The Winkler Flyers won their second preseason game in a row on Friday night, defeating the visiting Steinbach Pistons 3-1. Bryce Enns, Nicholas Labossiere and Braden Billaney did the goal scoring for Winkler, who improved their MJHL preseason record to 2-1.
Playing the first of three games in three days, the Orange and Black dressed a lineup with a small number of veterans mixed with a group of youngsters still trying to impress.
The Flyers drew first blood when Bryce Enns banged home a loose puck just under six minutes into the game. Fellow vets Josh Cook and Zak Hicks drew the assists. Winkler took their one goal lead into the first intermission.
The Pistons tied the game 1-1 with a goal late in the second period and the two teams went into the third all square.
Nicholas Labossiere put the Flyers back in front 2-1, 2:16 into the third period with an nice unassisted goal.
With 3:24 to play in regulation, 16 year old Braden Billaney skated the puck into the Pistons zone and ripped a wrist shot past the goaltender, giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead.
Goaltender Gavin Klassen, who has a strong game overall, finished the game with 30 saves as the Pistons outshot Winkler 31-30.
The Flyers (2-1) will travel to Steinbach (1-1) on Saturday night for a rematch with the Pistons. Game time at the TG Smith Centre in Steinbach is 7:30pm. The Flyers next preseason home game is Tuesday, September 9th when the Selkirk Steelers come to town (7:30pm @ Winkler Recreation Complex).