The Steinbach Pistons are excited to announce that graduating forward Michael King has committed to the University of Manitoba Bisons of U Sports for the 2021-22 season.
King was selected in the first round of the 2015 MJHL Bantam Draft by the Pistons, but spent the majority of his career in the Western Hockey League. King signed with Steinbach for his 20-year-old season, and was with the team for the final week of the season before the league was shut down in November.
“Michael plays a complete 200 foot game, and with his speed should become a very good player for the Bisons,“ Head Coach/General Manager Paul Dyck said. “Unfortunately, his stay with us was short but his impact was felt immediately. It’s great to see him get this opportunity to continue his career back at home in Winnipeg.”
King made an immediate impact in his first game with the Pistons, scoring a natural hat-trick on October 30th against the Selkirk Steelers. He also the record for the fastest player in team history to score his hat-trick, doing so in just five minutes and sixteen seconds.
“My time in Steinbach was short but sweet,” he recalled. “The coaching staff are great and the team made me feel welcome right away. It was fun to step into a winning environment and have the opportunity to do well in the few games I played. I will cherish my time in Steinbach, and I’m happy I got to wear a Pistons jersey.”
The Winnipeg product skated in 251 career WHL games with the Kootenay Ice (now Winnipeg Ice) and the Spokane Chiefs, scoring 26 goals and added 35 assists. In two games with Steinbach this season, King scored four goals and one assist.
King will suit up with some former Pistons currently playing on the Bisons roster, including Colten Veloso, Ryan Carlson, Matt Stanley, and Nico Labossiere.
“I’m confident we will have a strong team and have the ability to do well next season,” King explained when asked about his next hockey home. “I believe I will have the opportunity to develop as a player and I am very excited to get started with the Bisons. Being close to home and around family is important to me and I’m thankful I have been the opportunity to do so.”
The organization congratulates Michael on his commitment and wish him the best as he continues on with the Bisons!