Photo: Heather Pollock/Hockey Canada Images
OAKVILLE, ON – It’s desperation mode for the Turnbull Cup champion, Winkler Flyers on Monday night at the Centennial Cup as they prepare to take on the host, Oakville Blades (OJHL).
With a win over the Blades on Monday night in regulation, the Flyers could solidify their spot in the quarterfinal round and would hold a chance at the top spot in their pool with an opportunity for a semi-final bye.
“Much like a playoff game back in Manitoba, it was physical, it was intense,” said Flyers Head Coach & General Manager, Justin Falk, when talking about their shootout loss to Melfort. “There was some leads that were lost, some gains, some special teams and some adjustments that will have to be made going through the rest of the preliminary round based on the style of play we have in Manitoba.”
Coming off of the most intense game of the preliminary round against Melfort, it was a day off on Sunday as the Flyers prepared for their final two games of the preliminary round against the host, Oakville Blades and the Maritime Hockey League champion, Miracmichi Timberwolves.
“We have a big back-to-back where we have to continue to push forward and find ways to get wins and points. We have to live for the moment and make sure we’re desperate to win that game that’s in front of us,” Falk said. “They’ve (Flyers) worked hard and they know that there’s only a week left of work in front of them to leave it all out there.”
University of North Dakota commit, Dalton Andrew, leads the Flyers in scoring with 5 goals and 2 assists through two games, good enough for 3rd overall in Centennial Cup scoring heading into Monday night.
The Flyers and Blades get underway on Monday night at 6:30 CST from the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville. Watch the game live here or follow along on the MJHL’s X account @mjhlhockey, Instagram @mjhlhockey, and Facebook page (Manitoba Junior Hockey League).
