By Bill Burfoot
The Niverville Nighthawks closed out their preseason schedule on Saturday night with a 5–3 road loss to the Steinbach Pistons, finishing their two-game home-and-home series with a split.
After an impressive 4–1 win at home Friday night at the CRRC, the Nighthawks went into Steinbach looking to carry their winning momentum. But a strong first period from the Pistons put Niverville on the back foot early, with Steinbach jumping out to a 2–0 lead before the opening frame was through.
Despite the early deficit, the Nighthawks came out with some jump in the second period. Matthew Bertolin gave Niverville life just minutes in, cleaning up a rebound in front of Pistons goaltender Chris Quizi to make it 2–1.
However, the Pistons responded quickly and captain Sam Noad restored the two-goal lead less than two minutes later.
Noad was a force all night, finishing with a goal and two assists.
Later in the second, Steinbach added a shorthanded goal on a two-man rush, giving them a 4–1 advantage heading into the third period.
Still, the Nighthawks weren’t ready to roll over.
Veteran forward Adam Vigfusson—Niverville’s leading scorer from last season—opened the period by wiring a shot from the slot over the left arm of Quizi, narrowing the gap to 4–2. It was a glimpse of the offensive firepower Vigfusson brings as he enters his third season with the Nighthawks.
Steinbach once again pushed back, this time with Brett Kaiser tipping in a point shot to restore the three-goal cushion. Nighthawks goaltender Austin Dubinsky, making his first full preseason start, turned aside 34 shots and made several key saves to keep the game close.
