The Steinbach Pistons have continued their winning ways after defeating the OCN Blizzard 4-1 on Friday night to kick off a three-game in three-night stretch. 

Rookie forward Troy Beauchemin has had a few chances in his first couple MJHL games this season but when he left the hotel in OCN, he said he felt like it was his night.

He was right.

Beauchemin scored his first career MJHL goal by batting a puck out of mid-air to not only get his first of the year but to open the scoring for the Pistons who grabbed a 1-0 lead. Burke Heide picked up his first career MJHL point as he assisted on the goal as did Boedey Vaeth.

That was the lone goal in the opening period.

In the second, the Pistons struck again this time it was defender Tristan Culleton who took a beautiful pass from Vaeth and rifled a shot top shelf to make it 2-0. 

That late goal was the only offence that either team could muster in the period as again Steinbach held strong in the defensive zone and it remained 2-0 after 40 minutes of play.

In the third, Brendan Martin continued his hot play of late by putting a perfect wrist shot top corner as the speedy winger collected his 6th goal of the year to make it 3-0.

Sticking with the theme of players getting their first points, Carter Loney who was called up from RHA for the weekend picked up his first career assist. Brady Tatro also had a helper.

The Blizzard broke the shutout bid late in the third period as a crash and bang play in front looked to have been whistled down but after the officials had a brief meeting behind the net, they awarded the goal to OCN to cut the lead to 3-1.

Tatro put the game out of reach with a hard working empty-netter, his 7th goal in 7 games, making it 4-1 for the Pistons.

Matt Radomsky didn't have to make any super highlight reel saves but did stop 20 on the night for his 4th straight win in the crease. 

The power play was 0-7 but several power plays lasted mere seconds as the Blizzard took several penalties at the start of their own man advantages. The penalty kill was strong going 5-6.

Coaches Notes

Head coach Paul Dyck was not overly happy with how the game went for his team but was satisfied putting two points in the bank. "Sometimes, you're going to win ugly," the veteran coach said after the game. "We didn't play our best but we were able to do enough to get the win. There's a lot of things we can improve on and a positive is a lot of what didn't go our way was our own doing. We can tighten things up and it's good we get to be right back here (Saturday) night and do it again."

Dyck couldn't help but smile when the topic of his young players making an impact came up. "They were really good tonight and the energy is felt on the bench. For Beauchemin, Heide and Loney to contribute, I know it means a lot to them and it means a lot to our bench."

While the rookies may have got most of the spotlight, a couple veterans stood out as well. "I thought Vaeth really had a strong game. He along with Beauchemin and Max Neil might have been our best line tonight. Martin has an elite shot and a guy like Tatro can have a rough game then all of a sudden explode for two points, including a worker type empty-netter."

Take Two

The same two teams will battle again on Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on MIX 96 and SteinbachOnline.com with the pre-game show starting at 6:45 pm and puck drop set for 7:00 pm.

Steinbach continues their 4 game road trip with the third game in as many nights on Sunday before visiting the Portage Terriers on Wednesday.