Yellowhead tops Winnipeg, falls to Southwest

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Published on Thursday, November 24, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The Yellowhead AAA Midget Chiefs hosted a pair of games over the weekend in Shoal Lake. The first was on Friday, Nov. 18, against the Southwest Cougars. This closely contested showdown literally came down to the final minute before a victor was decided, as Southwest scored with just 15 seconds left in regulation to claim the win.

Tanner Andrew picked up the game winner, not only securing the victory for the Cougars, but also denying a point for the Yellowhead had they sent it into overtime.  The only goal of the game for Yellowhead was from Benoit Mowbray of St. Lazare. That was the 17-year-old’s eighth goal of the season. 

The Chiefs looked to quickly put the disappointment of the Southwest game behind them, as they hosted the first place Winnipeg Wild on Sunday, Nov. 20. This game turned out to be the exact opposite of the Friday night contest, as the Chiefs exploded for seven goals, taking it 7-5. 

Mackenzie Belinski of Vista had a big night for Yellowhead on the stat sheet, with a goal and five assists.  Meanwhile, Strathclair’s Noah Geekie had a three point night (one goal - two assists), while Braden Gillies of Neepawa scored what would end up being the game winning goal late in the third period. The victory was a huge one for the Chiefs, as they are chasing the Wild for top spot in the AAA Midget League standing. Yellowhead is now 12-4-4, good enough for second place with 28 points. The loss for Winnipeg, meanwhile, dropped them to 15-3-2 on the year, with 32 points.

The Yellowhead Chiefs will hope to make up some more ground this weekend, as they play a pair of games. On Friday, Nov. 26, they will host the Parkland Rangers. The next day, Yellowhead will welcome the Kenora Thistles to Shoal Lake for a matinee game. Additonal results from the Female Chiefs can be found on page 17