Ponoka Stampeders snap 31-game losing streak

PONOKA -- The Ponoka Stampeders are back in the win column for the first time since last year. 

The Stampeders earned a 6-5 overtime victory over the Airdrie Techmation Thunder on Saturday night, marking the team's first victory since November 23, 2024. Eric McLean, Jaxon Lee, and Brendon Harnack all recorded three points each, while Dylan Palmer scored the overtime winner at 4:49 of the extra frame. 

Palmer's second goal of the HJHL season was a monumental one for the Stampeders, as it officially snapped their 31-game losing streak stretching back to the 2024-2025 season. Goaltender Jett Wagner also played a big role in the victory over Airdrie, as he made 40 saves and shut the door after Ponoka surrendered three straight goals which forced the game to overtime.

With their long-awaited first win of the season, the Stampeders are now 1-11-1, and will look to carry their momentum into Friday's home game against Rocky Mountain House. It'll be a tough matchup for Ponoka as the Stampeders have lost all three of their meetings with the Rams so far this season, by a combined score of 21-4.

They'll then have a rematch with Airdrie the following night on November 8. Both of this weekend's games will be played at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex.