Stampeders enjoying perfect storm

The New England Patriots are still perfect.

Not exactly a shocker.

The Edmonton Oilers remain perfect as well.

Not a lot of people saw that one coming.

The Ponoka Stampeders (3-0-0) are also sitting with an unblemished record — the only team in the North Division, and one of just two clubs in the entire HJHL with a zero in the loss column (the Okotoks Bisons are 6-0-0).

Stampeders general manager/head coach Mike Nesbitt has liked what he's seen in the first few weeks of the season.

"It's been a great start," Nesbitt said. "We have a really strong, young hockey club this year. And we're still building.

"I spent a lot of time in the summer digging up some players who had played for me in the past, and we're building from there."

The Stamps have recorded three convincing Ws — a pair of wins over the Lomond Lakers (6-3 and 4-1) and a 7-2 triumph over the Rocky Rams.

They already have 30 per cent of the number of wins they had all of last season when they finished 10-26-2, good for sixth place in the North.

That perfect mark will be put to the test this weekend as the Stamps face the Mountainview Colts (4-1-0) on Saturday (8:45 p.m.) and the Red Deer Vipers (4-2-0) on Sunday (3 p.m.).

"We've got a big test this weekend and I hope the boys are up to the test," Nesbitt said.

Ponoka has 18 new faces on this year's squad, which has obviously gelled quickly.

The offence has been spread around with nine regulars averaging a point per game or better.

Devin Anderson (five goals, seven points) and Nesbitt's son, Bailey (four goals, six points), have been leading the charge up front.

Ponoka has played the fewest number of games in the HJHL. But the schedule is about to heat up.

Following this weekend's double-bill, the Stampeders will host the Stettler Lightning on Sunday before embarking on their southern road trip next weekend that includes stops in Coaldale and Medicine Hat.