Pistons fall short to Surrey

Press Release

Despite their never-say-die attitude, Steinbach Pistons dropped a disappointing 5-3 decision to Surrey Eagles Monday night in Nanaimo.

 Pistons now find themselves 0-2 at the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup, earning a day off on Tuesday to regroup before two critical games later this week. Pistons then take on Brooks Bandits on Wednesday and host Nanaimo on Thursday.

The top four teams at the WCC advance to playoff round, with the last-place finisher eliminated.

“We felt we had an opportunity to make a comeback,” Pistons Head Coach Paul Dyck told AM-1250 Radio. “A 3-1 lead is not the most comfortable lead in hockey. We made a late run; I thought we had a chance to win the game.”

Falling behind 2-0 after the first period to Surrey was a stumble the Pistons were hoping to avoid. Only a day before the Pistons were down 2-1 to Yorkton Terriers. Dyck admitted the slow starts hurt his club.

“We started sluggish both games,” he said. “Maybe it’s a lack of focus. We need a good start, and getting back to our brand of hockey. Good things will start to happen.”

Before about 700 fans at the Frank Crane Arena, Pistons rallied on a number of occasions to test the BCHL champions. Pistons’ captain Kyle Rous pulled the MJHL champions to within a goal – 4-3 – scoring a powerplay goal midway through the third period. But the rally would end when Surrey scored an empty-net goal with 43 seconds remaining in the final period.

On a positive note, Pistons were led by the line of Trent Genyk, Tyler Penner and Nick Kolbela. The Piston trio recorded a total of five points. Both Genyk (second goal of the WCC) and Kolbela scored goals, with the rookie Penner earning a pair of assists.

Penner, who joined the Pistons from AAA midget Winnipeg Thrashers, hasn’t looked out of place at this tournament. He was named the game’s second star for his efforts.

“Tyler has been outstanding,” Dyck said of the 17-year-old Winnipegger. “He just keeps getting better and better. He’s brought a lot of energy and a lot of good habits. He’s effective at this level.”

Dyck admitted the tournament doesn’t get easier for his club.

“They’re a skilled group,” Dyck said of Brooks Bandits. “We have to bring pace to that game and play our game. It’s going to come down to work ethic, and the boys’ willingness to play a solid 60 minutes.”

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