The Steinbach Pistons scored six goals between the second and third periods, eventually running away with a 7-2 victory over the Winnipeg Monarchs on Wednesday night at the Southeast Event Centre.
First period
Easton Thvedt got the start in net again for Steinbach, and with the 18-year-old coming off his first MJHL shutout, he was tested early as the Monarchs brought some pressure, but the star netminder was up to the task, allowing his team to find their legs.
Once Steinbach got rolling, they took over the game.
Several hard-working shifts in a row, including some excellent looks on a power play, eventually led to the opening goal.
Brett Kaiser, who had one of his best, all-around games of the year, outworked and out-muscled a Monarchs defender, freeing a puck up to the slot for William Picklyk, who uncorked a picture-perfect shot, beating the Winnipeg goalie for his 4th of the season, putting Steinbach up 1-0. Eric Han, who was also a bulldog on the play, picked up the secondary assist.
Less than a minute later, the Monarchs responded, winning an offensive zone faceoff clean and executing a set faceoff play to even the game 1-1.
Even though the game was tied, Steinbach held a distinct advantage in almost every category, including shots, but despite putting 17 pucks on goal, it resulted in just the one marker.
Second period
In the middle frame, the floodgates would open, unlocked by an unlikely but well-deserving hero.
Eric Cote managed to keep a puck in at the blueline, and the 19-year-old from La Broquerie fired it toward the goal. The puck was knocked off a Winnipeg defender and in for Cote’s first MJHL goal.
“I wasn’t sure what happened,” Cote said with a big smile after the game. “I wondered if (Marek) Miller tipped it, he said he didn’t. It was pretty cool. Special moment, for sure.”
Cote’s first was assisted by Kaiser and Miller. Players on the ice and bench made sure Cote got the puck.
The 2-1 goal sparked an offensive surge from the home side.
After keeping a puck in the offensive zone again, Luke Bogart went around the back of the Winnipeg net, found Han in the slot, and Han wired home his 4th of the season, making it 3-1, Steinbach. Evan Kabel was given the secondary assist.
Cote in the middle, again
As Winnipeg tried to push back, a dust-up in front of the Pistons’ net had Cote at the center of an interesting play. A Monarchs player, unhappy with how Cote boxed him out so effectively, went after Cote, but only when his back was turned. The horse-collar grapple kept Cote from getting free, and the Winnipeg player, with Cote’s back turned to him, dropped his gloves and took some swings.
Winnipeg was given a 5:00 major penalty for fighting, resulting in Steinbach going to the man-advantage.
Brody Green would cash in, snapping a shot through the five-hole, celebrating his 10th of the season. Evan Gradt and Cullen Ingebritson picked up the assists.
“I thought we really controlled things for the whole five minutes,” Head Coach Paul Dyck said after the game. “Guys were on their toes, moving pucks, snapping it around, it was really positive.”
As the period came to a close, Steinbach held a 4-1 lead on the scoreboard and a 37-12 advantage on the shot clock.
Third period
In the final frame, it was Winnipeg that managed to cash in early, bringing the game to 4-2, but that would be as close as they would get.
A Cote point shot was perfectly deflected by Cole “Ice Spice” Cairns, as the 19-year-old notched his third goal of the season with Bogart picking up his second assist of the night.
Finally. Finally!
Throughout the game, Pistons captain Sam Noad had chances to find the back of the net. Chances might be an understatement. He had glorious chances, but whether it was a sensational save or a puck just skipping away from him at the most inopportune time, the 20-year-old’s tough luck continued.
That was until he decided enough was enough.
While shorthanded, a determined Noad worked over a Monarchs player, stole the puck, and broke in on a partial breakaway, sliding the puck to the back of the net for his first goal in a while.
“I was due, I was due,” he says with a big smile after the game. “Felt good, that’s for sure.”
Noad’s 4th of the year was assisted by Charlie Velner, who also had another rock-solid game, and Steinbach’s fourth short-handed goal of the year.
Pancakes
Noad would factor in on the seventh and final goal of the night as he and Kaiser executed a give-and-go rush that resulted in Kaiser scoring his 7th of the season, putting Steinbach ahead 7-2. Noad and Miller had the assists.
Game stats
For Steinbach, it was their sixth win in seven games.
The power play was a strong 1-3, while the penalty kill was an exceptional 6-6, combined with Noad’s shorthanded marker.
Thvedt was sharp again, picking up his 9th win of the year after making 24 saves, including 14 in the third period alone.
Marek Miller has a six-game point streak and has put up 7 points in that span.
Brett Kaiser has 7 points in his last 6 games.
Eric Han has 7 points in his last 6 games.
Trade
Prior to the game, the Pistons announced they had moved defender Kasen Mateychuk to the Winnipeg Blues.
“It’s something that’s been in the works, and we wanted to get him to a place where he can play and develop,” Dyck says when asked about the move. “He’s a great young man, and he’s going to be a good player. We wish him all the best.”
Up next
Steinbach’s home stand continues as the Waywayseecappo Wolverines come to town on Friday. The last time the teams met in Waywayseecappo, Steinbach came out on top.
The Wolverines have two players tied for the most points in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, as of Thursday morning.
Game time at the Southeast Event Centre is Friday, 7:00 p.m., and it’s the Pistons’ annual Toy Drive game. Fans are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy, which will then go to a local organization.
Article provided by Steinbachonline.com – Picture provided by Patrick Friesen
