672 spectators, the hosts scored two power play goals and eliminated the visitors in the third goal to win 3-1. Virden scored all three goals with man advantage – it was a three-on-four power play. Ramsey said the team’s power play was accomplished because “our structure and attention to detail remain true when it comes to putting pucks in the net.”

Colten Miller, Nolan Chastko and Lehto scored for Virden. Oil Caps goalie Owen LaRocque stopped all but one of the 35 shots he faced. At the other end of the ice, Chris Fines made 23 saves for Niverville. Brett Tataryn scored the Niverville goal.

LaRocque was the game’s first star, Nolan Chastko received the second star, and Bielik the third. Ty Plaisier was voted Gardewine Hardest Working Player. The U13 Hamiota Huskies were in the Mainline King of Trucks Kid Zone.

On Sunday afternoon in Niverville, Joey Bielik made a power play just under three and a half minutes into the final period to give Virden a 3-2 lead. Lehto ended the game with an empty net and a goal shorthanded as Virden won 4–2. Niverville had led 1-0 after the first period. Lehto and Roux Bazin scored in the first half of the second to give the Oil Caps a 2-1 lead. Niverville was able to tie things before the third.

Ramsey said his team was able to win thanks to “a very structured approach to the game and a simple game where we handled the puck much better than the night before. Our special teams were good again and Owen LaRocque was very good.”

LaRocque finished with 32 saves. He pushed the oil caps back to their last four wins through Monday.

Carson Reid and Desmond Johnson scored for Niverville. Nighthawks goaltender Dane Couture recorded 22 saves.