The year 2022 started with the Pistons pushing towards the playoffs after coming out of pandemic restrictions, making it all the way to game 7 of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Championship, graduating a record number of players to the next level of hockey, and gearing up to do it all over again.

Pistons Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck says the hardest part to believe is just how quickly the calendar year has gone by. "Well, just reflecting on it, it sure feels like (it all started) a long time ago."

In January of 2022, Dyck says the main issues were still pandemic related. "We went into the (hockey) year with so much uncertainty. We didn't know what it was going to look like, everything from masking, making in the room, masking on the ice potentially. There were travel concerns, the schedule had changed, and restrictions on fans in the building, which really impacted us. It created a whole different environment for everybody. Every day, I remember coming in and being on pins and needles wondering what news we'd be hit with today. Thankfully, we're beyond that."

For Dyck, things started to turn positive in mid-February. "It was the middle of the month when our building actually became open to everyone. With the restrictions, we had 250 maximum. That all came off. The building got louder. It was liberating, that's what it felt like. So much has changed but it's amazing to think of it all happening within this calendar year."

Throughout March, April, May, and even into June as the Pistons pushed through toward the finals, Dyck says he really came to appreciate how much people missed Steinbach Piston's hockey. "We noticed it, for sure. People were excited to be back in the building. They were just happy to be there. The wins and losses were almost secondary, people just wanted to be a part of it. Thankfully, we were able to put together a great, exciting fun out for the fans which made it even more special."

 

While the ultimate team goal of winning a championship was not achieved, as an organization, the Pistons promoted a record number of players to NCAA Division 1 and University programs around North America. "It was special, it was a special group of kids," Dyck says with a proud smile. "We had a great group of kids. Guys that were hungry, extremely focused, and of course, talented. We won some hockey games and that had schools sit up and take notice."

Adjusting to everything in the rink didn't just affect the players and staff, it also had a huge impact on volunteers and the long-time coach says the season wouldn't have been possible without those people. "No question, they are all vital. We needed people to step up and help, which they did. They came back in droves. We were not sure if we could fill all the spots but we did and it was awesome to see."

Playing all the way into the summer is great but it does hamper some of Dyck's summer duties. "Usually the summer is planned early in the year. Actually, right now I'm looking at what next summer looks like when it comes to events I might go to. That's contingent on how long our season goes. That was the case last year, going into May. When you play that long, some of the showcases I would normally go to, I wasn't able to attend. So, I had to do things a little differently. Last year, was normal in terms of being able to travel again. In the summer there are always conversations with players and of course as the staff. Lots of texts going back and forth. It's pretty much communication on a daily basis even though we're not all in the building. When the season ends, it doesn't stop the communication between myself, Calvin Bugyik, and Graham Pollock."

As the seasons changed and a new hockey season got underway, Dyck says seeing a number of returning players come back and elevate their game has been very rewarding. "You know, you think about it and it's discussed in the summer, I remember we were talking about how Henny (Travis Hensrud) was ready for more. Last year, he played on every line and was a big part of our team but largely in a secondary role. As good as Frysey's (Davis Fry) rookie season was, it was still just his first year we knew there was more where he could carry a bigger load. We saw what  Ty (Paisley) did in the second half and into the playoffs and we knew he was really close to breaking out. I think he's already eclipsed last year's point total. It's not surprising to see what they've done, to be honest. We felt like with more opportunity, increased confidence, and experience, those guys would bust through and be leaders for us. We've seen it from all the players who have come back. They've taken on more. They've had their confidence increase, their voice has gotten larger in the room, too."

Success on the ice is just a part of the organizational mantra, it's also very much about being a good person and a good member of the community. Coming off a year where they couldn't do as much as they have in years past, Dyck says it's been a breath of fresh air to get back out and see the guys become more than just hockey players, they've become true community leaders.

"It's special when guys come back years after they've left and they talk so fondly about their time here. Rarely do we talk about anything that took place on the ice. It's the people here. They want to see their billets or people from organizations where they volunteered and that's so special. They talk about how they grew up here. They became young men here. Every year we see it take place right in front of our eyes. To get back to being extremely involved in our community, from volunteering at Pat Porter Centre to packing Christmas hampers, they get a sense of what the needs are and they see we have a chance to give back. It's all a part of the growing and learning experience. We're thankful we can be a part of it and give a little back to such a great community."

After years of talk, planning, and a whole lot of hope, it was finally announced that the Pistons would be getting a new home as part of the Southeast Events Centre project. Dyck says the first emotion he had when he heard it was finally all approved "oh, it was a big sense of relief" he says with a chuckle. "These discussions have been taking place for what feels like a decade. Just to see it come to fruition, and hear the commitment that we're moving forward with it, it's very gratifying. For me, I grew up playing here in Steinbach, I'm a resident here and I love it here. I love the TG Smith Centre, I have some fond memories there but it's time. It's time for a new facility. One that's more comfortable and more welcoming for fans. Not just accommodating more but making the whole experience better. I was so excited when we heard the announcement. Since then, the gears have been grinding. It's not just about what we do in between getting into the new building but what our space looks like in the new facility. I know we have some good people who are really involved and detailed. My brother (Russ Dyck), will play a big role in what our room looks like and making it all happen. Right now, it just seems like it's so far in the distant future but it'll be here before we know it. We'll be walking in those doors before we know it. Time flies by."

As the team moves into 2023, the main focus returns to on the ice and Dyck says once the holiday season is over, it becomes very real, very quickly for the players. "The guys come back and they're just at another level. Part of that is spending a week back home with family, maybe reflecting but it's always exciting to see which guy or two come back with a whole new level to their game as we make our way to the playoffs. It's the anticipation of the first round of playoffs. It feels real. There's a different level of seriousness. The grind is kind of in the rearview and things are clearer. Everything is amplified. 

Another standout part of 2022 was developing a new rivalry with the MJHL's newest team which just happen to be the neighbor to the Pistons. The Niverville Nighthawks didn't take much time to establish some heated matchups against Steinbach and it's something Dyck has really enjoyed being a part of. "The rivalry is real. It just makes sense given the two communities that are so close to one another. It is exciting, there's a natural buzz in there already. Similar to us when we'd go to Portage or Winkler. The natural rivalries kick up right away. I liken it back to 2012-13 when we established a rivalry with Portage right away. Part of it was being relevant right away, just like Niverville has done this year. It's been fun and it will be going forward."

When looking back over the whole year, the biggest thing Dyck will take away was all the community support. The way fans came back for the playoff run and have come back just as strong through the regular season of the new year. "It's been really, really, really nice to see everyone come back. The playoff run was so special with the full house and the energy in the building. It's grown this year. I think people love coming to the game and watching hockey. It really feels like we're back because the building is full. It's the people that make it what it is. We can't thank them enough."