Attention all Steinbach Pistons Alumni. The Pistons would like to invite you to register online at steinbachpistons.ca to our new alumni database. Our goal is to create a network that allows for better connections to be made between alumni themselves as well as the Pistons organization. Registering online will allow us to provide alumni with information on team updates as well as future Pistons alumni activities. We greatly appreciate the positive impacts that alumni have made during their time as Pistons. We are proud of our alumni’s accomplishments and understand that without them, the Steinbach Pistons would not be the team it is today.   Click here to complete the Alumni Registration Form

The Steinbach Pistons are excited to announce that defenseman Tyler Anderson has committed to St. Cloud State University of NCAA Division One. Anderson is the 6th Pistons player to commit to a Division One program, joining fellow teammate Roman Bengert this year, who committed to play at Lake Superior State University. Anderson is thrilled to have committed to such an excellent Division One school. “For me, a huge part of choosing St. Cloud was because of the reputation of the program. It’s a great program that is competitive every year, and it’s close to home so my family can come watch a lot of my games.” Since he began his career with the Pistons back in 2015, Anderson has continuously grown and matured as a player. This year, the assistant captain was one of the top defensemen in the league, posting 12 goals and 37 assists for 49 points in 53 games. His consistent play and knowledge of the game attracted the attention of Division One schools, ultimately landing Anderson with the St. Cloud commitment. Being already accustomed to large amounts of fans, that pack Steinbach Pistons home games at the Centennial Rink, Anderson is excited to continue experiencing that trend at a Division One level. “I’m definitely excited to play in front of college crowds with student sections,” explains the MJHL Top Defenseman finalist. “I’m an emotional player and I love to feed off that energy, so I’m really looking forward to that.” Anderson’s commitment to St. Cloud also provides him the opportunity to further his education by pursuing a degree he has interest in. “I plan on taking a Bachelors of Science in Bio-Medicine during my time at St. Cloud, which I am looking forward to working towards.” As for his time in Steinbach, Anderson believes it has been key to his development on and off the ice. “I can’t put into words how much my time with the Pistons contributed to my commitment to St. Cloud,” describes Anderson. “Paul and the rest of the staff have created a professional environment that makes players better, and makes players want to reach their life goals. I feel like I have developed more as a player in Steinbach than I have the rest of my life, and I owe that to how the organization is run.”  I’m definitely going to miss Steinbach and remember it for the rest of my life.” “Tyler has worked extremely hard to be in the position he has found himself in,” explains Pistons Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck. “His game developed at a rapid rate this past season and he provided strong leadership in our room. Tyler has great character and although we will miss him, we are extremely excited for him on his commitment to St. Cloud.” 

It was a busy weekend for the Steinbach Pistons as they added a new crop of young talent at the 2017 MJHL Draft. The Draft, along with MJHL scheduling and marketing meetings, took place in Winnipeg this past weekend. The 2002 birth year draft class was very deep and the Pistons are excited about the new players that were added to our strong prospect pool. Making the draft selections were Pistons Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck along with Head Scouts Daryl Anning and Kim Ridd. The entire Steinbach Pistons organization would like to congratulate the players drafted and welcome them and their families to the Pistons community. We look forward to having the players attend the upcoming Rookie Camp at the end of August where Pistons fans will be able to see the newest team editions on the ice.   The following are the players selected by the Steinbach Pistons. As a result of finishing first in the league this past season, the Pistons held the 11th pick in all 6 rounds of the draft.   Round 1: Pick 11: Landon Roberts Position: Forward Height: 6’0” Weight: 160 lbs 2016-17 Team: Southwest Cougars Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 31 Games Played, 25 Goals, 27 Assists, 52 Points Coach’s Comments: Landon is a power forward with very strong character. He brings a physical edge each night and can contribute offensively. We like the fact that he is an all around good athlete.   Round 2: Pick 22: Ty Thorpe Position: Forward Height 5’11” Weight: 146 lbs 2016-17 Team: Rink Hockey Academy Bantam Rep Stats: 30 Games Played, 13 Goals, 29 Assists, 42 Points Coach’s Comments: Ty is a complete player who plays in all 3 zones. He has excellent vision, a good skill set and a high compete level.   Round 3: Pick 33: Carter Bateman Position: Defense Height: 5’8” Weight: 168 lbs 2016-17 Team: Interlake Lightning Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 35 Games Played, 9 Goals, 11 Assists, 20 Points Coach’s Comments: Carter is a hard-nosed defenseman that makes the opposition pay the price. He has good size and mobility and can contribute in many different ways.   Round 4: Pick 44: Logan Danis Position: Forward Height: 5’6” Weight: 180 lbs 2016-17 Team: Rink Hockey Academy Bantam Rep Stats: 29 Games Played, 11 Goals, 10 Assists, 21 Points Coach’s Comments: Logan is a solid player that is strong on pucks. He has a real knack for the net and is a good character going man.   Round 5: Pick 55: Lucas Fry Position: Defense Height: 5’9” Weight: 170 lbs 2016-17 Team: Winnipeg Monarchs Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 34 Games Played, 0 Goals, 13 Assists, 13 Points Coach’s Comments: Lucas plays a simple heads up game and makes good decisions with the puck. He has good size and plays an efficient game.   Round 6: Pick 66: Aeden Loschiavo Position: Forward Height: 6’3” Weight: 150 lbs 2016-17 Team: Winnipeg Monarchs Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 33 Games Played, 14 Goals, 18 Assists, 32 Points Coach’s Comments: Aiden is a good-sized skilled forward that can produce offensively. He also can bring a physical dimension to his game.   Auto Protected Players:   Caleb Thiessen Position: Forward Height: 5’9” Weight: 151 lbs 2016-17 Team: Stats: Unavailable   Cole Oswald Position: Goalie Height: 5’10” Weight: 155 lbs 2016-17 Team: Eastman Selects Bantam 1 AAA Stats: 21 Games Played, 12 wins, 2 shutouts, 3.10 GAA, 890 SV%

