DAUPHIN, MB - The Dauphin Kings and Steinbach Pistons will battle tonight at Credit Union Place with the winner taking control of top spot of the league for at least the following 24 hours.
It's the first meeting between the two teams that are both expected to be in the conversation when the post season arrives in March. For now, it's the first feeling out process.
For the Kings it's the start of four of their next five games on home ice. They'll host Sekirk on Sunday before going to Swan River on Wednesday then return home to play Neepawa on Friday and the Stampeders on Saturday.
Lots going on again at the rink tonight! The Kings will name their Billet & Volunteers of the Month and Tractor Lotto tickets are back on sale. Everybody that buys tonight gets entered into a draw for a FREE single ticket donated by Reit-Syd Equipment! Plus the M&M Food Market Express Puck Toss goes in the first intermission with pot over $400.00!
Opening face off at Credit Union Place tonight is 7:30pm!
Be sure to follow the Kings on social media throughout today's tilt for updates!
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Come back after the game for the Post Game Report!
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TONIGHT'S MATCH UP
KINGS (12-4-0-0)
It's a measuring stick type game for both the Dauphin Kings and Steinbach Pistons. Both teams will like to see how they fair with the other as they each sit atop their respective divisions.
The Kings have won five in a row and are looking to put a little space between themselves and the Norman Blizzard. The Blizzard are a point back of the Kings but Dauphin does have a game in hand which will be played tonight. Norman is in Virden tomorrow.
Dauphin's Special Teams have picked up their pace over the last few games. The team's Power Play is now 3rd in the MJHL at 27% while their Penalty Kill is tied for top spot with Niverville at 86.2%.
Cayden Glover has returned to the top spot on the Kings when it comes to points. He has 15 goals and six assists for 21, one better than Naaman Hofer (1G, 19A).
PISTONS (12-2-1-0)
The Steinbach Pistons had a little bit of a slow start to the regular season, but much like the Kings they have come on as of late. Just like Dauphin the Pistons come into this contest riding a five game winning streak.
With the new arena situation in Steinbach the Pistons are spending a lot of time on the road to start the season. In the month of November they'll play eight of their 11 games away from home ice. When their new arena is complete they'll be spending a lot of time there in the new year.
Steinbach's Special Teams are like the Kings'. Both their Power Play and Penalty Kill are inside the league's top five. On the man advantage the Pistons are 2nd at 33.9% while their PK is 4th at 83%.
Connor Paronuzzi (9G, 14A) is the leader in points with 23 for the Pistons. That puts him tied for 3rd in the MJHL.