With the Steinbach Pistons under new ownership, the team will begin the upcoming season with an especially fresh start.  Dedicated fans seem to be quite content with the situation.

Kelvin Toews is a season-ticket holder, and says the sale did not surprise him.

"I'd heard rumors and rumblings for quite some time that it was going to be sold, and it's great to have local ownership."  He adds the team can now move forward past the uncertainty.

Although he already is signed up for tickets this season, Toews says whether he continues to do so could be impacted.

"In the future, it does help that it's local ownership and that they'll have the town in mind in future decisions."  He says while players probably did not want to come to Steinbach in the past, hopefully it will soon be more attractive to them.

Toews says the overall direction of the organization is also now more promising.

"It sounds like they are going to be concentrating on first of all, getting more people involved in the community and getting the playing involved and to stay here, and that can only have a positive effect."

Toews notes the refocusing will likely enhance the team's overall performance.

"If the players are happier in Steinbach, obviously it's going to translate onto the ice.  I don't think we can expect drastic changes in the first year; we still have to be patient, but I think it will have a positive effect."

Don Neufeld has purchased season tickets since the Pistons relocated to Steinbach for the 2009-2010 season.  He also says it is great that people are taking on the responsibility of stabilizing the club.

Don Neufeld

"It's good to have  a junior team; unfortunately you have to have a well-run junior team.  I know they have employees there - [Coach] Paul Dyck is doing a fantastic job, but with some uncertainty in the last year, maybe the confidence-level can be raised a little bit in regards to the community, spectators, and players.  Hopefully we can have a little stronger season next year with the new people involved."  Concerning the sale, Neufeld adds he felt that something was about to happen.

Neufeld says he will always buy Pistons tickets to support the community, but admits he might go to more games if the team starts winning.  He adds the organization's new  vision is on the right track.

"I really like that they have worked out a plan on how to promote hockey in the community - a plan on having something for the players to look forward to.  I know Paul has talked about working with universities and colleges and trying to promote the players so they can also improve themselves.   He's also worked on the basis of trying to get education for the players, so that should attract more people and it's an all-round better situation."  He notes the financial success of the now not-for-profit Pistons might not be immediate.

According to Neufeld, the shift in leadership could alter the team's general atmosphere.

"On-ice performance basically comes from attitude, and if the group leading the team has the right attitude and wants to work forward to developing young people in the community, obviously it's going to make a difference in the performance on ice."  

However, he says the sale of the Pistons will likely not effect the time-line of a multi-use facility potentially being built in Steinbach.

"The multiplex situation has many other things involved in it; when it comes, it's going to come.  Possibly, we've been a little bit reluctant to build a new facility, which unfortunately, I believe should have been started a number of years ago."  Neufeld states he does not think a single hockey team could change the spending of taxpayer money.

Long-time season ticket holder Edward Penner offers his take on the Pistons sale to local investors.

Edward Penner

"I believe it's a good thing - as long as they operate the team in such a way that they know that they have to pay all the bills.  Therefore, they have to make money; otherwise the team won't stay here."  He he hopes the team's shareholders are able to work together for the overall good of the team.  Penner says he knew a bit about the sale beforehand, and recognized the previous owner was not necessarily planning to stay.

Penner says he cannot predict how soon the Pistons will see improvement.  However, he says winning is a necessity.

"I would say let's get a team that is here to win, and win we must, because that's how you're going to make interest in the team even more viable."  Penner says he is thinking about becoming a member of the leadership after he finds out more.

However, Penner notes players and fans must also shoulder the responsibility of supporting the team.

"I realize that probably the biggest thing would be a winner, but if you want to be part of a winner you've got to be a winner.  Consider that every time you are there and you participate, you help be a winner; don't tear it down."  He says the local factor should encourage people to buy tickets.  Penner adds this could spark quicker construction of a Steinbach multiplex, but says individuals would have to step up to help finance it.

The announcement about the Pistons came late Tuesday afternoon.  Mel Sonnenberg sold it to 36 local investors.  For details, click HERE.