It took 14 games, but the Williams Lake Stampeders are finally where they want to be.
The senior men’s hockey club downed the Quesnel Kangaroos 3-2 Saturday night in Quesnel to put the Central Interior Hockey League’s East Division fate in their own hands.
The Stamps are still two points behind the first-place Kangaroos (10-4-2) in the standings; however, they have two games in hand on their northern rivals.
Williams Lake, currently on a five-game winning streak, is now at 10-4-0 on the campaign.
With just four home games left in the season the Stampeders will need to continue their strong play to clinch the top spot in the division.
Saturday’s contest saw Stampeders forward Nathan Zurak scoring two goals, including the game winner, to add to his league-leading 34-points (11 goals, 23 assists). Zurak beat Quesnel netminder Ryan Manderson in the first period and again eight minutes into the third frame to win it for the Stamps.
Rounding out the scoring for Williams Lake was Joe Morgan, while Justin Fulton and Harley Gilks found the twine for the ‘Roos.
Stamps goaltender Justin Foote earned the win between the pipes stopping 30 of 32 shots. Manderson, who also had a solid game in the losing effort, stopped 34 of 37 on the night.
Next up for the Stamps is a date with the Houston Luckies Dec. 17 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
The Stampeders are asking everyone who comes to the game to bring a non-perishable food item for donation. Additionally, the club will host its annual teddy bear toss for the Salvation Army. Game time is 7:30 p.m.