Photo: Luke Perrett
1 – Portage Terriers (+1)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 23-6-1
The slow and steady climb of the Terriers has got them as one of the most talked about teams in the country. No weaknesses, all-for-one attitude, and while piling up individual success, they are more focused on the team goal.
Player Spotlight: Rhett Platt – 2 goals, 4 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 17th vs Niverville, Dec. 20th @ Steinbach
2 – Niverville Nighthawks (-1)
This week: 2-1
Overall: 26-2-1
Good teams will lose to other good teams. Far from the end of the world. It’s not an eye-opener or anything dramatic. The Nighthawks are in total control of what they do and where they go. Would like to get revenge against the team that beat them.
Player Spotlight: Dawson Zeller – 1 goal, 4 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 17th @ Portage, Dec. 19th vs Selkirk, Dec. 20th @ WPG Monarchs
3 – Steinbach Pistons (-)
This week: 3-0
Overall: 23-6-1
Flexing their offensive muscles, the Pistons showed they can steamroll teams while also playing a sound, quality defensive game. Big tests are coming up to close out the pre-Christmas schedule in front of crowds likely over 2000 per game.
Player Spotlight: Hunter Bauer – 3-0, 0.33 GAA, .986 SV%, 2 shutouts
Up Next: Dec. 19th vs Winkler, Dec. 20th vs Portage, Dec. 31st vs WPG Blues
4 – Neepawa Titans (+1)
This week: 2-1
Overall: 16-13-0-1
Sticking with their plan, the Titans work hard, are fast, have scoring up and down the lineup, plus solid backend depth. Quickly becoming the team no one wants to meet in the first round of the playoffs.
Player Spotlight: Jack Clark – 4 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 19th vs Northern Manitoba, Dec. 20th vs Northern Manitoba
5 – Dauphin Kings (+1)
This week: 2-1
Overall: 18-10-1
Put together a couple of much-needed efforts that also picked up results. Sitting atop the MGEU West, the Kings will believe their best hockey is in front of them. Have done a good job not letting things linger, nipping trouble in the bud.
Player Spotlight: Ty Pratte – 6 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 20th vs Waywayseecappo
6 – Waywayseecappo Wolverines (+1)
This week: 2-1
Overall: 12-17-1-1
Finally went on a winning streak. Had the chance to extend it, but let it slip away. Still, regardless of what happens on a night-to-night basis, the team looks like they believe they can beat anyone, and they play a style that is hard to match.
Player Spotlight: Kurt Rookes – 1 goal, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 19th vs WPG Monarchs, Dec. 20th @ Dauphin
7 – Virden Oil Capitals (+1)
This week: 1-0-1
Overall: 16-10-1
Coming along, the Oil Caps have that consistent brand of hockey. Sometimes it works, sometimes it needs a jolt. All-around solid, the group appears as though they’ve learned lessons from last year and will look to push after the break.
Player Spotlight: Ty Plaisier – 4 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 18th @ Swan Valley, Dec. 19th vs Swan Valley
8 – Winkler Flyers (-4)
This week: 0-3
Overall: 14-13-1-2
When it rains, it pours. Stuck in the mud, the Flyers have not done themselves any favours, but the good news is there’s plenty of time to turn those details around. Games in hand may prove crucial in their bid for the playoffs.
Player Spotlight: Niklas Gudmundson – 2 goals, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 19th @ Steinbach, Dec. 20th vs WPG Blues
9- Winnipeg Monarchs (+4)
This week: 3-1
Overall: 7-24
Hard work pays off. There have been some long, tough nights, but it makes the good nights all that much better. Winning is always great, especially against the in-town rival. Lots of work to go, but a lot of positives heading toward a break.
Player Spotlight: Deegan Wapass – 2 goals, 2 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 19th @ Waywayseecappo, Dec. 20th vs Niverville
10- Winnipeg Blues (-1)
This week: 0-2-1
Overall: 9-14-3
Tough stretch for a group that looked like they were ready to take that big step forward. Still have games in hand, so playoffs are not out of the question, but they can’t let even single points in games pass them by anymore.
Player Spotlight: Carson White – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 20th @ Winkler, Dec. 31st @ Steinbach
11 – Northern Manitoba Blizzard (-)
This week: 0-1-1
Overall: 5-18-2-2
Growing and learning lessons. Fast, scrappy, and bought in, all good signs that the Blizzard will be taking steps the rest of the way. Not in spoiler territory yet, but if they get there, it may be the role that bonds the team even more.
Player Spotlight: Isaac Tomchak – 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 19th @ Neepawa, Dec. 20th @ Neepawa
12 – Selkirk Steelers (-2)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 15-15-2
Despite not playing their best, the Steelers are hanging around that final spot in the MGEU East. While they don’t score at the clip they once did, they still have the firepower to put teams on their heels.
Player Spotlight: Owen Branson – 1 goal in 2 game
Up Next: Dec. 19th @ Niverville
13 – Swan Valley Stampeders
This week: 0-1
Overall: 6-18-3-1
Starting to fall back a bit in the push for a playoff spot, but the talent and drive are there to make a push. Fast up front, solid goaltending, good puck moving. All the pieces are there, but there is no more room to let points slip away.
Player Spotlight: Ben Groome – 1 goal in 1 game
Up next: Dec. 18th vs Virden, Dec. 19th @ Virden
