Darby Gula potted the power play winner in overtime to lift the Steinbach Pistons over the Swan Valley Stampeders 5-4.
Gula’s third goal of the season came after a great passing play on the 4 on 3 man advantage. Braden Purtill took a pass from the returning Drew Worrad, and then proceeded to slide the puck over to Gula who ripped the winner over the blocker arm of Stampeder goalie Brett Evans.
Matt Radomsky was solid in the Pistons net, making 31 tough saves on quality scoring chances by the Stampeders.
“He made some key saves, and we probably don’t win the game if he doesn’t come up with some big ones,” said assistant coach Joey Moggach. “He makes some incredible saves for us, and it’s a boost for our guys on the bench to see him competing like that.”
Danny Pion notched his first of the year midway through the first on a rebound opportunity. Purtill scored his 11th on the campaign to give the Pistons the 2-1 lead in the second after Swan Valley tied it up late in the third. And Easton Bennett capitalized on a stretch of odd-man rushes for the Pistons to extend the lead to two.
However the pesky Stampeders wouldn’t go away as they equalized early in the third. Worrad gave the Pistons a quick lead with his 3rd of the season. The Stampeders tied the game again as Stephon Perreault scored on a two on one odd-man rush.
Gula netted the winner after Purtill drew a penalty on a chance in front of the net. The Steinbach native continues to lead all MJHL defencemen in points, and he added to that total tonight by picking up another two to increase his total to 14 on the season.
The Pistons continue their 5-game homestand with a showdown against the league leading OCN Blizzard on Sunday. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm.
Special Teams
The Pistons clicked on the power play, as they converted 2 of 3 chances with the man advantage. The penalty kill was also efficient, killing of 4 of 5 penalties.