1 – Niverville Nighthawks (+1)
This week: 3-0
Overall: 12-1
Getting contributions from all over the lineup, and as a group, they look to be getting better every game. Not flashy on defense, but smart, effective, and tough. Goaltending can steal the show when needed. A big homestand coming up gives a chance to take the league’s top spot.
Player Spotlight: Aaron Krestanowich – 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Nov. 1st vs Northern Manitoba, Nov. 2nd vs Dauphin
2 – Dauphin Kings (+2)
This week: 2-0-1
Overall: 10-2-1
Great response after dropping an overtime game they would probably want back. Claiming five out of six points the way that they did, scoring a combined 13 goals and outshooting their opponent in all three contests, will be an encouraging thing to build on for the top team in the MGEU West.
Player Spotlight: Ethan Stewart – 2 goals, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Nov. 1st @ Steinbach, Nov. 2nd @ Niverville
3 – Selkirk Steelers (+2)
This week: 2-1
Overall: 12-3-1
Having to adjust things on the fly, the Steelers have done well to stay in every game and find a timely goal when needed. Lacking that same offensive punch as earlier in the year, a more balanced approach has formed. Will need to balance hunting for goals and giving up opportunities.
Player Spotlight: Owen Branson – 3 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Oct. 31st vs Neepawa, Nov. 2nd @ WPG Monarchs
4 – Steinbach Pistons (-3)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 10-2-1
A stumble for a team that appeared to be rolling. Learning lessons is something all good teams have to do, and better now than later. Missing key pieces is part of it, but missing the consistent threats up and down the lineup is a larger part of the latest results. Power play has seen a jump in production.
Player Spotlight: Brett Kaiser – 1 goal, 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Oct. 29th @ Neepawa, Nov. 1st vs Dauphin
5 – Portage Terriers (-2)
This week: 1-2
Overall: 8-5-1
Interesting stretch where the team looks poised to take a step, only to take a step back. Have scored big, but have also given up a fair amount. Have the horses up front and on the back end to do damage, but will look to the middle six to find more consistent offensive production.
Player Spotlight: Rhett Platt – 2 goals, 4 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Oct. 30th @ Waywayseecappo, Nov. 1st vs WPG Monarchs
6 – Winkler Flyers (+2)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 6-8-1
A very solid stretch of play has the Flyers right back knocking on the door of the MGEU East playoff picture. Mixing in scoring punch with a grind-out game mentality, the group looks to have found what it takes to be successful. A rest period with no games can heal bumps and bruises.
Player Spotlight: Kam Thomas – 3 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: None
7 – Virden Oil Capitals (-1)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 8-5
More in the middle of the MEGU West than they are close to the top, it still feels like the Oil Caps are going to put it all together and have a solid, consistent run. It might be a matter of when the penalty kill gets figured out, the results will start to be more in their favour. Being 12th in that category has to change before long.
Player Spotlight: Ty Plaisier – 1 goal, 2 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Nov. 1st vs Swan Valley
8 – Swan Valley Stampeders
This week: 1-2
Overall: 5-11
Back-to-back home losses will sting, but didn’t let things snowball. A very good win to cap off the homestand was a needed boost. In a decent position standings-wise, but have played five more games than the teams chasing them. Not an ideal situation, but still too early to worry overly.
Player Spotlight: Darren Hunt – 2 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Nov. 1st @ Virden
9- Winnipeg Blues (-2)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 5-6-2
Things are starting to come closer together for a team that has been working hard to find its way. More scoring, and can play with speed. An area of concern will be how many shots and high danger chances against, but strong goaltending keeps them in the fight for as long as possible.
Player Spotlight: Sage Dela Cruz – 2 goals in 2 games
Up Next: None
10- Northern Manitoba Blizzard (-)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 3-7-1
Scoring might be an issue throughout the year, but when you hold the other team to no goals, it’s usually a good thing. A hard-working group that is young and eager to learn on the job. There will be some long nights, but if teams don’t take them seriously, they will bite.
Player Spotlight: Lucas Lorenz – 2 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Nov. 1st @ Niverville, Nov. 2nd @ Neepawa
11 – Waywayseecappo Wolverines (-)
This week: 1-2
Overall: 7-8-1
Never know from game to game how things will go for the Wolverines. Can score big, but can also have a big number put up against. Speed and grit are there, but a few holes need to be addressed. Things won’t be getting easier schedule wise. Might be the jolt the team needs to find consistency.
Player Spotlight: Sebastien Hicks – 2 goals 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Oct. 30th vs Portage
12 – Neepawa Titans (-)
This week: 0-0
Overall: 3-7-0-1
A rare week off for the Titans might have come at a good time. Four straight losses that had a mix of efforts from the club. Two big games to close out the month of October will give them a chance to turn things around and be able to look back at the overall month a little more positively.
Player Spotlight: Talen Wallis – 3 goals, 6 assists in 11 games (Season)
Up Next: Oct. 29th vs Steinbach, Oct. 31st @ Selkirk, Nov. 2nd vs Northern Manitoba
13 – Winnipeg Monarchs (-)
This week: 0-1
Overall: 1-15
Just the one game in this block, but the same issues continue to plague them. Lack of scoring, and gave up over 60 shots, marking another contest where they’ve spent most of the night in their own zone. Tough lessons to learn, and some seem to be on repeat.
Player Spotlight: Austin Ball – 0-1, 63 saves on 65 shots
Up next: Nov 1st @ Portage, Nov. 2nd vs Selkirk
