The upgrades to the T.G. Smith Centre are coming in nicely as crews are in the process of installing new LED Lights. Just take a look at that lighting difference! Once the lights are installed, crews will then begin to put up a new roof cover. Fans will be able to see the Pistons better than ever before come the team's home opener in September.
For many 15-year-old Manitoban hockey players, the MJHL Draft can be a time of excitement and nervousness. After a grueling season with countless hours on the road and in rinks, players follow the draft meticulously to see if they have been chosen by one of the eleven Manitoba Junior teams. Landon Roberts, the Steinbach Pistons 11th overall pick in this years MJHL Draft, was honored to hear that he had been drafted by Steinbach. “I had just come in from working outside, when my dad handed me the phone. My mom called to let me know that I had been drafted by Steinbach 11th overall.” Roberts who plays a two-way, physical game, was exactly what the Pistons scouting staff was looking for in this year’s MJHL Draft. “I am a hardworking, explosive power forward that plays a full 200 foot game,” explains the 6’0”, 170 lbs 15 year-old. “I am a strong, efficient skater who uses my physicality to battle on the boards and protect my team mates.” Roberts played for the Southwest Cougars Bantam AAA team this past year where he posted 25 goals, and 27 assists for 52 points in 31 games. Despite having a strong individual year, Roberts and his team didn’t finish the year as they hoped. However, the product of Souris, Manitoba believes that he learned a lot and that his experiences will help him moving forward. “My AAA Bantam season may not have garnered the results we, the team, wanted, but we played well and made a lot of progress as the season went on. I gained a lot of valuable experience being captain of the team, which I hope to bring to the Pistons someday.” As a result of his play, Roberts was also drafted by the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey league with the 129th pick in the 6th round. Although Roberts is from the western side of the province, he has been to Steinbach and is familiar with the area. “I played in the Hockey Provincials my minor bantam year, as well as the Manitoba Summer Games in Steinbach. I enjoyed my time in Steinbach and it seems like a welcoming community.” As for his bright future, Roberts is committed to pursing his hockey career as far as it will take him while also focusing on his academic studies. “Education is important to me, and is my top priority. I aspire to be able to play hockey at the highest level possible, taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I am willing to pursue my education while playing hockey but I am not opposed to delaying my post-secondary education to pursue my hockey goals.” The Steinbach Pistons would like to congratulate Landon for being chosen by the organization and would like to welcome him and his family to the Pistons community.
The Steinbach Pistons were able to recently connect with alumni Tyler Penner who is back home for the summer after completing his freshman year at Colgate University. The product of Winnipeg played hockey for the schools Division One program where he tallied 3 points in 31 games. During his Pistons Career, Penner was a dominant force on the ice, as he was offensively gifted but played a very strong defensive game as well. Penner’s time with the Pistons began when the team called him up for one game in the 2012-13 regular season. After finishing the season with the Winnipeg Thrashers in Midget AAA, Penner joined the Pistons for the team’s first berth in the MJHL playoffs since it’s relocation to Steinbach. Although only having one game of junior experience under his belt, Penner was one of the most consistent players during the playoffs and eventually helped the under-dog Pistons win their first MJHL Championship that year. Penner went on to compete with the Pistons in the Inaugural Western Canada Cup in Nanaimo, British Columbia. In the following three years with the Pistons, Penner emerged as one of the top forwards in the league. He helped the Pistons to very strong Regular Season and Playoff showings. As a result of his consistent play and strong character, Penner was awarded the Pistons captaincy in the 2015-16 season. Penner was also dedicated to furthering his education, as he took courses at the University of Manitoba during his time with the Pistons. Penner was rewarded for his efforts on and off the ice when he committed to Colgate University, a Patriot League Division One program. Penner finished his junior career among the top of many all-time Pistons offensive categories. Penner ranked 9th in games played with 168, 3rd in goals with 79, 5th in assists with 77 and 4th in points with 156. In 51 total playoff games, Penner contributed 11 goals and 23 points. Penner was awarded many league accomplishments during his Pistons career including an MJHL Championship, Player of the Month award for November in the 2014-15 season and Second All-Star Team nominations in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. The following is Tyler Penner’s Q and A STP: What are you doing in life these days? Penner: I am currently playing hockey at Colgate University and I just finished my freshman year. I am still trying to figure out exactly what I want to major in so at the moment I’ve taken an array of different courses. STP: What are your plans for the future? Penner: I would love to play hockey as long as I can. I am looking forward to three more years at University but once my career with Colgate has come to an end, I would love to continue my hockey career, whether that is in North America or overseas. As for the academic side, I am still in the process of deciding what major to pursue. I am in between Economics and Psychology at the moment however that could still change as I explore my options. STP: Do you still follow the team during the season? Penner: Yes, I definitely follow the team throughout the year. It is always nice to check the scores and see how the guys have been doing. I still have a bunch of close friends that are on the team so it is nice to see how they and the team are doing. I also keep in contact