SRSS start hockey season with OT win

The Steinbach Regional Sabres hockey team started the Winnipeg High School Hockey League schedule with a bang, defeating Lord Selkirk 4-3 in overtime in their home opener.

With just seconds to go in the extra frame, defenseman Ty Brewster jumped up into the rush, knocking home a rebound and celebrating with several members of the Steinbach Pistons, who were watching following their own practice.

While celebrations took place on the ice, head coach John Laninga was a bit more muted.

“It was a stressful game,” Laninga said, noting the team was rusty after going 10 days without playing.

“It was a little close for comfort… Credit to the guys for sticking with it.”

The Sabres were down 3-1 with 10 minutes to go, before mounting a late comeback just to force overtime. The Sabres followed up that win with a 5-2 loss against Oak Park in the city.

Steinbach boasts an experienced line-up this season, especially on defense, with three players back for both their grade 12 season, and their third with the Sabres, including Brewster.

“(Brewster) is more than just a wizard with the golf clubs,” Laninga quipped. Brewster is one of the province’s top golfers for his age group, recently placing in the top three at the provincial championships in La Broquerie.

“He’s got some of that flair in his game. He’s run a powerplay since he’s joined our team… We’re excited to see him grow as a player and a leader.”

Hockey players in the province can only play minor hockey or high school hockey, but not both. The Sabres have seven grade 12 players on their roster this season, with Laninga praising local AA programs for continuing to produce quality players.

“It feels like you’re a bit further ahead every year,” Laninga said on those third-year players.

“You don’t have to teach some of the same things, you can scaffold it a bit.”

The top division of the Winnipeg High School Hockey league is 12 teams this season, with Laninga noting he “doesn’t see a weak spot.”

“I think you have to show up every single game,” he said.

“My goal as of today is to get back into that top half… Let’s work hard, get into that top half, and play the best hockey we can by the end of the year.”

Steinbach plays most of their home games on Wednesday afternoons, including this week after press time Oct. 21. They’ll next be in action against River East Oct. 28 at the Southeast Event Centre.

FOOTBALL

The SRSS football team dropped a tough game 35-28 to Murdoch McKay Oct. 16, falling to 3-3 on the season.

A late touchdown gave the visitors a 28-27 lead with four minutes to go, but Murdoch McKay drove the field and found a winning touchdown with just 1:40 to go, converting three third downs en route to the end zone.

“We can never question the heart, grit, and determination of these boys,” program coordinator Jamie Peters said in an email.

“They battled, responded to adversity, and gave themselves a chance to win right until the end. Unfortunately, a few too many mistakes and a handful of missed opportunities proved costly in a seven-point loss.”

Steinbach will close their season against Dakota in the city Oct. 23. The undefeated junior varsity Sabres put their perfect record on the line in the final regular season game of the season after press time Oct. 21.