Winkler has Steinbach on the ropes in MJHL finals

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This article was published 23/04/2024 (390 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Steinbach Pistons certainly aren’t getting the hometown bounces inside the Niverville Rec Centre, as a bouncing overtime goal in game three of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Finals has Steinbach down 3-0.

Winkler’s own Lucas Ens was the lucky man, knocking a puck that appeared to rest at the side of the net off goalie Cole Plowman’s skate and into the back of the net to give his Winkler Flyers a dominant series lead.

It was a back and forth affair in game three, with no shortage of controversy. After Steinbach captain Leo Chambers gave his team a 1-0 lead in the first period, Ile des Chenes own Brody Beauchemin was able to respond for the visitors.

Trey Sauder appeared to have restored the Steinbach lead, only for a referee to wave off the goal, ruling the net had come off the pegs before the puck entered the net.

Sauder had a breakaway and a clear path to the net, and seemed to have beaten Malachi Klassen cleanly, only for the referee to rule the goalie’s attempt to stop the puck had dislodged the net, ruling the goal should not stand.

It was all part of a three-goal second period from Winkler, which saw them take control of the game.

The Pistons may have had their best period of the series in the third, with Jack Cook evening things up mid-way through the first period, one-timing home a won faceoff into the back of the net to give Steinbach fans something to cheer for, but only temporarily.

The Flyers will look to end the MJHL season on home ice April 26. If Steinbach can force a game six, it will take place in Niverville April 28. Puck drop for both games is at 7 p.m.

Steinbach was forced from their temporary home in La Broquerie for the finals, as the HyLife Centre could only guarantee ice until April 17.