The Steinbach Pistons are teaming up with BSI Insurance Steinbach for the Take Pride Winnipeg, Brush Up 2017 project. BSI is working with Take Pride Winnipeg to paint a home for an elderly or disabled homeowner that can't otherwise repaint their home. Normally Take Pride Winnipeg operates in Manitoba’s Capital, but they are again venturing outside of the perimeter highway with the help of BSI Steinbach.  Matt Neufeld from BSI Steinbach explains that they were approached by the Take Pride Winnipeg organization in 2015 to help promote community awareness in making cities clean and beautiful. “This outreach program takes in nominations for those houses that need a little help in exterior painting, and where the owners can't manage to do it themselves because of age, disability, fixed income, or other physical or financial limitations.,” explains Matt. The project needs the help of volunteers to help paint the home, and Matt thought of the Steinbach Pistons when looking for volunteers. “I knew that working with the Steinbach Pistons would be a great choice as this would work within their goal of being passionately involved in the community they play in. The Pistons teamed up with BSI Steinbach back in 2015 and took part in a very successful Brush Up project. “We had a fantastic day of getting to know one another and enjoying each other's company, and we look forward to doing this project again this year,” states Matt, about the 2015 experience with the Pistons. The Pistons are looking forward to working with BSI Insurance Steinbach and taking part in this years Brush Up project. The deadline to apply for the project is on June 15th with the painting of the home to begin later this fall.             Click here to nominate someone you know 

The Steinbach Pistons volunteered their time today to help Tim Hortons out with their Camp Day festivities. Pistons Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck, as well as team mascot Clutch were on hand to help employees out at the Tim Hortons North Steinbach location. Paul and Clutch helped out at the drive thru window where they provided customers with their coffee and food. Proceeds from every coffee sold go towards sending local children to camps, who without the help of Tim Hortons, could not afford to go. The money also goes towards funding the camps that children attend through this event in Canada and the United States. The Pistons would like to thank Tim Hortons for allowing us to help out with Camp Day. Head over to your local Tim Hortons location today to buy a coffee and support a great cause. 

           The Steinbach Pistons are proud to announce that defenseman Joseph Leonidas has committed to Lakehead University where he will play for the Thunderwolves of the Canadian U Sports Men’s Hockey league, formally known as CIS.             Leonidas explains that he had a few Canadian universities contact him about committing to their programs, but that Lakehead was the obvious choice. “Lakehead took the time to fly me down for a visit and showed me what their program was all about. They have a great business program and not to mention a good hockey team. Over the course of my visit, it became more and more clear that this was the place I wanted to be.”             Leonidas, who plans to take Honours in Bachelor of Commerce, joined the Pistons this past season in a trade with the Flin Flon Bombers. In 32 games with the Pistons, Leonidas recorded 6 goals and added 15 assists for 21 points. Over his junior career, which included stints in the AJHL, SJHL and the NAHL in the United Sates, Leonidas recorded 95 points.             For Leonidas, the thought of playing at the university level excites him. “I’m really looking forward to playing CIS hockey and in front of the largest CIS fan base in the country is going to be amazing. Lakehead has a strong recruiting class this year and the coaching staff and community expect big things moving forward.”             Leonidas is thankful for his time in Steinbach as he believes it has helped him progress to the next level of hockey. “Paul, Joey and Graham helped me refine aspects of my game, from video sessions to one on one stuff, and that was one of the biggest reasons for my successes this past season,” said the product of Calgary, Alberta. “The organization was nothing but fantastic to me and my family during my time and I will forever be grateful to have worn the pistons jersey.”             “I am excited for Joe and the opportunity that he has earned,” shared Head Coach and General Manager of the Pistons, Paul Dyck. “He is a very skilled player and his skating will help him transition to the university game. We wish him all the best as he begins his collegiate career.” 

The Steinbach Pistons want to remind you that the registration deadline for Hockey in the City is June 5th.  Don't miss out on a fun-filled day where you can play in an organized street hockey tournament and meet your favourite Steinbach Pistons players.  Visit summerinthecity.ca to register your team today. 

