The Steinbach Pistons fell to the Niverville Nighthawks Friday evening by a score of 5-2, ending their 8-game win streak.
The Nighthawks opened the scoring just over a minute into the game. Braden Panzer won the faceoff back to Evan Bortis at the point who put it on net through traffic and past Dominik Wasik to make it 1-0.
Steinbach would tie the game up shorthanded with just over 3-minutes left in the opening frame. Travis Hensrud and Dawson Milliken got a two on one, with Hensrud faking the pass and putting it top corner over Chris Fines shoulder to tie it up 1-1.
The game would go into the first intermission tied 1-1 with the shot totals 11-7 for the Nighthawks.
The Nighthawks would mirror their first period start, scoring just 42 seconds into the second period. The Nighthawks put a puck towards the net that bounced off the boards and out in front with Ben Whitford putting the bouncing puck past Wasik to make it 2-1.
Niverville would extend their lead to two goals at the 11:04 mark of the second period. Isaac Rentmeester blocked a shot from the point and picked up the loose puck, entering the zone on a partial two on one. Rentmeester made a move to the high slot and put it past Wasik to make it 3-1.
Niverville entered the second intermission with a 3-1 lead and outshooting the Pistons 28-11.
Steinbach would bring the game to within one with a powerplay goal at the 8:22 mark of the third period. Ty Paisley put a puck high over the net with Davis Fry getting the loose puck at the left faceoff dot and put it top corner to make it 3-2.
Steinbach would make a push to tie the game up, but Niverville would restore the 2-goal lead, quashing the Pistons momentum and effort to tie the game up. Braden Panzer made a move out front with Wasik stopping the first shot, but Josh Paulhus got the rebound and put it short side to make it 4-2.
Niverville put the nail in the coffin with Braden Panzer potting the empty netter to secure the 5-2 win over the Steinbach Pistons.