The Winkler Flyers wrapped up the first half of their season with a statement 5-2 victory over the Steinbach Pistons on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Winkler ICON Arena. With Steinbach holding a narrow edge in the standings, this win was crucial for the Flyers heading into the Christmas break.
Jayce Legaarden set the tone midway through the first period, snapping a shot past Steinbach’s goaltender off feeds from Isaiah Peters and Niklas Gudmundson, giving Winkler a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
In the second frame, Nicholas McKee doubled the lead with a well-placed tip, assisted by Matheson and Legaarden. Steinbach clawed back with a power-play goal, but Beauchemin quickly responded with a power-play tally of his own, set up by Gudmundson and Legaarden. Steinbach managed another power-play goal late in the period, but Winkler maintained a 3-2 advantage heading into the final frame.
The Flyers put the game away in the third period. Gudmundson capitalized on a power play, firing home a goal assisted by Legaarden and Jensen. With Steinbach pressing late, Beauchemin iced the game with an empty-netter.
Winkler went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Steinbach managed just two goals on eight opportunities.
Goaltender Liam Ernst delivered a composed performance between the pipes, stopping 23 of 25 shots to secure the win.
Legaarden was the star of the night, recording a five-point performance (1G, 4A). Beauchemin found the back of the net twice, while Gudmundson and McKee each chipped in with goals. Jensen and Matheson added key assists.
With this victory, the Flyers not only close the gap in the standings but also gain valuable momentum heading into the holiday break. They’ll aim to build on this success when they return to action in the new year.
