The Steinbach Pistons are facing off against the Winnipeg Freeze this evening at the Bell MTS Iceplex, with puck drop set for 6:00pm.
The Steinbach Pistons currently sit in third place in the MJHL with 30 points and a 15-4 record. The Pistons are coming off back-to-back losses, seeing them fall to the Niverville Nighthawks and the Portage Terriers. Steinbach’s top line of Davis Fry, Travis Hensrud and Ty Paisley are still all in the top five in MJHL point leaders, but production has slowed down a bit. Steinbach’s penalty kill has been red hot giving up its first powerplay goal in seven games against the Terriers. Injuries have been a bit of a problem for the Pistons as of late, seeing some important players out of the lineup, forcing some depth players to step up to the task.
The Winnipeg Freeze have had a slow start to the season yet again, seeing them start the season with five points to date and a 2-15-1-0 record. The Freeze are last in the MJHL in goals for and goal differential with 39 goals and a -53-goal differential. Goaltending has not completely been the issue for the Freeze as Michael O’Sullivan has a 4.80 GAA but a 0.898 SV%, suggesting the defence is giving up a ton of shots.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 21/83 – 25.3% PK 76/87 – 87.4%
FREEZE: PP 14/83 – 16.9% PK 65/83 – 78.3%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pistons: Leo Chambers
Leo Chambers has had a good start to his first season with the Steinbach Pistons. In 19 games played Chambers has 11 points (7 goals and 4 assists). With a great 200 ft game, Chambers disrupts opposing teams’ offense and helps generate offense in the other end. A player who plays with energy, Chambers uses speed and physicality to his advantage. Chamber’s defensive side to his play is an important part of the Pistons success and shutting down the opposing teams’ offensive chances.
Freeze: Eric Mork
Eric Mork leads the Freeze in scoring with 14 points (6 goals and 8 assists) in 19 games. With 3 of his 6 goals on the powerplay, Mork is a central piece in the powerplay and making it sure it executes. Mork’s offensive production has come in spurts this season as he has had three separate 3+ game point streaks.