The long anticipated start of the 2021-22 MJHL season is upon us as the Steinbach Pistons’ season opener is set for tonight against the Selkirk Steelers in Selkirk.
To kick off the season, the Pistons’ coaching staff are proud to announce this year’s leadership group. Leading the way as team captain this year is returning Winnipeg defenseman Zac Patrick. Patrick’s first season with the Pistons was last year in the shortened 8 game season. In 8 games Patrick had 1 goal and 1 assist. Prior to playing in the MJHL, Zac played nearly 100 games in the WHL with the Kootenay Ice. Patrick is a big asset on defense locking down the back end. With a lot of passion for the game and a great team leader, Zac Patrick should fit in nicely to the role of team Captain for the Steinbach Pistons.
The Pistons decided on 4 alternate captains in Quinton Pepper, Eduard Wruck, Matty Harrold and Owen Weihs.
Forward Quinton Pepper also played for the Pistons last year in the shortened season getting 5 points in 8 games. Pepper has a great 200-foot game, jumping in on the rush but also helping on the back check. Pepper is a genuine guy who has a team first attitude, always being there for his teammates.
Eduard Wruck is also a returning player, playing in 5 of the games last season. The 18 year old defenseman from North Vancouver is a big part of the Pistons’ defense core, keeping pucks out of the Pistons zone and using the body when need be.
Matty Harrold is a returning forward and has played for the Pistons in two different stints for a total of 14 games. As one of the few 20 year olds on the squad, Matty, naturally, leads by example and is highly regarded by his peers.
Forward Owen Weihs is also a returning player, playing in 5 games last year in the shortened season. Weihs comes to work everyday and leads by example. The 18 year old from Winnipeg, will be a great addition to the leadership group as he continues to grow into his role with the team.
As the MJHL community gets ready for opening night Head Coach & GM Paul Dyck speaks about what fans can expect from this year’s Pistons.
“We have a group of guys that skate well, can play fast and have some skill,” Dyck stated regarding the team. “They have shown us a desire to put in the work every day. These are a few traits that should help us develop as a team and become one that’s hard to play against and fun to watch”
When asked about the goals of the team for the upcoming season Dyck commented “naturally we want to be a team that is in the mix at the end of the season”. Regarding production of the team as a whole. As for individual players, Dyck stated, “As a staff, we just want to see us get better week in and week out as a team and have the players working towards reaching their potential”.
The Pistons have a lot of new faces so it will be exciting to see how they mesh as a group on the ice.
Puck drop for the season opener is at 7:30pm and can be streamed on Hockey TV. Also, catch the game on MIX96.7FM/steinbachonline.com. Dave Anthony will kick-off the pre-game show at 7:15pm from the Selkirk Recreational Complex.
The Pistons home opener is Saturday night at the T.G. Smith Centre. Come early for a parking lot BBQ hosted by our game sponsor Earl’s Meat Market from 6-7pm. Puck drop and team introductions is scheduled for 7:30pm. The gate opens at 6:45 and tickets will be available for sale at the gate.
We are coming back Full Throttle – Join us for the ride!