It’s a full weekend of Pistons hockey coming up, as Steinbach will embark on their second and final ‘three games in three days’ trip of the season. This marks the beginning of a busy schedule ahead, as the Pistons will play nine games in the next 16 days as they head into the last month of the season.
Here’s a preview of what to expect this weekend as the Pistons play the OCN Blizzard and the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.
PISTONS PREVIEW
The line that has been one of the more consistent lines during recent play has been the combination of Brendan Westbrook, Tyson McConnell, and Tanner Mole. The line has been wearing down the opposition defenceman in the corners with their physical play, and have put points on the board as a result.
The duo of Matt Radomsky and Matt Lenz should be tough to beat this weekend and the rest of the season. Currently they sit #1 and #2 in the MJHL in GAA; Radomsky has a 2.06 and Lenz sports a 2.09 GAA. They’ve been one of the reasons why the Pistons have allowed the fewest goals in the league by a wide margin (87 GA).
Steinbach’s D corp have also rounded into shape with the perfect blend of offensive production and defensive awareness. Declan Graham has quietly put together a nice season, as he has 19 points in 36 games played this season which puts him in second place amongst Pistons d-men.
Curtis Ireland has recently made his way back into the Pistons lineup, which gives Head Coach Paul Dyck another defenceman that can play in all situations.
One part of the Pistons game that has been lacking is their power play on the road, which is currently a measly 12.2% away from the TG Smith Centre. If the Pistons want to have success this weekend, the road power play needs to get going in order to win.
Friday vs OCN – 7:00 pm
Steinbach faces OCN at the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre tomorrow night at 7:00 pm. This will be the sixth and final meeting this season between these two clubs, with the Pistons leading the season series 4-0-1.
The Blizzard sit five points back of the Winkler Flyers for the eighth and final playoff spot, and are coming off of a 4-0 win over the Neepawa Natives.
OCN recently traded away forwards Tony Apetagon and James Maxwell, along with defenceman Darren Gisti to the Blues, and dealt minute logging goaltender Noah Giesbrecht to the Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) at the trade deadline. But the Blizzard still have threats who can produce up front and on the back end. F Nolan Dawson now leads the Blizzard with 21 points, and Cory Checco and rookie Jaden Pashe each have 16 points to lead the forward group.
Rookie D Bryden Sinclair (20 pts) and Tanner Brewster (11 pts) are tasked with leading a young OCN defence group as they try to get back into the playoffs. Dorian Laganiere has returned to the Blizzard after spending time with them a year ago, and in two games he has a .935 SV% and a 2.82 GAA.
Saturday & Sunday vs Waywayseecappo – 7:00 pm start Saturday, and 6:00 pm start Sunday
The Pistons and Wolverines will meet for the third and fourth times this season on Saturday and Sunday. They’ve split the season series thus far, with Wayway winning on September 21st and Steinbach taking the latest matchup on November 30th.
The Wolverines sit in ninth spot in the MJHL standings, three points back of the Flyers for eighth place. They are one of the league’s best defensive teams as well, as they are 4th in the MJHL in goals allowed this season (130 GA). The story has been their goaltending this season, as Isaac Labelle has been a workhorse for Wayway this season with 33 games played. He just recently had a shutout at the MJHL SJHL Showcase for Team Belfour.
Wayway is led by 18 year old forward Jaymes Knee, who has 22 points in 38 games this season. Newly acquired defenceman Karstin McDonald brings some veteran experience to the back end to compliment their leading d-man scorer Nick Doyle (15 pts).
Riley Vautour will make his first trip back to Wayway since being acquired by Steinbach at the deadline, so look for him to be fired up to face his former team.
Catch the action on the radio with Dave Anthony all weekend long on MIX 96 and Steinbachonline.com, or you can watch the games live on HockeyTV.