The Neepawa Natives spent Tuesday night looking to shut down the Winnipeg Saints in the area in which they excel - goal scoring.

 

The script did not play out exactly to plan, and when two periods had expired, The Natives were required to find another way to beat the Winnipeg club.

 

Tied at 3-3, The Natives were required to out score the high scoring Saints and beat the Addison Division leaders at what they do best.

 

Less than four minutes into the third period, The Natives had the lead they wanted and were back in the comfortable place of figuring out how to protect it.

 

Natives' coach Bryant Perrier was pleased with the club's ability to execute in the third.

 

"The guys carried out the game plan perfectly," commented the coach, who sees his club win its tenth game since January 3rd. "They executed the powerplay perfectly (Tyler Swerdyliak's game winner), and then played a perfect shut down period."

 

"We are obviously really proud of the guys. Everyone contributed."

 

While The Natives continue to maintain a strong pace heading into the home stretch of the season, their coach is keeping things in perspective.

 

"We are winning games right now because our team is buying into all facets of team play. They are taking good care of themselves, they are working hard and they are a highly motivated group."

 

The coach says that will not change.

 

"We will keep our nose to the grindstone and not spend a lot of time thinking about anything but our execution. If you work hard and compete, the standings take care of themselves."