Former Steinbach Pistons defender Ryan Carlson is continuing his hockey career and education, as he announced he will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior this upcoming fall. For Carlson, it's a great opportunity to do something he hasn't done in a while and that's play close to home. "It's terrific. My parents have already talked about road games they want to go to and how they'll be at every home game. Plus, my uncle is really excited. He's already been talking about getting season tickets. It's great that I'll be able to live at home, that really is great for me." Off the ice, Carlson will continue his education. "I will be going for a degree in physical education and a minor in health. Furthering my education was a huge part of deciding on this program, in Division 3." The University of Wisconsin-Superior won the National Championship in 2002 but have since struggled at times. Carlson is looking forward to being a part of getting the program back to where it should be. "They have had a bit of a lull, but hopefully, this recruiting class can bring back the rich hockey tradition. With the new coach Richard McKenna, I think we can be successful and we can bring it back. They have a great hockey heritage at UWS." For Coach McKenna, heading into his second year as head bench boss of the Yellowjackets, he know's adding a player like Ryan Carlson is a good step in the right direction. "His size and his skating ability make him a unique player. That's the first thing that caught my eye." It wasn't just on ice things that impressed the coach. "An American kid wearing a letter for a Canadian junior team shows he has leadership ability. After speaking with him I realized why he had that letter and we're looking forward to having him for the next four years." Carlson credits both his hometown of Hermantown, Minnesota and Steinbach for developing him into the person that he is today, as well as a former Pistons teammate. "Talking with Cole Smith, he said that Steinbach and my old high school Hermantown, had such winning traditions, and with winning, it becomes a habit. When you win like that, you learn to lead by example and try to become a humble person. Continuing to learn and being humble about it, makes a good leader." From his point of view, Coach McKenna thinks Carlson will have a bright future, even beyond the next four years. "I don't think he's hit his ceiling yet. I think he will grow in our program and even have the chance to play beyond the college level. Getting players from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and other Canadian Junior Leagues, mixed in with the American guys, will help us. With this recruiting class, it could fast track us to where we want to be." Carlson is also looking down the road and knows McKenna will play a major factor. "I want to get into coaching. I know I can learn from him and continuing my educational career will help me do that. I hope he can provide some helpful hints in the near future when it comes to coaching." He's not looking too far in the future though, as he's already made some personal goals he’s looking to accomplish. "Just walking into the locker room, the first trophy you see is that National Championship. I just smiled looking at it. Getting to hoist that over the next four years is the ultimate goal."

For many Junior A hockey players, the summer months are a time to unwind and relax. After taking part in a very hectic hockey season, which usually involves being on the ice every single day, players use the offseason to reset and prepare themselves for the upcoming season. Steinbach Pistons forward Bradley Schoonbaert would rather continue playing at a high level of sport than focus his summer months on relaxing, as Bradley plays baseball for the Brandon Marlins of the Manitoba Junior Baseball League as well as the Young Gunz in the Brandon Senior AA Baseball League. Schoonbaert, who plays second base and shortstop, has always been a multisport athlete. “Since I was 5 years old, I played baseball. Growing up I always liked hockey and baseball the same and I was about equally as good at both, but as I got older hockey obviously became more of a priority.” It is widely recommended that players playing at high levels of hockey take a break from its hectic schedule, as committing all your time to one sport can be very strenuous and physically draining for players. Because of this, many look to participate in other sports or activities during the hockey offseason. Schoonbaert is no different. “I still always look forward to the ball season when the hockey season is over, and when the ball season is over, I’m excited to get back out onto the ice.” Schoonbaert also believes that playing baseball has played a major role in helping him during his hockey career. “I think just learning to deal with stressful situations in high-pressure games and also learning how to win”, has been key takeaways for Schoonbaert who’s Marlins team has started the season 4-0, with Bradley posting a .333 batting average with one run batted in and one stolen base this summer. “It doesn't matter what sport you play, if you know how to win then it will help you in other sports as well. I have won many championships in baseball and try to bring that experience to the ice.” Schoonbaert, as recently as last year, has won the Senior AA League and Junior AAA Western Canadians championship. He has also won baseball championships at the High school, Midget, Bantam and Peewee levels. Schoonbaert will hope to continue his winning ways for the upcoming MJHL season, as he will look to help the Pistons capture their second Manitoba Junior Hockey League championship. 

With previous successful crop seasons, the Steinbach Pistons are looking to continue that trend as we venture into our 4th year in the agricultural world.   The Pistons are working alongside local producer Herbsigwil Farms to create a positive crop program this year that will be focused on harvesting Soya Beans. This year’s field is 135 acres and is situated in the Zhoda area, five miles south of Highway 403. Joining Herbsigwil Farms in helping with the Pistons crop program are team sponsors Southeast Seeds and Marc Hutlet Seeds. The Pistons look forward to working with Herbsigwil Farms and our sponsors in creating a successful 2017 crop season. The Pistons are very grateful for the agricultural communities help in building a successful Junior A program in southeastern Manitoba.