Pistons win Game 5 in double OT

Press Release

 Steinbach Pistons are one game away from capturing their first-ever MJHL championship. Justin Dalebozik emerged the hero, scoring the game-winner in the second overtime period, giving the Pistons a 4-3 victory.

Dalebozik was the offensive hero of the night, scoring a hattrick ─ the game-winner coming just two minutes into the fifth period. Game 6 of the Turnbull Trophy final goes Wednesday night in Steinbach.

Pistons’ win was very timely, being the first visiting club to manage a win on the road in this series.

“I thought our guys played well,” Kings’ GM/Head Coach Marlin Murray told CKDM-Dauphin. “In the second period we had a little bit tough luck around the net on the powerplay. Unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize.

“You have to give them (Pistons) credit. They’re not winning on luck. They’re a good club. But, it is what it is. We’re not going to hang our heads. We have to get back to work and worry about winning period by period. There’s going to be a lot of pressure on Steinbach at home to seal the deal. They capitalized on their chances tonight.”

Murray admitted the Kings aren’t getting the lucky bounces; particularly on the powerplay.

“We’re a little snake bitten around the net. But, the sun will come up tomorrow….we’re down one game going into Game 6. I know a lot of people have written us off, but I wouldn’t bet against us.”

 More than 2,000 fans at Credit Union Place were treated to a classic, nail-biting championship battle. Both clubs we deadlocked 1-1 and 2-2 after 20 and 40 minutes, respectively. Pistons’ Riley Soderstrom scored midway through the third period, giving his club a brief lead before MJHL MVP Guillaume Naud tipped in a point shot for his sixth goal of the playoffs.

Kings scoring was rounded out by Daulton Siwak and Tanner Butler (powerplay).

The winner of the Turnbull Trophy will advance to the inaugural Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup in Nanaimo (April 26-May 5). The WCC winner and runner-up will then advance to the RBC Cup in Summerside, PEI. Joining host Nanaimo will be SJHL rep Yorkton Terriers, who won their league on the weekend. Both the AJHL and BCHL reps have yet to be determined. 

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)