The Steinbach Pistons head to Portage tonight to face off again against the Terriers with puck drop set for 7:30pm.
The Pistons sit in first place in the MJHL with 52 pts and a 25-8-1-1 record. The Pistons are currently up 3 pts on the second place Dauphin Kings with the Kings having a game in hand. Since coming back from the Christmas break the Pistons have faced the Wolverines, Stampeders and the Terriers and are 2-3. At the trade deadline the Pistons made some acquisitions bolstering both their offense and defence. Zach Power and Braden Birnie added on offence and Jackson Betcher added to the back end.
The Portage Terriers currently sit in 5th place in the East division with 33 pts and a 15-17-2-1 record. The Terriers have played well against the Pistons in the last two games, beating them 5-2 last week and losing a hard-fought game 2-0 Wednesday evening. Goaltending has been a strong suit for the Terriers these past 2 games as Jayden Catellier stopped 35/36 in the 5-2 win and Chris Fines stopped 46/48 in the 2-0 loss.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 31/142 – 21.8% PK 119/138 – 86.2%
TERRIERS: PP 30/171 – 17.5% PK 131/159 – 82.4%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pistons: Braden Birnie
Braden Birnie was one of the players the Pistons acquired at the trade deadline from the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL. In 5 games with the Pistons Birnie has 6 pts (1 goal and 5 assists). Birnie is a hardworking player with a consisted forecheck and always finishes his checks. Braden is a great playmaker, setting up scoring chances through his forecheck.
Terriers: Hayden Lacquette
Hayden Lacquette was recently acquired from the Dauphin Kings at the trade deadline. In 4 games with the Terriers Lacquette has 4 pts (2 goals and 2 assists). A feisty and aggressive player, Lacquette has 103 PIMs this season and is always in the middle of it whether it be on the scoring chances or getting under the other teams skin.