Now just two points out of the final playoff spot in the MJHL, the Waywayseecappo Wolverines will look to avenge a pair of recent losses to the Steinbach Pistons as the two clubs prepare to clash on Friday night in the Automobile City.
The Run Down
The Steinbach Pistons departed Waywayseecappo just under one week ago with four points after they edged the Wolverines in back to back games. In game one, the Wolverines trailed by one goal late in the third period before the Pistons gained the lead minutes later and added an empty-netter to seal the victory.
It was a similar scenario in the second half of the back to back as the Wolverines found themselves down 1-0 until the Pistons would hold on and add an empty-netter with seconds remaining in the game.
Most recently, the Wolverines are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Natives which saw the club fire 51 shots at Kolby Thornton in a game that easily could have seen the Wolverines score four or five goals.
While the Wolverines are fresh off their 3-2 win at home, the Pistons were shutout 3-0 on home ice by the Virden Oil Capitals on Wednesday night, something no other team in the league has done to the defending MJHL champions.
Keys to the Game
There’s no question the Wolverines will be in tough to score on the powerplay against the Pistons league-best 86.6% penalty kill unit. That said, positive strides have been made in that department and as long as the club continues to stick to their structure, the goals should start to come.
MJHL minutes leader Isaac LaBelle will once again need to be at his best on Friday night when Waywayseecappo rolls into Steinbach. The 20-year-old veteran goaltender had one of his best performances of the season inside the TG Smith Centre when he stopped 33 of 35 shots in a 3-2 win on opening night against the Pistons.
News and Notes
Jackson Tonnies will look to get back in the lineup after missing Wednesday nights game with a lower-body injury. Trent Halfdanson is expected to miss his second game in a row after he left last Sunday’s contest against the Pistons.
Game Updates
You can watch tonights game on hockeytv.com or follow along on social media…
mjhl_Wolverines – Twitter
Wayway Wolverines – Facebook
Instagram – wolverines_mjhl