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It was an incredibly tight series where a bounce or two a different way could have made the difference but in the end, the Steinbach Pistons lost game six to the Portage Terriers 3-2 and the quarter-finals series 4-2.
Coming off a complete and total team effort in game five, the Pistons carried it over into the early stages of game six. All four lines were buzzing around, forcing turnovers and keeping the Terriers from getting anything going. All six defenders were on their toes, moving pucks quickly and playing terrific, fast defense.
Goaltender Christian Green was also top notch as the 20-year-old fought off some good looks by Portage, to keep his team in the fight.
The home side would eventually score first as a point shot floated from the blueline was deflected off a body in front and in for the 1-0 Portage lead.
Steinbach stormed right back and after a great, hard working shift in the offensive zone, the Pistons followed it up by cashing in thanks to Brayden Barnett who knocked home his first of the playoffs. Jamie Fuchs had the lone assist but it was 10 or so players that contributed to that goal through the determination that lead up to the puck crossing the line.
It looked as though the game would go into intermission tied but Sam Noad had other plans.
Another shift where the Pistons forced the Terriers back onto their heels and a loose puck was kept in by Shane Burns. The 19-year-old displayed incredible poise and hockey sense as he made a move and with the final seconds ticking down, put a puck on goal. Noad was there to score on the rebound with .07 seconds left, giving Steinbach the lead for the first time, 2-1.
As expected, the Terriers came out strong in the second but the Pistons held the fort. They managed to kill off a penalty but when the game was back to five-on-five, another shot from outside hit off a player in front of Green and found it's way in, evening up the score 2-2.
Steinbach's power play had a chance to get them the lead back but instead, it was the Terriers turning the tables and scoring shorthanded, giving them the 3-2 lead.
It was the second shorthanded goal given up by Steinbach in the series.
Down a goal and with their playoff lives hanging in the balance, the Pistons pushed for the equalizer but to no avail.
A major penalty against in the back half of the third put Steinbach down a man for five minutes and thanks to the spectacular work of Green, the Pistons stayed down just a goal.
The netminder was absolutely brilliant on a number of occasions.
Pulling the goalie for the extra attacker generated a couple of looks but time ran out and the Steinbach Pistons season came to an end.
Shots were 40-36 Steinbach. The Pistons power play finished 0-3 while the penalty kill was a perfect 4-4.
Steinbach is set to see eight 20-year-olds graduate from the program.
Sam Zagari was brought in at the trade deadline for his grit, his determination and his passion for the game. He worked hard each and every day, coming to the rink with a smile. A leader by example, his effort made those around him better. Never took a day for granted and loved his time with the Pistons.
Matt Munro, also brought in at the deadline, was everything the Pistons hoped for and more. Scoring some timely goals, bringing a steady presence on the backend but perhaps his biggest impact will be felt in the years to come as his guidance and leadership will be carried forward in the likes of young defenders like Luke Bogart, who will benefit from 'Money's' wisdom, experience and kindness.
Christian Green, the backbone of the Pistons squad, will rank right up near the top stats wise with the best goalies in franchise history. A master at his craft, always pushing himself to find that next level, that next thing to make himself just a little bit better. A competitor and a battler, he always gave all of himself to the game and his teammates.
Brayden Barnett, the ultimate glue-guy. Always brought a smile to the rink and loved his teammates. Everyone around the team raved about his personality and the big-bodied power forward could shoot the puck, too. No one loved scoring goals on those school day games as much as Barnett did. He will forever have an impact as being the type of guy you want around both on and off the ice.
Jamie Fuchs will also be moving on after an incredible junior career. Fuchs started in Steinbach when he was 18-years-old and while it didn't work in Steinbach that year, he accepted the opportunity to go to Thunder Bay and play. He found his game in a big way, scoring at will. Coming back to Steinbach, he worked hard and became a key piece to the Pistons, scoring 20 even strength goals. His leadership continued into this season where again, he had a terrific year offensively and upped his game in the playoffs.
Ty Paisley came back to Steinbach and brought an instant impact. His elite skills, along with a wicked and powerful shot, made him dangerous every time he touched the puck. Throughout the playoffs, he really found another level. At 18-years-old, he was part of the championship team and he brought that swagger with him. Teams took notice when he was on the ice and despite all they through at him, he never backed down. The iconic photo of his goal celebration, the first for a Piston at the Southeast Event Centre will live forever.
Spencer Penner. That's probably enough to say right there, just his name and anyone who knows hockey will know exactly what it means. He truly was "Mr. Reliable", you knew every time he was on the ice the team was in good hands. A smooth skater, a hard worker, a great passer and a leader. While some will say Penner played a quiet game, to the Pistons, his game roared very loudly. For years to come, the Pistons will refer to someone as a "Spencer Penner type" and mean it as the ultimate compliment.
Noah Szabo, the captain, a combination of one of the nicest guys around molded with being fierce competitor. Always smiling, always loving being around his teammates, he took the honour of being captain to heart and lived up to it every day. An example of class throughout his time with the Pistons, he always made time to talk to fans, work with local organizations, give back and be there for not just his teammates, but the entire community. Szabo said countless times how much he loved Steinbach and how much he'll cherish his time as a Piston. He'll forever be the first captain to raise a stick in victory at the Southeast Event Centre. His legacy will be that of a warrior, a great teammate, a champion and an amazing friend.