The Winkler Flyers started off the 2024-2025 MJHL season on the right skate with a 3-2 win against the Steinbach Pistons Friday night.
After a scoreless opening frame, Isaiah Peters lit up the scoreboard with a goal seconds shy of the midway point of the second period.
The Winkler lead didn’t last long, though, as Steinbach’s Noah Szabo returned the favour at 12:19.
Kam Thomas pulled the Flyers back into the lead as the clock wound down on the period, only to have Cole Cairns tie it up again for the Pistons before the buzzer.
The deadlock held until the third period’s 12th minute when a Mathys Blanchette goal gave Winkler the win.
Liam Ernst stood tall in net for the Flyers making 27 saves off the 29 he faced. His teammates fired 20 the other way.
The Pistons struck back hard Saturday night in Steinbach, taking that one 4-2.
Winkler drew first blood thanks to a goal from Brady Craik in the first, but Steinbach got two to Winkler’s one (courtesy of Kam Thomas) in the second and then added two unanswered goals in the third to win it.
Rylan Benner was between the posts for the Flyers this game. He made 34 saves as Steinbach outshot Winkler 38-24.
Winkler this week faces the Titans in Niverville Tuesday (results were not available at press time) and the Wolverines in Waywayseecappo Friday night.
