Lewis Hartung was selected by the Steinbach Pistons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Draft and the Steinbach native couldn't have been more thrilled. 

"I could say my heart skipped a beat, that's for sure" Hartung said upon seeing the graphic with his name on a Pistons jersey. 

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t was quite a season for Hartung who made the transition from defender to thorn-in-the-side forward quite seamlessly. "Last year during playoffs, the team wasn't doing so well and I asked if I could play forward. I was having a lot of fun. After the game, the skill director from Eastman Doug Sinclair came up and talked to me about switching positions permanently."

It was a welcome switch for Hartung who say's he's all about whatever the team needs. "I can play whatever the coach needed me to that year. I really enjoy playing forward cause I can skate more and play more physical."

That physicality is exactly what Pistons Head Coach Paul Dyck is looking for from Hartung. "He brings something that's different then other players. He has a physical component to his game. That switch in positions speaks to his ability to adapt and think the game. Our scouts were really impressed with him this year. We believe he can be a really good MJ player. He brings a different dimension. He's a meat and potatoes kinda guy. He's going to make defenders pay, he brings bites and the longer he plays the wing, the more comfortable he'll get."

Hartung says being selected by his local team is both exciting but there's also some nerves that come with it. "It means a lot to be this close to home so the family can come out and watch the game. At the same time, it's nerve racking cause everyone I know will be watching me."

Any nervousness is quickly thrown out the window when Hartung was asked about possibly putting a Pistons jersey on, looking down at the crest and would he be ready for battle, he responded with a smile, "yes sir, I sure am".

While he weighs his hockey options for next year, Hartung hopes whichever path he takes, leads eventually to wearing the blue and white of the Steinbach Pistons.