FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur0R05Uaz2U
The Steinbach Pistons beat the Virden Oil Capitals by a score of 3-0 in Game 5 Saturday evening to bring home the Turnbull Trophy in what will be the last game in the Centennial Arena.
The Virden Oil Capitals got themselves into penalty trouble early in the first period. Between the 7:01 and 10:54 marks of the first period the Oil Capitals would take 5 penalties and the Pistons would capitalize.
Steinbach opened the scoring at the 9:54 mark of the first period on the 5 on 4 powerplay. Parker Jasper found Travis Hensrud at the left face-off dot who circled around a bit to find some space and lane to shoot the puck, putting it through a Nick Mikan screen and past Eric Reid to make it 1-0.
The Pistons would extend their lead at the 12:59 mark of the first period with another powerplay goal. Virden tried to clear the puck out of their zone with the 5 on 3 penalty coming to a close, but Ty Paisley kept the puck in, walked in on the net and put the puck through traffic blocker side to make it 2-0.
Steinbach would go into the first intermission up 2-0 with the Pistons outshooting the Oil Caps 15-6.
Steinbach would take their first penalty of the game at the 17:59 mark of the second period. This would be the first major test for the Pistons in Game 5 with Steinbach standing tall and managing to kill of the penalty.
Steinbach would get another powerplay midway through the third period as Virden’s Bray Rookes would be assessed two minutes for high sticking. Steinbach would establish good zone time and generate some chances, but they would not be able to find the back of the net and the game would remain 2-0.
Late in the third the Oil Capitals would pull their goalie for an extra attacker. At the 16:52 mark of the third period, Steinbach would put the dagger in the coffin scoring the empty net goal. Kirk Mullen would steal the puck in the neutral zone, getting a partial two on one. A Virden defender was blocking a clear lane to the net for Mullen, so he faked a pass to Milliken, getting the defender to jump and potted the empty netter.
The Pistons would take a late penalty, but they would hold on and secure the win and the Turnbull Cup by a score of 3-0. Dominik Wasik would once again stand on his head as he would get his third shutout of the series and fourth of the playoffs.
This would be the third league title for the Pistons and third for Head Coach and GM Paul Dyck. Dawson Milliken would be awarded Playoff MVP for his outstanding play and contributions to the Pistons.