Ref calls back goal by Sokoloski 5 minutes into the first for kicking it in.
Last night marked the first game of the MJHL Semi final series at the T.G Smith Centre in Steinbach where the Pistons came away with the win in a 5-4 final.
Portage struck first just past the halfway point of the opening frame when Layne Toder squeaked one past Roman Bengert for the early lead after having a Sokoloski goal called back for kicking it in 5 minutes in. The period ended in a tie as Steinbach’s Hinson evened things up at 16:51.
Steinbach came out hard and fast in the second Purtill scoring just under a minute in. Penalty trouble ended up costing the Terriers, receiving 4 minors, the Pistons capitalizing on 2. Tyler Anderson and Bradley Schoonbaert both making the most of the man advantage. Steinbach looked to be running away with things up 4-1 less than 6 minutes in when Ty Barnstable scored a big goal for the dogs on their first powerplay of the game to cut the Piston’s lead to 2.
Portages Mackenzie Dwyer found mesh 7:38 into the third to draw within one of the Pistons, but a few minutes later Koop restored Steinbach’s 2 goal lead on a misplayed puck by Chapman on the powerplay. For the second time in the game Barnstable scored a big goal once again bringing the Dogs within one, but despite pulling the goalie Portage was unable to get it done. Chapman records the loss with 33 saves.
Game two of the best of seven series will be played tomorrow at Stride Place as a part of Hometown Hockey which kicked off today. Head down to Stride Place to check it out. Game time 4:30pm.