The Steinbach Pistons head to Virden tonight to face off against the Oil Capitals for the first time this season.
The Pistons currently sit in first place in the MJHL with 40 points and a 20-4 record. They are currently riding a 5-game win streak that has seen them outscore their opponents 27-9 over that time. Goaltending continues to be a strong point for Steinbach as Wasik and Plowman have a combined GAA of 2.11 and an SV% of 0.923. Steinbach and Virden are the only two teams in the league to have not lost a game past regulation.
The Oil Capitals sit in last place in the MJHL East Division with 24 points and a 12-13 record, but 10 games separate first and last place in the division. Virden is middle of the pack in the MJHL for goal differential with a goal differential of -13. Virden’s goalie tandem of Owen LaRocque and Eric Reid has a combined GAA of 3.71 and an SV% of 0.873.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 29/107 – 27.1% PK 94/108 – 87.0%
OIL CAPITALS: PP 21/89 – 23.6% PK 67/94 – 71.3%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pistons: Ian Amsbaugh
Ian Amsbaugh currently has 25 points (6 goals and 19 assists) in 24 games this season. Amsbaugh is on a strong line with Nick Mikan and Leo Chambers, where you will see them all over the ice. Amsbaugh has a strong 200-ft game, with a relentless forecheck that generates lots of scoring chances. Amsbaugh has a knack at finding the open man, creating scoring chances and generating offence.
Oil Capitals: Nolan Chastko
Nolan Chastko has 17 points (8 goals and 9 assists) in 21 games which has him seventh in rookie scoring in the MJHL. Chastko has a dynamic game, as he is used in all scenarios for the Oil Capitals. On the powerplay Chastko has 6 points (3 goals and 3 assists).