with Paul as well just to touch base on how things are going. STP: Do you still connect with any of your former pistons teammates? Penner: I try to keep in touch with as many of my teammates as I can. Whether it’s a simple text or a facetime, it’s always nice to hear from them. And even if I haven’t talked to one of them in a while, when you meet up, you start back up at the same place you left off and it’s as if there was no time apart. STP: Who was your favorite Pistons player and why? Penner: This is a tough question to answer seeing as each teammate was different and they all had different impacts on me. However if I had to pick one, it would be Dan Taillefer. He was my teammate the whole time that I was in Steinbach and we became great friends. He was a tremendous hockey player and my line mate for my last two years in Steinbach and I believe his play helped me get to where I am today. Also when you have the nickname “Mr. All-time” it definitely helps. STP: What are your most memorable on ice moments with the Pistons? Penner: The most memorable moment on the ice with the Pistons has to be when I was able to play in the playoffs when I was 17 and win the MJHL championship. That is something I will never forget. Another great moment for me was in my final season when all the graduating players were honored at center ice. It was weird to think that it would be the last time I’d play with all of them but it also reinforced how great of players they were and how I was lucky to experience it all. STP: What are your most memorable off-ice moments with the Pistons? Penner: There are so many that it is hard to keep track of. Could start with the long road trips up to OCN where you really get to know each other while you’re stuck on a bus for 8 hours. Getting to know my billet family, the Lazaruks, and spending time with them was very special as well. The things I won’t forget though are just the nights where all the guys got together and we just messed around. Whether it was playing baseball, going for a swim or watching the bachelor with 23 other guys, they are memories I’ll have forever. STP: What advice would you give to future players wanting to play in Steinbach? Penner: Playing in Steinbach was one of the best things that has happened to me. Take advantage of your time there and make memories. Be prepared to work hard and have the expectation to continue having the success the organization has had in the past. STP: How did your time with the Pistons get you to where you are today? Penner: Without playing for Steinbach I don’t know where I’d be in my hockey career. It prepared me and gave me the exposure necessary to allow me to continue my hockey career. Steinbach also helped to shape me into the person that I am today through my teammates, coaches, billets, and the fans around town. Stayed tuned for the next Pistons Alumni Update featuring Kyle Rous
Attention all Steinbach Pistons Alumni. The Pistons would like to invite you to register online at steinbachpistons.ca to our new alumni database. Our goal is to create a network that allows for better connections to be made between alumni themselves as well as the Pistons organization. Registering online will allow us to provide alumni with information on team updates as well as future Pistons alumni activities. We greatly appreciate the positive impacts that alumni have made during their time as Pistons. We are proud of our alumni’s accomplishments and understand that without them, the Steinbach Pistons would not be the team it is today. Click here to complete the Alumni Registration Form
The Steinbach Pistons are excited to announce that defenseman Tyler Anderson has committed to St. Cloud State University of NCAA Division One. Anderson is the 6th Pistons player to commit to a Division One program, joining fellow teammate Roman Bengert this year, who committed to play at Lake Superior State University. Anderson is thrilled to have committed to such an excellent Division One school. “For me, a huge part of choosing St. Cloud was because of the reputation of the program. It’s a great program that is competitive every year, and it’s close to home so my family can come watch a lot of my games.” Since he began his career with the Pistons back in 2015, Anderson has continuously grown and matured as a player. This year, the assistant captain was one of the top defensemen in the league, posting 12 goals and 37 assists for 49 points in 53 games. His consistent play and knowledge of the game attracted the attention of Division One schools, ultimately landing Anderson with the St. Cloud commitment. Being already accustomed to large amounts of fans, that pack Steinbach Pistons home games at the Centennial Rink, Anderson is excited to continue experiencing that trend at a Division One level. “I’m definitely excited to play in front of college crowds with student sections,” explains the MJHL Top Defenseman finalist. “I’m an emotional player and I love to feed off that energy, so I’m really looking forward to that.” Anderson’s commitment to St. Cloud also provides him the opportunity to further his education by pursuing a degree he has interest in. “I plan on taking a Bachelors of Science in Bio-Medicine during my time at St. Cloud, which I am looking forward to working towards.” As for his time in Steinbach, Anderson believes it has been key to his development on and off the ice. “I can’t put into words how much my time with the Pistons contributed to my commitment to St. Cloud,” describes Anderson. “Paul and the rest of the staff have created a professional environment that makes players better, and makes players want to reach their life goals. I feel like I have developed more as a player in Steinbach than I have the rest of my life, and I owe that to how the organization is run.” I’m definitely going to miss Steinbach and remember it for the rest of my life.” “Tyler has worked extremely hard to be in the position he has found himself in,” explains Pistons Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck. “His game developed at a rapid rate this past season and he provided strong leadership in our room. Tyler has great character and although we will miss him, we are extremely excited for him on his commitment to St. Cloud.”
