It was a statement win by the Steinbach Pistons as the two best teams in the MJHL so far this season went head-to-head last night at Stride Place. The Terriers suffered just their third loss of the season as the visiting Steinbach Pistons beat them 6-1.
Steinbach showed why they are among the best in the league when they scored 14 seconds into the game. Travis Hensrud capitalized on a Terrier turnover. Hunter Degelman increased their lead later in the period firing a shot between the legs of a Terrier defenceman past a screened Bailey Monteith. 2-0 Steinbach after one.
The action was tight throughout the second period, but it would be Steinbach striking again. Hensrud scored his second of the night on the power play. Portage finally showed some life late in the second period. The puck was held in at the point and then after a couple of quick passes Austin Peters was alone in front of the net and he buried his chance. As time expired Hayden Lacquette got a pair of penalties for roughing and roughing after the whistle. 3-1 Steinbach after two.
The penalties cost the Terriers as it killed any momentum they had to start the third period. Six minutes into the third period Austin Peters got caught with a high stick. While he was on the ice the Pistons got an odd man rush up the ice and scored their fourth of the night. The Terriers never touched the puck, which was why the play wasn’t blown down. The Pistons then put the game out of reach adding two more goals from Nicholas Mikan and a power play marker from Kirk Mullen.
The Terriers’ special teams struggled going 0/5 on the power play and 5/7 on the penalty kill.
Portage had chances throughout the night, but couldn’t score on enough of them. They outshot the Pistons 40-36. The Terriers now get ready for the Winnipeg Jets Alumni vs Portage Terriers Alumni game on Wednesday at 7:30pm at Stride Place. Tickets are available here, or at Stride Place Reception. The teams next game is Friday night in Steinbach.