The Pistons loaded up the Compass Coach lines bus early on Friday morning as they head north for the weekend to face the Blizzard and the Stampeders.
With the exception of the season opener in Virden, this is the Pistons first long distance road trip of the season. This will be a good test for the boys in blue after coming off of a rocky weekend with a 1-0 loss to the Steelers and just squeaking by the Freeze 6-5 in overtime. These 4 points up for grabs this weekend will be important as Steinbach looks to climb back up to the top of the MJHL’s east division.
The Blizzard and Stampeders both currently sit tied at the bottom of the western division with 2-4 records. That being said, that entire division is all within 6 points of each other from top to bottom so these games are not to be taken lightly.
Pistons coaches Paul Dyck and Calvin Bugyik put the boys to work this week preparing them for the important weekend ahead. Pace and intensity were at the forefront this week no question as they look for a strong bounce back from their group this weekend.
After being on the bus for the better part of the day, it’s safe to say the Pistons may face some adversity in the first period but if they can come out with some jump, whose to say what this group can pull off with the talent in this lineup. Newly acquired forward Brady Ingebritsen will make his Pistons debut on Friday night so all eyes will be on him to see where the 19 year old forward from Woodbury, Minnesota fits into the lineup.
With the Blizzard and Stamps both being tied in the standings, I’m sure they will both see this weekend as an opportunity to gain an edge over team and even slide up into a playoff position. It will take a strong effort up and down the lineup to come home with 4 points this weekend. Time will tell if the boys in blue are up for the challenge.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PISTONS: PP 6/36 – 16.7% PK 32/35 – 91.4%
BLIZZARD: PP 5/34 – 14.7% PK 22/24 – 91.7%
STAMPEDERS: PP 2/17 – 11.8% PK 24/29 – 82.8%
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PISTONS: Leo Chambers
The Pistons 20-year-old captain is coming off of a 4 point night versus the Freeze last Saturday recording a goal and four assists. Leo’s leadership both on and off the ice will be key throughout this weekend on the road. When adversity strikes, it’s likely to assume Chambers will be there to get his teammates going.
BLIZZARD: Tomas Anderson
In 3 starts this season, Anderson has a 2-1 record and had only given up 5 goals in that span. Boasting a 1.64 GAA and a .940SV%, it’s safe to assume he will be getting the start on Friday against the Pistons. If the game remains a low scoring affair, Anderson could be the difference maker for the Blizzard
STAMPEDERS: Alex Walicki
With 4 goals and 5 assists in 6 games, the Stampeders forward is off to a great start this season. Although Walicki has recorded zero points in his last 2 games, the 20-year-old will be looking to get back on the scoreboard on Saturday night when the Pistons come to town.
Puck drop at the Roy H. Johnston Arena is at 7:00pm on Friday and 7:00pm again on Saturday at the Swan River Centennial Arena. Catch both games on Flo Hockey or listen to voice of the Pistons Dave Anthony over at DAbroadcasting.mixlr.com.
Road Report brought to you by Compass Coach Lines. Visit them at www.compasscoachlines.com.