It was a busy weekend for the Steinbach Pistons as they added a new crop of young talent at the 2017 MJHL Draft. The Draft, along with MJHL scheduling and marketing meetings, took place in Winnipeg this past weekend. The 2002 birth year draft class was very deep and the Pistons are excited about the new players that were added to our strong prospect pool. Making the draft selections were Pistons Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck along with Head Scouts Daryl Anning and Kim Ridd. The entire Steinbach Pistons organization would like to congratulate the players drafted and welcome them and their families to the Pistons community. We look forward to having the players attend the upcoming Rookie Camp at the end of August where Pistons fans will be able to see the newest team editions on the ice. The following are the players selected by the Steinbach Pistons. As a result of finishing first in the league this past season, the Pistons held the 11th pick in all 6 rounds of the draft. Round 1: Pick 11: Landon Roberts Position: Forward Height: 6’0” Weight: 160 lbs 2016-17 Team: Southwest Cougars Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 31 Games Played, 25 Goals, 27 Assists, 52 Points Coach’s Comments: Landon is a power forward with very strong character. He brings a physical edge each night and can contribute offensively. We like the fact that he is an all around good athlete. Round 2: Pick 22: Ty Thorpe Position: Forward Height 5’11” Weight: 146 lbs 2016-17 Team: Rink Hockey Academy Bantam Rep Stats: 30 Games Played, 13 Goals, 29 Assists, 42 Points Coach’s Comments: Ty is a complete player who plays in all 3 zones. He has excellent vision, a good skill set and a high compete level. Round 3: Pick 33: Carter Bateman Position: Defense Height: 5’8” Weight: 168 lbs 2016-17 Team: Interlake Lightning Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 35 Games Played, 9 Goals, 11 Assists, 20 Points Coach’s Comments: Carter is a hard-nosed defenseman that makes the opposition pay the price. He has good size and mobility and can contribute in many different ways. Round 4: Pick 44: Logan Danis Position: Forward Height: 5’6” Weight: 180 lbs 2016-17 Team: Rink Hockey Academy Bantam Rep Stats: 29 Games Played, 11 Goals, 10 Assists, 21 Points Coach’s Comments: Logan is a solid player that is strong on pucks. He has a real knack for the net and is a good character going man. Round 5: Pick 55: Lucas Fry Position: Defense Height: 5’9” Weight: 170 lbs 2016-17 Team: Winnipeg Monarchs Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 34 Games Played, 0 Goals, 13 Assists, 13 Points Coach’s Comments: Lucas plays a simple heads up game and makes good decisions with the puck. He has good size and plays an efficient game. Round 6: Pick 66: Aeden Loschiavo Position: Forward Height: 6’3” Weight: 150 lbs 2016-17 Team: Winnipeg Monarchs Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 33 Games Played, 14 Goals, 18 Assists, 32 Points Coach’s Comments: Aiden is a good-sized skilled forward that can produce offensively. He also can bring a physical dimension to his game. Auto Protected Players: Caleb Thiessen Position: Forward Height: 5’9” Weight: 151 lbs 2016-17 Team: Stats: Unavailable Cole Oswald Position: Goalie Height: 5’10” Weight: 155 lbs 2016-17 Team: Eastman Selects Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 21 Games Played, 12 wins, 2 shutouts, 3.10 GAA, 890 SV%
The Steinbach Pistons are teaming up with BSI Insurance Steinbach for the Take Pride Winnipeg, Brush Up 2017 project. BSI is working with Take Pride Winnipeg to paint a home for an elderly or disabled homeowner that can't otherwise repaint their home. Normally Take Pride Winnipeg operates in Manitoba’s Capital, but they are again venturing outside of the perimeter highway with the help of BSI Steinbach. Matt Neufeld from BSI Steinbach explains that they were approached by the Take Pride Winnipeg organization in 2015 to help promote community awareness in making cities clean and beautiful. “This outreach program takes in nominations for those houses that need a little help in exterior painting, and where the owners can't manage to do it themselves because