It’s off to the Hockey For All Centre on Sunday as the Steinbach Pistons take on divisional opponents the Winnipeg Freeze.
Both clubs coming off of wins on Friday night with a day off on Saturday.
The Pistons beat the Dauphin Kings 5-1 in what was an eagerly anticipated matchup by both clubs as well as fans as this was the first time the last two MJHL Champions met this season. Five out of the six goals scored in the game came in the 3rd period. The Kings tied it up 1-1 just seconds into the period. Minutes later, the Pistons strike back to back within 20 seconds to make it 3-1. After some penalty trouble for the Kings late in the game, the Pistons piled on two more 23 seconds apart in the last minute of the game.
Despite being down two veteran leaders in defenseman Jack Cook and Hunter Degelman due to injury, the Pistons have shown they have plenty of fire power in the lineup to get the job done. The Pistons are currently on a 9 game win streak and hope to keep that alive as they face the last place Freeze on the road.
That being said, there’s a little climate change going on lately for the Freeze as they are now on a two game winning streak, both in extra time. The Freeze beat Steelers in a shootout on Friday night in Selkirk. Most notably, they took down the Portage Terriers last Saturday on home ice in overtime 4-3. Confidence will be running high for this young hard working team with nothing to lose.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 24/96 – 23.3% PK 97/109 – 89.0%
FREEZE: PP 12/102 – 11.8% PK 64/92 – 69.6%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pistons: Connor Paronuzzi
The 18 year old rookie is showing some Brad Marchand like qualities in that he can put up points but also get under the opposing teams skin which has proven very valuable so far. The young forward has put up 7 goals and 10 assists so far as a rookie. He may be smaller in stature but he is not afraid to make or taker big hits. Paronuzzi will be a player to watch not only tonight but as he continues on his junior career.
Freeze: Kylow Monkman
The 19 year old forward scored the game winner for the Freeze in a shootout on Friday night. A gutsy way to close out a win on the road. Monkman will be someone for the Pistons to keep an eye on as he gets near the blue paint .
Puck drop at the Hockey For All Centre is at 6:00pm. Catch the game on Flo Hockey or listen to voice of the Pistons Dave Anthony over at DAbroadcasting.mixlr.com.
Road Report brought to you by Compass Coach Lines. Visit them at www.compasscoachlines.com.