Caden Lave scored the overtime winner for the Steinbach Pistons just 1:34 into the extra frame, securing a 4-3 victory over the defending Turnbull and Centennial Cup champions, the Niverville Nighthawks, Friday night at Niverville Community Resource & Recreation Centre.
The London, Ontario, defenceman already has three goals this season. He credits the Pistons’ coaching staff for helping build his confidence at both ends of the ice.
“I’m gonna give a shoutout to the coaches, Paul and Bugyik,” said Lave postgame to Dave Anthony. “They’re pretty good with helping me out on the bench, they’ll walk me through plays and stuff like that. Every game you’re getting a little bit better, and that’s all I want to do.”
Lyndon Lamb recorded his second straight two-goal performance, carrying over his confidence from Winkler last Sunday with his third and fourth goals of the campaign.
Steinbach found itself trailing twice in the contest, but took its first lead of the night early in the third period when Logan Mehl beat Ben Chornomydz for his third of the year.
Marlen Edwards continued to stay hot for Niverville, scoring his sixth of the campaign, including the late game-tying goal that forced overtime.
Lincoln Molind stopped 28 of 31 shots between the pipes for the visiting Pistons. Steinbach improved to 6-1-0-0, remaining first in the MGEU East Division.
Steinbach will have to reset quickly as it takes on the Dauphin Kings in less than 24 hours at home.
“We need to leave it here,” said Pistons head coach Paul Dyck, speaking with Anthony. “I thought we learned a lot today. Our messaging after the game was let’s park this, should feel good about it, but I think we learned a lot here today, but tomorrow’s another tough test.”
Puck drop at Southeast Event Centre on Saturday is set for 7:00 p.m. CT.
Article Written by Evan Waldner
