The Virden Oil Capitals are moving onto the Turnbull Cup Final!
In a tightly contested Game 6 battle Sunday night, the Oil Caps edged the Steinbach Pistons 4-3 at Tundra Oil & Gas Place, clinching the second-round series and punching their ticket to the Turnbull Cup Finals.
The Oil Caps struck first in the opening period, as Draper found the back of the net at 8:47, finishing a play from Wright and Deschamps. Steinbach responded on the power play later in the period when Kaiser scored at 14:15, sending the teams into the intermission tied 1-1.
The second period featured a key momentum swing in favor of Virden. Goertzen gave the Oil Caps the lead at 12:11, scoring shorthanded in a big moment to make it 2-1 heading into the third.
The third period brought playoff intensity and drama. Steinbach tied the game early at 3:19 when Kostiuk scored shorthanded, but the Oil Caps answered quickly. Just under two minutes later, Schaefer restored the lead for Virden on the power play, with assists from Bryant and Siemens. Midway through the period, Goertzen struck again, finishing a play from Wright and Draper to give Virden a crucial two-goal cushion. The Pistons made things interesting late, as Hoffman scored on the power play at 19:18, but the Oil Caps held on in the final moments to secure the victory.
The difference maker on the night was Goertzen, who scored twice, including the game winning goal and a key shorthanded marker. Virden also got goals from Draper and Schaefer, while contributions throughout the lineup once again highlighted the team’s depth.
Goaltender Burdeny made 22 saves on 25 shots, coming up with key stops late in the game to preserve the win.
Virden held a slight edge in shots 28-25, while both teams capitalized on special teams opportunities in a tightly played contest.
After a hard-fought six-game series, the Oil Caps advance with momentum and confidence, having responded under pressure and delivered when it mattered most.
With the second round now complete, Virden turns its attention to the Turnbull Cup Finals where they will play the Niverville Nighthawks.
Final Score
Virden Oil Capitals 4
Steinbach Pistons 3
Series Result
Virden wins series 4-2
