Pistons cap off final season inside T.G. Smith Centre with championship

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This article was published 29/04/2023 (880 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Steinbach Pistons sent out their home arena in style, winning game five of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League final 3-0, and taking the series 4-1 over the Virden Oil Capitals.

Two first period powerplay goals were the difference, with Travis Hensrud and Ty Paisley scoring on similar shots, setting up to Virden goaltender Eric Reid’s left side, and sniping from the top of the circle.

Kirk Mullen added an empty netter, and Dominik Wasik stopped all 24 shots he faced, picking up his third shutout of the series on home ice.

It was an undisciplined start to the game for the Oil Capitals, as they committed five penalties in the opening frame. When Bray Rookes took a cross-checking minor to put Virden down two men, Davis Chorney only made matters worse, committing a slashing minor after the whistle.

Paisley’s shot came just as Virden had killed off the extended five-on-three.

Steinbach, which will have their home rink torn down in the coming weeks, will join the host Portage Terriers at the Centennial Cup, which is set to begin May 11.

For more on the game, be sure to check out the May 4 edition of The Carillon.