Mackenzie Graham led Steinbach to their third straight victory as the Pistons shutout the Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Sunday night. The 4-0 win was aided by Mac’s two third period goals, bringing his season total to 13. Graham’s double was bookended by Charter Chorney’s opening marker in the first, and Tyson McConnell’s second of the year, later on in the third.
Waywayseecappo struggled to create any real chances until the third period, but Roman Bengert stood tall as he stopped all 17 shots he faced. In doing so, he earned himself his second shutout of the season, improving his record to 13-1.
Steinbach put up a season-high 48 shots against Wolverine’s goalie, Mackenzie Chalmers, who played a very solid game, despite giving up four goals. The constant pressure that the Pistons put on the Wolverines goalie, allowed him to display his quick glove four times, in the first period alone. Unfortunately for Chalmers, it was only a matter of time before the deadlock would be broken by Charter Chorney early into the second period.
The main problem that plagued Wayway was the lack of offensive threat. Only putting two shots on goal in the first period, to Steinbach’s seventeen. The Wolverines played with plenty of heart but fortunately for the Pistons, the skill-gap between the first and last placed team, was too large to overcome.
Head Coach Paul Dyck spoke to this after the game, “We played a team tonight that works extremely hard, so they did make it difficult on us. But we got the two points, our third period was much better than our first and second. We gave up more scoring chances than we would have liked, but Roman stood tall, so I’m very pleased with his effort.”
Will Koop assisted on both of Graham’s goals, and was one of the key players on the ice tonight. His quickness, allowed him to create chances that were converted in the third period. Not wanting to miss out on the action, fellow forward Drew Anderson also added three assists in his best game of the season. Coach Dyck praised both of the hard-working forwards in his postgame interview by stating, “In practice, they prepare the right way, and in games, they bring it every night. They compete for pucks, and it’s good to see them rewarded.”
The Pistons take on the Neepawa Natives on Wednesday night at the T.G. Smith Centre, hoping to extend their winning streak to four games. Puck drops at 7:30 pm for what should be an exciting matchup.
Tonight’s 3-Stars
1st Star- Mackenzie Graham (Steinbach) 2 Goals
2nd Star- Drew Anderson (Steinbach) 3 Assists
3rd Star- Roman Bengert (Steinbach) 17 Saves, Shutout