The Winkler Flyers scored three goals in the opening period, one early, one in the middle, and one at the end, which was more than enough to finish the exhibition season off with an eventual 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Monarchs.
Three goal first
Less than two minutes into the game, the Flyers were celebrating a power play goal. After a scramble in front of the Monarchs net, the Flyers refused to be denied, eventually poking home a loose puck, grabbing a 1-0 lead. Griffin Johnston was given credit for the marker with Marcus Hughes picking up the lone assist.
Near the midway point of the frame, Idris Alameddine was sprung on a shorthanded breakaway, and the dynamic sniper made no mistake, showcasing his elite puck handling and finish, making it 2-0 Winkler. Veteran Liam Carlone nabbed the only assist on the second goal of the game.
Not done yet, on yet another power play, Trevor Dalton banged and crashed in front of the Monarchs goal, eventually cashing in to extend the lead to 3-0. Charlie Weaver and captain Kam Thomas picked up the assists.
Special teams second
In the middle frame, the Flyers offense slowed down, but their special teams stepped up. A couple of penalty's in the period gave the shorthanded units an opportunity to work.
While they were strong shorthanded, the Monarchs did manage to score on one of their power play chances, cutting into the lead, but still trailing 3-1 heading into the third.
Cruise control
Winkler kept control of the third period, never really allowing Winnipeg to gain much traction.
Any thought of a Monarchs comeback was snuffed out when Thomas scored to make it a 4-1 game, just before the halfway point of the frame. Carlone and Alamedddine collected the assists on the final goal of the night.
Game stats
Leif Ekblad was given the whole game for Winkler, and he was rock solid, finishing the night with 17 saves.
Winkler outshot Winnipeg 30-18. The Flyers power play finished 2/3, while the penalty kill was a strong 6/7, including scoring a shorthanded goal.
Up next
With the preseason now in the review mirror, the Flyers prepare to open the regular season on Friday night, as they will welcome in the rival Steinbach Pistons to the Icon Arena.