The Winkler Flyers scored four power-play goals on their way to a 7-3 preseason win in Neepawa on Friday night. Newcomer Brock Montgomery scored twice and Cole Kirkup recorded four assists to help the Flyers kick off their final weekend of the exhibition season in style.

The Flyers got off to a nice start, scoring the first of their four first period goals just 2:29 into the game. Brock Montgomery saw his point shot sail through a screen and Winkler had a 1-0 lead. Before the five minute mark, Joben Smith doubled Winkler’s lead to 2-0. Just over three minutes later, the Flyers scored their third goal of the period on the power-play. Once again it was Montgomery, who took the pass from Matt Christian and found the back of the net for his second goal of the game. Weiland Parrish tacked on another goal for Winkler before the end of the period, and the visitors took their 4-0 lead into the break.

The goals kept coming for Winkler in the middle period, and it took the Flyers just over two minutes to increase their lead to 5-0. Matt Krawiec got the goal with Nolan McGuire and Cole Kirkup assisting. Goaltender Troy Martyniuk, who was making his third start of the pre-season, was kept on his toes in the second and made many key stops to keep momentum on the Flyers’ side. Defenseman Mitch Dyck scored Winkler’s third power-play of the game with just under three minutes left before intermission to give Winkler a six goal cushion through 40 minutes.

The Natives pushed back with two goals in the first eight minutes of the third, cutting Winkler’s lead to 6-2. However, with 9:09 left in regulation, rookie defenseman CJ Corazzin finished off a nice pass from Nolan McGuire to restore Winkler’s five goal lead with the Flyers’ fourth power-play goal of the night. Forward Cole Kirkup also drew an assist on the goal, his fourth point of the game.

Neepawa added one more before the end but the Flyers would go on to win the game 7-3. Troy Martyniuk had another strong effort in goal, making 37 saves in the win. Neepawa outshot Winkler 40-37. Winkler was 4-for-7 on the power-play and 4-for-5 on the penalty-kill.

After winning their first five pre-season games, the Flyers will attempt to win their sixth on Saturday night when they play host to the Natives in their exhibition season finale. Puck drop at the Winkler Rec Complex is 7:30pm. Remember, admission for the game will be free of charge thanks to the support of Crocus Real Estate. You will also have the opportunity to make a donation to Katie Cares. VIP Passes and Reserved Seat Stickers will also be available.

GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE THREE STARS
1ST STAR – F COLE KIRKUP (WINKLER)
2ND STAR – G BROCK MONTGOMERY (WINKLER)
3RD STAR – G TROY MARTYNIUK (WINKLER)

GAME STATS