The Pistons played away Thursday night to the Selkirk Steelers and gave up 5 goals in a losing effort. Roman Bengert started in goal for the Pistons and would see a total of 25 shots. Steinbach would get a third-period goal from Vaughn Dupre assisted by Darby Gula. The game would end in favour of the Steelers 5-1.
Coming off a win Wednesday night at home against Neepawa, the Pistons came in on a solid four-game winning streak. In Selkirk however, it looked like a different team from the night before.
Apart from appearing a bit worn down, most of the lucky puck bounces went in favour of the Steelers. Selkirk played solid fundamental hockey and put consistent pressure on the Pistons. They finished checks and played passes with precision, opening up the Pistons defence time and time again. Across the full sixty minutes, the Steelers outplayed and capitalized on chances they created.
Selkirk was led tonight by twenty-year old Ezra Hall, who finished off his hat-trick in the 3rd period at 14:44, Hall showed incredible hustle getting to the puck and to the front of the net, allowing him to capitalize on Steinbach’s mistakes.
Despite the absence of Tyler Anderson, who is out due to a 5 game league suspension because of a high hit against Neepawa, the Pistons can take solace in the performance of alternate player, Will Cruise, who made his Pistons debut. Despite not getting much ice time, young Cruise gave the Pistons their first scoring opportunity early on in the first period.
The Pistons top player was Vaughn Dupre, scoring Steinbach’s only goal of the game. Dupre’s tenacity was demonstrated by his checking and overall defensive performance. This third-period goal was his fourth of the season.
The Pistons will hope to come back on Wednesday the 16th of November against the Neepawa Natives and record another victory. The game will take place at the T.G. Smith Centre in Steinbach, and the puck will drop at 7:30 pm.