{"slides_column":"2","slides_scroll":"1","dots":"false","arrows":"true","autoplay":"true","autoplay_interval":"5000","loop":"true","rtl":"false","speed":"2000","center_mode":"false"}
Codey Behun and Rylan Bettens (navy blue) battle with Matt Osadick (light blue) on the faceoff. All three lit the lamp during Friday night's intersquad game. (Photo credit: Alexa Bezditny)

Big Guns Show Out in First Pistons Game Back With Fans

In the first official 60-minute game of Pistons Main Camp, the expected top scorers for the Steinbach Pistons came to play in the first of two intersquad matchups.

Offseason acquisition and University of Maine commit Matt Osadick starred with three goals and an assist as his squad, Team Rumardale/Rockrose, defeated Team Sunnyglade/Pennwood 7-5 Friday night at the TG Smith Centre in the first game back with fans allowed in the building.

Ty Naaykens (also with Team Rumardale/Rockrose) also had two goals and an assist on the night. Matty Harrold had a solid night with a goal, and Sam Court, the Pistons’ first round pick in the 2019 MJHL Bantam Draft, had the other marker for Team Rumardale/Rockrose after he was switched to that side during the first intermission. Kyle Bettens had two assists while Caydin Cleland also notched an assist.

It was a more balanced scoring effort for Team Sunnyglade/Pennwood, with Rylan Bettens leading the way scoring two goals on the night. Newcomer Caden Triggs also notched a couple of assists playing with Bettens the entire game.

Codey Behun, Dominic Murano, and Zac Patrick replied for Team Sunnyglade/Pennwood, while Owen Weihs, Denton Mateychuk, and Ethan Johnson picked up an assist during the game.

19 year old goalie Evan Van Laeken started the first half of the game for Team Rumardale/Rockrose, while Dawson Rattai saw the net for Team Sunnyglade/Pennwood during the first 30 minutes.  Returning 20-year-old Thomson Phinney took the net in the second half for Team Rumardale/Rockrose and came on strong after a slow start to his night, picking up the win in goal. 19-year-old goalie Simon Harkness from Calgary took over for Rattai also at the halfway point of the game for Team Sunnyglade/Pennwood.

The same teams will go back at it tomorrow night with potential roster changes to each side. Head Coach/GM Paul Dyck quickly commented that it was great to have fans attending in the building, and felt great to have a game-like atmosphere back in the TG Smith again.

UP NEXT: The final intersquad game goes tomorrow at 7:30 pm, same rules and guidelines will be applied for that contest. Entry is $5 for adults, and $2 for ages 15 and under. The first exhibition game for the Pistons will take place on Tuesday, September 29th when they face the Selkirk Steelers in Selkirk. Steinbach will then host their final exhibition game on Saturday, October 3rd when the Winkler Flyers come to town for a 7:30 pm matchup.