The Steinbach Pistons and Selkirk Steelers kicked off the 2019 MJHL Preseason Labour Day Monday afternoon in a game full of prospects from both sides. As the final buzzer sounded, it was the Pistons that came away with a 3-1 victory.
Players that have 2002-2004 birth years played in the contest. It was an even first period, with both Steinbach and Selkirk netting late goals. Steelers forward Evan White kicking the scoring off as he beat ’04 goalie Keegan Gordon on the power play for a 1-0 Selkirk lead with 2:21 left to play.
The Pistons’ 2018 sixth round pick, defenceman Nolan Bettens, tied it up with 6 seconds to play in the opening frame. The younger brother of Pistons forwards Rylan and Kyle Bettens, Nolan’s shot beat goaltender Cole Plowman through a screen in front, with 2018 sixth round pick Taggart Plouffe and 2019 fourth rounder Kaycee Coyle nabbing the helpers.
Steinbach took the lead at the five minute mark of the middle period, as 2019 Auto-Protect and hometown boy Ty Paisley snapped a shot from the right wing past Ciaran McVickar, who replaced Plowman to begin the second. Coyle picked up his second apple on the night and it was 2-1 Steinbach.
Both teams played well within their structure, and it was tough to get any quality scoring looks. The Pistons would get the next marker to pad their lead, as 2018 fourth round pick Avery Kirkup potted a rebound home in front of McVickar to give Steinbach a 3-1 advantage. Coyle picked up his third assist of the game, and ’03 forward Ethan Clements had the other helper.
Gordon and 2017 Auto-Protect Cole Oswald shut down the Steelers the rest of the game, with Oswald coming into the net for the second half. Both stopped a combined 26 of 27 shots. Steelers goalie Plowman and McVickar stopped 38 of 41 Steinbach shots on goal.
UP NEXT: The Pistons and Steelers will have a rematch at the TG Smith on Friday, but this time it will feature participants from both team’s main camp, with puck drop at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $5 at the door, and free for all Pistons season ticket holders. Contact the Pistons office for any ticket related questions