It was an electric atmosphere inside a packed Southeast Event Centre, as Steinbach and Winkler renewed hostilities in an epic chess match, which resulted in a Pistons 2-0 win.
First period
Right from the drop of the puck, both teams set a great tone for what would carry through the entire game.
Steinbach came out strong, flying around and pushing the pace. Winkler answered back using their speed and quick puck movement.
Chances were there for Steinbach, most notably a deflected puck that hit the post, and then several chances while on the power play, but despite the edge-of-your-seat action, it remained scoreless.
Chris Quizi got the start for Steinbach and wasn’t tested until Winkler went to a power play, where they piled on the shots, but every one was stopped by the 20-year-old netminder.
Shots were tilted toward Steinbach 14-10, but neither team celebrated a goal heading into the intermission.
Second period
In the middle frame, it was the Flyers that came out as the stronger team.
Even though the Flyers pushed, the Pistons’ defenders rarely even bent. Great support from the forwards allowed the defenders to move pucks quickly, and the blueliners were not afraid to take a hit to make a play, paying the price to clear the zone.
Another two power play opportunities for Steinbach didn’t result in the opening goal, nor did the Winker chance late in the period.
There were fewer shots in the second than in the first, 8-6 for the Pistons, and once again, neither team could find the back of the net, so the scoreless game moved into the third.
Third period
A few minutes into the final frame, Steinbach was finally able to crack the Flyers’ defenders and goaltenders.
The line of Marek Miller, Ryan McDonald, and Jack Greenwell went to work in the defensive and neutral zone, winning their battles and coming away with the puck.
The trio executed great puck movement through the neutral zone, eventually finding Miller streaking in from the side. As Greenwell and McDonald crashed the net, Miller put a puck towards the goal that deflected off a backchecking Flyer and in.
Miller, the former Flyer, celebrated his 8th goal of the season with McDonald and Greenwell getting the assists.
The Pistons would add to the lead a few minutes later with that line contributing again.
Another play that started in the defensive zone, where Rory Gilmour clipped a possible Flyers rush. Gilmour moved the puck up the ice to a streaking Miller and Greenwell. Miller kicked the puck to Greenwell, who found a streaking Gilmour, who rifled a shot top shelf, making it a 2-0 Pistons lead.
Gilmour’s incredible season continues, as the 19-year-old star is up to 11 goals on the year.
All-time tilt
Seconds after the Pistons went up 2-0, Eric Han of Steinbach and Joshua Ingram of Winkler dropped the gloves, bringing the crowd to their feet in anticipation.
Ingram went into the fight with a size and reach advantage, but Han didn’t care one bit. As the two locked up, Han started using his left hand to deliver quick, forceful shots, catching Ingram several times, throwing him off, leaving him stunned and unable to counter.
Han didn’t stop there.
After delivering some quick lefts, he used a number of powerful rights that landed squarely, sending Ingram to the ice without ever connecting with the 18-year-old Piston.
The crowd erupted as Han egged them on. The bench went crazy, too, as teammates showed their appreciation for a fight that will be talked about for years to come.
Quiz-tastic
Quizi stood tall the rest of the way, finishing with a rock-solid 28-save shutout, his first in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Game notes
Steinbach’s power play was 0-4, while the penalty kill was a perfect 3-3.
Miller has 8 points in his last 7 games.
Greenwell has 10 points in his last 9 games.
Up next
Steinbach will have an afternoon game on Monday as they welcome the Winnipeg Blues. It’s a school day game, but walkup ticktes will be available.
The Fylers will come back to Steinbach for a return match on Tuesday.
Article courtesy of Steinbachonline.com – Picture Courtesy of Patrick Friesen
