The Oil Caps’ winning ways continued on Wednesday night at the MJHL Showcase in Winnipeg, as the club defeated the Steinbach Pistons 2-1 in overtime.
Tristen Cross netted the game winner 44 seconds into overtime as the Oil Caps won their seventh straight and improved to 17-11-1-4 on the season.
“It was just a great effort by everyone,” said Cross, who also scored Virden’s only goal in regulation at the 11:51 mark of the third period on the power play. Brendan Martin would respond for Steinbach with less than two minutes to go with the man advantage (18:07) to force overtime.
Both goaltenders stood tall on this night as Oil Caps netminder Riley Wallace made 28 saves to pick up his fourth win of the year, while Matt Lenz took the loss between the pipes for the Pistons as they dropped to 21-9-2-0 on the season.
“Wally (Riley Wallace) played great and keeping a team like Steinbach to only one goal takes every player on the team to buy in,” Cross added.
Troy Leslie, Oil Caps head coach and GM, says last night’s tilt was a big win for the club, adding that Wallace’s performance in net was key in helping the club continue its winning streak.
“I thought Riley was very good, especially early in the game when we were a little flat,” Leslie said. “He made some big saves for us and allowed to find our legs. Tristen (Cross) stepped up in a big way in the third period. Our penalty kill was solid and played a large role in the win as well.”
The Oil Caps will now head back home and prepare for a Friday night contest against the Winkler Flyers at Tundra Oil and Gas Place. Game time: 7:30 p.m.
Friday night is also Farmery Estate, Virden Truck and Trailer and Valleyview Co-op ‘Pack the House’ Night!
The night includes Farmery Estate products available for tasting, the Valleyview Co-op Tin for the Bin, where folks can drop off non-perishable food items for Virden Christmas Cheer and Virden Truck & Trailer Teddy Bear Toss night! Make sure to bring a stuffed toy to the game and toss it on the ice following the Oil Caps first goal!
Last but certainly not least, Triple Crown Limousine has also gotten in on the fun on this night and will bring one lucky group of 12 from the Wheat City out to the game and back home!