The Steinbach Pistons kept their playoff hopes alive on April 7, 2026, by securing a 6-4 road victory against the Virden Oil Capitals in Game 3 of the MJHL semifinal series. The win allows the team to narrow the series deficit to 2-1 after dropping the first two games of the best-of-seven series.
The Pistons faced a significant hurdle heading into the contest as starting goaltender Chris Quizi, a finalist for the Ed Belfour Top Goaltender Award, was unavailable due to an injury. In his absence, backup Easton Thvedt stepped in to earn his first career playoff win, helping the team withstand a push from the home side.
The game was a back-and-forth affair that eventually tilted in favour of the visitors during the third period. Defender Cullen Ingebritson scored the decisive goal at 3:19 of the final frame, marking his first playoff goal of the series. The Pistons received additional offensive contributions from captain Sam Noad, who netted his fourth goal of the playoffs, along with Connor Paronuzzi, Ryan McDonald, and Grady Hoffman.
Under the leadership of head coach and general manager Paul Dyck, the team is looking to build on this performance as the series continues. The Steinbach Pistons, who finished the regular season second overall in the league with a 47-9-2 record, now shift their focus to the remainder of the semifinal series. The team plays their home games at the Southeast Event Centre.
