Winning two home games against Smithers on the weekend was a great way for the Williams Lake Stampeders to start off the new year, said coach Derrick Walters.
"It was probably our best complete game effort two games in a row," Walters told the Tribune. "It was really good to start 2025 like that and continue our winning streak."
In front of a large home crowd Saturday, Jan. 4 the Stamps goalie Ryan Balbirnie got a shutout, leading the Stamps to a 7-0 win.
On Sunday, Stamps goalie Zach Straza was only a hair off, letting in one goal resulting in the Stamps winning 7-1.
Praising both goaltenders, Walters said they played defensively really well.
"I'm happy with the goal tending and our defensive play, of course we're always pretty good at putting the puck in the net so that was nice for our guys to put up a lot of goals as well."
Seeing a good crowds at the games, especially on Saturday night, Walters said it was the biggest one of the season.
"Hopefully we can keep that going for our next home games coming up."
The Stamps travel to Quesnel on Friday, Jan. 10, for a "big rivalry" game against the Roos.
"We are a few points back from Quesnel for the division right now, so that game will be a big one for us. It's important, but the most fun too."
On Saturday, Jan. 18 the Stamps play the Nechacko Northstars in Fort St. James and then play them again in Williams Lake on Sunday, Jan. 19.
"We've got some chemistry building and it is looking pretty good for this last stretch before the playoffs," Walters said.
The playoffs start the first week of February, he added.
