With only three games left in the regular season and playoffs around the corner, the Steinbach Pistons are enjoying the play-off type atmosphere at the HyLife Centre. 

The fans know the Pistons have clinched a play-off spot and Head Coach Paul Dyck says everyone is gearing up for an exciting post-season at the rink in La Broquerie. 

“There’s no question, that’s a great feeling when the players skate onto the ice, it's 2 rows deep around the glass and the stands are full and there's people that are viewing through the windows up top, that's a really good atmosphere that's being created there. It almost adds a layer of intensity.” 

He notes the smaller arena in La Broquerie can get really loud when the fans bring the noise, which gets the players pumped up for the game. 

Dyck says they are running out of time to prepare for the playoffs with their last regular season game scheduled for Saturday, March 16th. 

He notes there have been some trying times this season, like playing for a few weeks while short of defensemen, but says times of adversity can help build character and confidence. 

“You draw from the experiences during the regular season. Part of that’s preparation, too, and that mental strength that's gained through playing with four defensemen and guys playing out of position. And what it also does is, you've survived it. And so like, ‘oh, here we go again. You know, we can do this once again.’ So, it gives the guys a lot of confidence.” 

Dyck says they are now using the remainder of the season to heal tired bodies while still fine-tuning their play, so they’ll be ready for the start of playoffs. 

He adds this is an exciting point of the season. 

“There’re different stages to the season. When you kick it off, you’re always excited for that. And we have certain events during the year, but come playoff time it's just a different level of focus, I think, that you see from the teams that are in contention and as coaches, we're looking forward to amping up our preparation and being a little more detailed.” 

The Pistons are on the road on Sunday to play in the Waywayseecappo Arena Complex against the Wolverines, and then they return to La Broquerie on Friday, March 15 to face Neepawa. 

-With files from Dave Anthony