Courtesy of Steinbachonline.com
The Steinbach Pistons got back on the winning track with a dominating 6-1 victory over the Neepawa Natives on Wednesday night.
After a tough loss on Sunday afternoon, head coach Paul Dyck talks about a few changes he made to get some more energy. “We juggled the lines a little for the game with the hope of creating a balanced attack and I think we saw that tonight as each line produced scoring opportunities.”
Dyck asked for balanced scoring and the team responded. 5 different goal scorers put up markers including Brad Schoonbaert, Luke Amsbaugh (2), Tyler Penner, Matthieu Gomercic and Darby Gula.
For Gula, it was his first Manitoba Junior Hockey League goal and Dyck knows that Gula has a bright future ahead of him. “Darby has a nice release and has been doing a good job finding lanes and getting pucks through. He has been given an opportunity on our power play recently and is looking more comfortable each game.”
Joe Carney, Dan Taillefer (2), Connor Martin, Hayden Goderis (2), Scott Petkau, Ryan Carlson, Schoonbaert, Penner (2) and Mack Graham all contributed assists.
Roman Bengert got the start and made 35 saves in the win. “Roman was solid tonight,” says Dyck on his goalies performance. “He wasn’t tested heavily and we did a pretty good job of keeping them to perimeter shots.”
The power play went 2 for 4 while the penalty kill went 3 for 4.
After losing 3 of 4 last week, Dyck knows just how important this win was for his club. “It was a big game for us and the players recognized that. We were able to generate more scoring chances during 5 on 5 play and our power play scored another 2 (goals). We had a stretch during the 2nd where we were a little sloppy with the puck, but we tightened that up in the 3rd. Overall we feel our game tonight should help boost our confidence and hopefully we build on it.”
The Pistons take off for a two-game road trip Friday in Waywayseecappo and Saturday night in Dauphin before returning home for a date with the Portage Terriers on Wednesday night when it’s Pink in the Rink at the T.G. Smith Centre.
(Picture Above: Darby Gula scored his first MJHL goal in the victory)