Pistons’ Depth Players Get It Done in Win over Virden

Easton Bennett and Nolan Ferguson’s goals early in the third period were the difference, as the Steinbach Pistons scored a 4-2 victory over the Virden Oil Capitals on Friday night.

Bennett took a pass from Jack Johnson in the slot, and fired a wrist shot that beat Virden goalie Dalton Dosch for the game-winning goal three minutes into the third period. Ferguson slammed home his first MJHL goal from the right point that beat Dosch glove side.

“It was good to see Fergie bury that one tonight,” Head Coach Paul Dyck said after the game. “I thought he had a solid game and one he can build on.”

Jack Johnson had a goal and assist as he was the only player on the ice with 2 points in the game. Both goaltenders were working overtime in this game, and Matthew Thiessen was sensational again for the Pistons, stopping 39 of 41 Virden shots in the victory. Dosch gave a valiant performance for the Oil Caps by making 42 saves, however he took the loss in goal.

The first meeting of the season between these two teams was an even contest throughout. The first period saw three penalties called in the first ten minutes against Virden, and Steinbach capitalized on the last penalty as Daniel McKitrick notched his 9^th of the season (5^th with the Pistons) at the 11:16 mark. Mark Taraschuk picked up the lone helper on the goal. Virden quickly responded, as Dylan Thiessen snapped home his 7^th of the season three minutes later to tie the game at 1.

The Oil Caps took the lead early in the second period, as a backhander from Jeran Knorr on the left wing found its way past the goalie Thiessen 3:44 into the period. The Pistons couldn’t get anything going early in the period, until Darby Gula went from end-to-end, put on the brakes and threw a centering pass that found the tape of Johnson in the slot. Johnson made no mistake with his 8^th on the campaign to tie the game at 2 at the 7:35 mark of the period.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Pistons went 1 for 5 on the power play, and killed off all 3 penalties they took.

UP NEXT: These two teams will go right back at it on Saturday at the Tundra Oil and Gas Place in Virden. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm.