1 – Niverville Nighthawks (-)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 22-1
At a certain point, the word dominating stops being enough. Complete effort night after night. Scoring from everywhere. Total buy-in to the three-zone systems. Elite goaltending. Special teams are fantastic. Regardless of what they’ve done, they don’t seem to rest on it, they still believe they can find another level. Scary thoughts for the rest of the league, and country.
Player Spotlight: Calyb Moore – 2 goals, 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 5th @ Steinbach, Dec. 7th vs Virden, Dec. 10th vs Portage
2 – Portage Terriers (+2)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 18-6-1
These dogs are up to their old tricks, finding ways to win hockey games consistently. There’s a level of belief in the group that hasn’t always been there, but with solid defenders and elite-level goaltending is very helpful for when they have the puck, they can be full-bore offense and blugen teams with wave after wave of opportunities.
Player Spotlight: William McKay – 2 goals, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 3rd @ Neepawa, Dec. 6th vs Virden, Dec. 7th @ Winkler, Dec. 10th @ Niverville
3 – Steinbach Pistons (+1)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 19-5-1
If there were some worries about the Pistons’ defensive play, that’s been solidified of late. Combining that with blueliners that still can chip in offensively and goaltending that is beyond solid, Steinbach looks to make a push throughout the rest of the month, and has eyes for that top spot in the MJHL. Big game on Friday if they hope to make any steps forward there.
Player Spotlight: Evan Gradt – 1 goal, 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 5th vs Niverville, Dec. 7th vs Selkirk, Dec. 10th vs WPG Monarchs
4 – Winkler Flyers (+1)
This week: 3-0
Overall: 13-9-1-2
Still learning lessons, but finding ways to win. Special teams are right near the top of the MJHL, but it’s how they play five-on-five that has made the biggest difference in their climb up the standings. Strong from top to bottom, it’s hard to see them giving up that 4th and final spot in the MGEU East, and don’t expect them to rest now that they have it.
Player Spotlight: Charlie Weaver – 2 goals, 2 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 4th vs WPG Monarchs, Dec. 7th vs Portage, Dec. 10th @ Neepawa
5 – Dauphin Kings (-2)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 16-7-1
Let one get away on the weekend, but the Kings are still in a great position heading into a December which will see them leave home for one game out of the seven. Their home ice has traditionally been a safe place, and this year is no different, going 7-2-1 to this point at Credit Union Place. Some inter-divisional battles await, but a chance to run away with top spot also is there.
Player Spotlight: Havryil Simchuk – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 3rd vs Virden, Dec. 6th vs WPG Blues, Dec. 9th vs Northern Manitoba
6 – Neepawa Titans (+1)
This week: 3-0
Overall: 12-11-0-1
They just keep finding ways to win. Developing that reputation as a fast, skilled, hard-working team. The scoring can be inconsistent, but when it’s on, they are right there with anybody. Goaltending gives them a chance every night. A busy December is mixed between tough tests and winnable games, and the group knows those points are important.
Player Spotlight: Keenan Skrupa – 3 goals, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 3rd vs Portage, Dec. 5th @ Swan Valley, Dec. 6th @ Northern Manitoba, Dec. 10th vs Winkler
7 – Virden Oil Capitals (-1)
This week: 2-1
Overall: 14-8
A solid and needed bounce back after getting slapped around at home. With games in hand, they keep right on the heels of the top spot in the MGEU West. Have all the pieces to be dangerous every night, but it’s scoring consistently that has come and go, causing them to still search for that push to really surge.
Player Spotlight: Dysen Drake – 2 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 3rd @ Dauphin, Dec. 6th @ Portage, Dec. 7th @ Niverville
8 – Northern Manitoba Blizzard (+6)
This week: 1-1-0-1
Overall: 4-16-1-2
A big sigh of relief for a group that needed it. Didn’t hang their heads after coming close in the game before, but stepped up and made a big statement to themselves and other teams with a sound victory. There haven’t been many highlight nights, but defeating a division rival at home will be a good shot in the arm for the team and the community.
Player Spotlight: Kanye Huang – 3 goals in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 5th vs WPB Blues, Dec. 6th vs Neepawa, Dec. 9th @ Dauphin
9- Waywayseecappo Wolverines (-)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 9-16-1-1
Devastated by injuries, the Wolverines are thankful for a bit of a break as they try and heal up some pretty important pieces. The group can be encouraged that despite missing some key players, they’ve been in the battle, and were right on the edge of stealing a game or two. Bodes well for when they do get healthy.
Player Spotlight: Kurt Rookes – 1 goal in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 5th @ Selkirk
10- Swan Valley Stampeders (+2)
This week: 0-0-2
Overall: 6-17-3
Managing to pick up even a single point is not a bad thing for a team that is clawing to stay in the fight for that final playoff spot. A very light December gives them a chance to take stock and decide what they want to do going forward. The team they’re chasing isn’t running away, so a solid stretch to close out the month could make things interesting.
Player Spotlight: Gavin Bartha – 2 goals in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 5th vs Neepawa
11 – Winnipeg Blues (-3)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 8-11-2
Just when it looked like they were ready to make a move, they stumbled and let a couple of points float away. While it may look daunting, and it probably is, there are still games in hand to consider. December is filled with big games against tough opponents, maybe exactly what the group needs if they want to prove they are serious about making a push.
Player Spotlight: Brennan Green – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 6th @ Dauphin
12 – Winnipeg Monarchs (-2)
This week: 0-3
Overall: 4-22
Hard to keep beating the same drum, but the team indeed has an incredible work ethic, is strong structurally, but lacks counterpunch and scoring. It’s not the same team from years past, even though the record may not reflect it. They make sure other teams know they were in a game, even if things get out of hand toward the end.
Player Spotlight: Maxx Hamelin – 2 goals in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 4th @ Winkler, Dec. 10th @ Steinbach
13 – Selkirk Steelers (-2)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 14-12-1
The slow decline continues. Death by a thousand cuts at times, as it’s not just what other teams are doing to them, it’s what they are doing, or not doing, to and for themselves. The jolt of losing some of their top players hasn’t helped matters. The goals at times have been there, but it seems when they score, they give up more. Hard to win with that combination.
Player Spotlight: Wyatt Witham – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up next: Dec. 5th vs Waywayseecappo, Dec. 7th @ Steinbach, Dec. 9th vs Niverville
