It was a strong opening period for the Winkler Flyers, but it didn't last as the Steinbach Pistons took the first preseason game 5-2 on Friday night.
Strong start
In the opening period, the Flyers came out strong. Showcasing a young, hungry roster, came out skating fast, and hitting anything in a blue sweater.
Several times, the veterans not dressed in the game and watching from the corner were brought to their feet, cheering on the young players for solid hits.
Winkler had the best chance of the period, as they stormed into the zone, pushing the Steinbach defenders back, only to have the generated chance hit the crossbar and stay out.
The game remained scoreless after the first period.
Special teams lessons
In the second, the special teams of both sides were called into action, and for the Flyers, the results were mixed.
Steinbach opened the scoring in the second period, notching a power play goal giving them a 1-0 lead.
That lead would double on another power play a few minutes later, putting Steinbach up 2-0.
Eric Berger would get the Flyers a little closer on a power play of their own, notching his first of the preseason from Ezekiel Lambert and Caden McMahon.
2-1 would be the score after forty minutes, thanks to some great work by goaltender Liam Russel, who was a standout making 22 saves through the first two periods.
Tough third
In the final period of regulation, the Flyers slowed down, and the Pistons ramped up.
Less than a minute into the third, Steinbach extended their lead to 3-1.
Crew Elder scored to cut the lead to 3-2, with assists to going to Connor Vandal and Haiden Friesen, but that would be as close as the Flyers would get.
A pair of goals by the Pistons in the back half of the third made it a 5-2 game.
Coach notes
"We enjoyed getting our 2025-26 exhibition season underway," Flyers Head Coach Matt Melo said after the game. "It was good to have our young talent get a taste of the league.
I liked our first 20 minutes. Liked our physicality and compete. Thought Liam Russell allowed us to settle into the game early by being steady. He was maybe our bright spot on the night."
Melo believes the group learned some lessons throughout the game. "Game got away from us as the special teams battle opened up in the second, and then I thought we ran out of gas in the final 20 minutes. All in all, some things to like with our young group, and lots of opportunity for growth."
Sunday rematch
The two teams well meet again on Sunday in Steinbach, as the Flyers make their first ever visit to the Southeast Event Centere. Game time is 7:00 p.m.