Photo: Kalee Haasbeek
1 – Niverville Nighthawks (-)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 32-2-1
There are only so many words that can be used to describe the Nighthawks. Consistent and dominant are two of them. Even when not at their best, the structure and work ethic provide opportunities, and a deep lineup does not miss often.
Player Spotlight: Marlen Edwards – 4 goals in 3 games
Up Next: Jan. 15th vs Selkirk, Jan. 20th @ WPG Blues
2 – Steinbach Pistons (+1)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 27-7-1
Bolstering an already dangerous offence, every time someone in a Pistons jersey gets the puck, there’s a chance for a goal. From forwards to defence, there’s a constant threat, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, there may be a higher ceiling yet.
Player Spotlight: Jackson Kostiuk – 3 goals, 4 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Jan. 16th vs Dauphin, Jan. 18th vs Portage, Jan 21st @ Portage
3 – Virden Oil Capitals (+1)
This week: 2-0-1
Overall: 20-10-2
Their climb to the top of the division has been one filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and be prepared for tough battles ahead. A group that has shown they can fill the net, but also be very sound defensively. Rounding into a complete team at the right time.
Player Spotlight: Colten Worthington – 1 goal, 4 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Jan. 17th @ WPG Blues, Jan. 18th @ Selkirk
4- Portage Terriers (-2)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 24-8-1
Made a statement against one of the top teams in the MGEU West, but couldn’t follow it up. When on their game, they are almost impossible to contain, but when they don’t do themselves any favours, they can get into trouble. Big tests coming up, so expect them to rise to the challenge.
Player Spotlight: Trevor Hill – 3 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Jan. 15th @ WPG Blues, Jan. 17th @ Selkirk, Jan. 18th @ Steinbach, Jan. 21st vs Steinbach
5- Winkler Flyers (+1)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 20-13-1-2
Moving in the right direction after some solid additions at the trade deadline. Having players come in and contribute right away always provides a team-wide boost. Having given themselves some room in the standings, they will look to keep building and dial in for a tough first-round opponent.
Player Spotlight: Niklas Gudmundson – 1 goal, 4 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Jan. 17th vs Dauphin, Jan. 18th @ WPG Blues
6 – Waywayseecappo Wolverines (+2)
This week: 3-0
Overall: 15-19-1-1
Finally stringing together not just wins, but good all-around games. Win the games you should, and the Wolverines have done that, and all of a sudden, have put themselves in a position to be more respected and feared than perhaps they were just a few short games ago.
Player Spotlight: Aidan Herring – 5 goals, 2 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Jan. 16th @ Swan Valley, Jan. 17th vs WPG Monarchs, Jan. 20th vs Dauphin
7 – Neepawa Titans (-2)
This week: 1-2
Overall: 19-15-0-1
Good teams are going to hit a rut from time to time. After a pair of forgettable games, a big time and needed response shows the Titans are still on the right track. Every game has a little more edge to it, knowing they have the top spot in the MGEU West within their grasp.
Player Spotlight: Logan Paquette – 2 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Jan. 14th vs Swan Valley, Jan. 16th @ Northern Manitoba, Jan. 17th @ Northern Manitoba
8 – Dauphin Kings (-1)
This week: 0-3
Overall: 20-14-1
For the first time in a long time, the Kings are looking up at another team in the standings. Goals have been hard to come by of late, but the pieces are there to be more deadly up front. Facing some stiffer tests now could benefit the group in the long run.
Player Spotlight: Rylan Gage – 1 goal, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Jan. 16th @ Steinbach, Jan. 17th @ Winkler, Jan. 20th @ Waywayseecappo
9- Selkirk Steelers (+3)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 16-17-2
Had a chance to claw their way closer to the playoffs, but failing to get any points against the team they were chasing has put them in quite a hole. Not on life support, yet. Need to find another level to their own game while also getting a bit of bad luck from the team ahead of them.
Player Spotlight: Owen Branson – 2 goals, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Jan. 15th @ Niverville, Jan. 17th @ Portage, Jan. 18th vs Virden, Jan. 20th vs WPG Monarchs
10- Winnipeg Blues (+1)
This week: 1-3
Overall: 10-20-3
Another tough stretch where there are a few bright spots. More players will have the opportunity to grow after some moves at the trade deadline, and they beat their inner-city rival. Other than that, it’s been another disappointing run of games for a team that hoped for better.
Player Spotlight: Carson White – 2 goals, 3 assists in 4 games
Up Next: Jan. 15th vs Portage, Jan 17th vs Virden, Jan 18th @ Winkler, Jan. 20th vs Niverville
11 – Swan Valley Stampeders (-2)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 7-21-3-1
Did right by a number of players at the deadline, and also got a fair amount in return. Some tidy work for a team that will turn their attention to building, developing, and maybe being that spoiler team that can surprise opponents if they’re not taken seriously enough.
Player Spotlight: Zach Hertz – 3 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Jan. 14th @ Neepawa, Jan. 16th vs Waywayseecappo, Jan. 21st vs Northern Manitoba
12 – Winnipeg Monarchs (-2)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 7-29
There have been signs of improvement, and while the overall talent level has been slower to come along, the team structure, the wanting to improve, and the hard work game in and game out have shown through. Still a long way to go, but there are positives to build on going forward.
Player Spotlight: Ethan Hulme – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Jan. 17th @ Waywayseecappo, Jan. 20th @ Selkirk
13 – Northern Manitoba Blizzard (-2)
This week: 0-1
Overall: 5-22-2-2
Changes have already started for the Blizzard. From the coach to the roster, there appears to be a different look coming for a team that has fallen fast. Who takes the helm next will be the biggest question, and the good news for ownership is there is time to search for the right person.
Player Spotlight: Lucas Lorenz – 1 goal in 1 game
Up next: Jan. 16th vs Neepawa, Jan. 17th vs Neepawa, Jan. 21st vs Swan Valley
