The MJHL preseason officially kicked off for the Steinbach Pistons on Friday night, as they dumped the Winkler Flyers 5-2.
Young guys get a chance
With both teams putting younger rosters on display, players from both sides tried to make an impression early, as the game featured some physical moments, combined with some learning opportunities for players that got their first taste of real junior A action.
Learning experience
In the first, the Flyers came out strong, pushing the pace and doing a good job limiting the Pistons entry's into the zone, while also counter attacking.
Winkler had the best chance in the period, coming in on the attack, but ringing a shot off the crossbar.
Steinbach's starting goalie Easton Thvedt battled in the period, making all 8 saves he was call on to make.
Taking over
In the second, Steinbach started to play their game, and the ice started to tilt their way.
The Pistons did a much better job moving pucks up the ice, limiting the Flyers entries into the zone, and were able to keep up they physical play.
A 4-on-3 power play would give Steinbach the lead, as Gavin Holod knocked home a rebound, putting the road team up 1-0. Luc DeGagne and Nick DeGeorge had the helpers.
Another power play extended the lead as Eric Han scored to make it 2-0
Winkler would cut into the lead on a power play of their own, bringing the score to 2-1 through forty minutes of play.
Putting the game away
Less than a minute into the third, Tanner Ducharme, who used his size, and determination to earn some space in front of the Flyers net, would restore the Pistons two-goal lead, making it a 3-1 contest with DeGagne and Evan Kabel getting credit for the assists.
Just a few minutes later, the Flyers would cut the lead to 3-2, but that would be as close as they would get.
Ben O'Leary showcased a laser shot, scoring a beauty to bump the lead up to 4-2. DeGeorge notched his second helper of the night on the maker.
Ducharme would make the final goal of the night possible, as the hulking forward caused a ruckus in front, taking a lot of the Flyers attention away from Blake Farthing, who wired a shot home to bring it to 5-2 Steinbach.
Fight, fight, fight
Jimmy Wilcox dropped the gloves with one of the Flyers in third period tussle that brought both benches to their feet. Wilcox managed to do well in the scrap, and got some pats on the back from teammates as he left the ice after the tilt.
Coaches notes
"I like the pace that we played with, and the intensity we brought into the game," Head Coach Paul Dyck said after the contest. "We have not taught a lot to this point, but today we started implementing a little more structure, and I thought the guys did a good job of learning on the fly."
The two teams will meet again on Sunday, something Dyck is already looking forward to. "We are looking for guys to look to take another step on Sunday," he details. "For many that played tonight, it was their first junior A game, so hopefully they feel a little more comfortable, and continue to progress. It will be great to get the season going at home, and I am sure the guys will be excited for the second game of the two game set with Winkler."
Game time
Sunday's contest will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Southeast Event Centre.