Steinbach Pistons captain Braden Purtill has had a great season on the ice which includes a Turnbull Trophy but it's not only for himself or his teammates but it's for his family. 

Braden's father Mitch has made the trip from Winnipeg to Steinbach many times this season and with the Pistons in the ANAVET Cup finals, he's also made his way to Nipawin, Saskatchewan.

"It's his last year playing junior hockey, it's something you can't miss," Said the senior Purtill during a Pistons team Jets watching party Thursday night. "He won the MJHL championship, which is awesome. Now, he has a chance to do something special and win the ANAVET, which hasn't been around for 5 or 6 years now."

Like for so many hockey parents, the decision for Mitch to take some time off work to support his son and the team was a pretty easy one. "I'm a shift worker but I save my time for events like this. I like to show support and it's my entertainment. I enjoy watching the boys play, I enjoy what they've done this season and it seems to be a pretty special group here."

For the younger Purtill, getting to have family so close, means the world to him. "It's really special. He's been a huge part of my life and hockey career so it's nice to be able to share it with him."

When he hoisted the Turnbull Trophy, it was the first time Braden Purtill has won a championship and it's something he and his family have fought for many years. "It's something that doesn't come around much in a lifetime. Getting to share it with him (in Virden) is pretty special."

The Steinbach Pistons have made it a point to bring in players with character and that includes their families. Many families have made trips to Steinbach all season long to cheer on their son's but also the whole team. To win a Turnbull Trophy and to be going for an ANAVET, Mitch Purtill knows it means a lot to both players and their loved ones. "You look back at how hard they work. It is pretty tough+ to win a championship in any league. So to watch what they've done, hoisting the Turnbull, there was a tear in my eye, no doubt about it."