of age, disability, fixed income, or other physical or financial limitations.,” explains Matt. The project needs the help of volunteers to help paint the home, and Matt thought of the Steinbach Pistons when looking for volunteers. “I knew that working with the Steinbach Pistons would be a great choice as this would work within their goal of being passionately involved in the community they play in. The Pistons teamed up with BSI Steinbach back in 2015 and took part in a very successful Brush Up project. “We had a fantastic day of getting to know one another and enjoying each other's company, and we look forward to doing this project again this year,” states Matt, about the 2015 experience with the Pistons. The Pistons are looking forward to working with BSI Insurance Steinbach and taking part in this years Brush Up project. The deadline to apply for the project is on June 15th with the painting of the home to begin later this fall. Click here to nominate someone you know
The Steinbach Pistons volunteered their time today to help Tim Hortons out with their Camp Day festivities. Pistons Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck, as well as team mascot Clutch were on hand to help employees out at the Tim Hortons North Steinbach location. Paul and Clutch helped out at the drive thru window where they provided customers with their coffee and food. Proceeds from every coffee sold go towards sending local children to camps, who without the help of Tim Hortons, could not afford to go. The money also goes towards funding the camps that children attend through this event in Canada and the United States. The Pistons would like to thank Tim Hortons for allowing us to help out with Camp Day. Head over to your local Tim Hortons location today to buy a coffee and support a great cause.
The Steinbach Pistons are proud to announce that defenseman Joseph Leonidas has committed to Lakehead University where he will play for the Thunderwolves of the Canadian U Sports Men’s Hockey league, formally known as CIS. Leonidas explains that he had a few Canadian universities contact him about committing to their programs, but that Lakehead was the obvious choice. “Lakehead took the time to fly me down for a visit and showed me what their program was all about. They have a great business program and not to mention a good hockey team. Over the course of my visit, it became more and more clear that this was the place I wanted to be.” Leonidas, who plans to take Honours in Bachelor of Commerce, joined the Pistons this past season in a trade with the Flin Flon Bombers. In 32 games with the Pistons, Leonidas recorded 6 goals and added 15 assists for 21 points. Over his junior career, which included stints in the AJHL, SJHL and the NAHL in the United Sates, Leonidas recorded 95 points. For Leonidas, the thought of playing at the university level excites him. “I’m really looking forward to playing CIS hockey and in front of the largest CIS fan base in the country is going to be amazing. Lakehead has a strong recruiting class this year and the coaching staff and community expect big things moving forward.” Leonidas is thankful for his time in Steinbach as he believes it has helped him progress to the next level of hockey. “Paul, Joey and Graham helped me refine aspects of my game, from video sessions to one on one stuff, and that was one of the biggest reasons for my successes this past season,” said the product of Calgary, Alberta. “The organization was nothing but fantastic to me and my family during my time and I will forever be grateful to have worn the pistons jersey.” “I am excited for Joe and the opportunity that he has earned,” shared Head Coach and General Manager of the Pistons, Paul Dyck. “He is a very skilled player and his skating will help him transition to the university game. We wish him all the best as he begins his collegiate career.”
The Steinbach Pistons want to remind you that the registration deadline for Hockey in the City is June 5th. Don't miss out on a fun-filled day where you can play in an organized street hockey tournament and meet your favourite Steinbach Pistons players. Visit summerinthecity.ca to register your team today.
