In front of school classes from across Steinbach, including home schools, the Steinbach Pistons defeated the Winnipeg Blues 6-3 on Monday afternoon.
First period
As kids from the various classes continued to file in, the noise and energy level ramped up, but it was the visiting Blues who would get on the board first on a power play, making it 1-0 Winnipeg less than five minutes into the game.
Steinbach would find their legs and their game, scoring three times in 10 minutes.
Logan Mehl would get Steinbach on the board as the rookie snapped home his 7th of the season with Liam Doyle and Connor Paronuzzi picking up the assists.
Marek Miller would give Steinbach the lead as the 19-year-old continued his torrid pace, scoring his 9th of the year off a beautiful rush that was led by Jack Greenwell. Greenwell and Rory Gilmour were given the helpers.
A hardworking shift by Cole Cairns, Eric Han, and Mehl produced the 3-1 goal, as Cairns just put a puck on goal that deflected off a Blues defender and in. For the 19-year-old Cairns, it was his 4th of the year, while Han and Mehl were given the assists.
In the final minute, the Blues managed to cut the lead back down to one, bringing the score to 3-2 heading into the first intermission.
Steinbach carried the play for much of the period, outshooting the Blues 15-4 in the opening 20 minutes.
Second period
The kids in attendance continued to bring the noise, cheering on the home side and doing a great job to keep the energy level high.
In the early stages of the period, it was Steinbach that had their chances to extend the lead, but again, the pesky Blues would knot the game up 3-3.
Winnipeg came within an inch of grabbing the lead, but a shot from the slot clanked off the post and stayed out.
A golden opportunity came again for the visitors in the form of a power play, but it was the shorthanded unit that would take advantage.
As the Blues worked the puck around the offensive zone, a turnover led Steinbach out on a 3-on-1 rush, but they were unable to capitalize.
Shortly after, another broken-up rush led to a Grady Hoffman breakaway. The 20-year-old sniper walked in, made a beautiful move, had the goalie fooled, but the tender somehow managed to make a save. Luckily for Steinbach, Evan Gradt was following the play and the 19-year-old poked home the loose rebound, putting Steinbach back on top 4-3.
Physical play ramped up in the period, with some big-time hits by Greenwell and Cairns bringing a roar from the crowd.
Once again, it was the Pistons leading in shots 14-7 in the frame, and that helped them take a one-goal lead into the second intermission.
Third period
The final period moved along at a good pace, keeping the 2080 people in the building engaged and entertained.
Greenwell would give them another reason to cheer as the 20-year-old crashed the net and poked home a rebound off another Miller chance, celebrating his 25th of the year by firing up the crowd with his celebration. Doyle notched his second point of the game with the secondary assist.
A late-period power play provided Steinbach with its final goal of the game.
Brett Kaiser did an excellent job battling in front of the Blues’ net, winning several stick battles before finally scoring the 6-3 marker. For the 20-year-old Kaiser, it was goal 8 on the year, with Gradt and Miller capping off their strong nights with helpers.
Chris Quizi secured his third straight win, making 13 saves on the afternoon.
Steinbach’s power play finished 1-3 while the penalty kill was 1-2.
Game notes
Marek Miller has scored in back-to-back games and has a three-game point streak, putting up 6 points in that span.
Jack Greenwell leads the Pistons with 25 goals this year and has scored 4 points in his last 2 games.
Liam Doyle has put up 6 points in his past 5 games.
Logan Mehl has 3 points in his last 2 games.
Evan Gradt has 5 points in his last 4 games.
Up next
Steinbach is right back in action on Tuesday night as they welcome the Winkler Flyers to the Southeast Event Centre.
