Photo: Kalee Haasbeek
1 – Steinbach Pistons (-)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 43-8-2
Rolling right along. Having put together a 12-game winning streak, the Pistons are going about their business. With a wave after wave style of attack, it’s hard to contain for a full game. Add in the defenders who can be dangerous any time, and goaltending that can steal the show, the overall group looks strong at the right time.
Player Spotlight: Sam Noad – 1 goal, 4 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Mar. 6th @ Winkler, Mar. 7th vs Northern Manitoba, Mar. 10th @ WPG Monarchs
2 – Niverville Nighthawks (+2)
This week: 4-0
Overall: 47-6-1
Right back to their winning ways, the Nighthawks haven’t always made it easy on themselves, but they’ve found ways to get wins. Closing in on home ice advantage throughout their playoff run, they can manage their roster with only a few games left, making sure everyone feels good heading into a tough round one matchup.
Player Spotlight: John Scott – 5 goals in 4 games
Up Next: Mar. 6th vs WPG Monarchs, Mar. 7th @ Winkler, Mar. 10th @ Selkirk
3 – Portage Terriers (+2)
This week: 2-1
Overall: 34-17-1
Control their own destiny as far as where they finish in the MGEU East standings. Regardless, the overall play has improved, and some much-needed secondary scoring has provided a big boost. Goaltending will be a question to close out the year, but if one can get hot, he could be the guy to start the postseason.
Player Spotlight: Trevor Hill – 3 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Mar. 4th vs WPG Blues, Mar. 7th @ WPB Blues, Mar. 8th vs Selkirk, Mar. 11th @ WPG Monarchs
4- Winkler Flyers (-2)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 33-18-1-2
Hard to be overly discouraged with a loss when missing so many key pieces. That said, it was a big two points they left on the table, but the way the team has played the last few months, their first-round matchup is more about themselves than who they will be playing. Get healthy and go from there.
Player Spotlight: Charles Bernier – 2 goals, 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Mar. 6th vs Steinbach, Mar. 7th vs Niverville, Mar. 11th @ WPG Blues
5- Waywayseecappo Wolverines (-2)
This week: 1-2
Overall: 27-23-2-2
A down stretch of late, but still in good position in the MGEU West. The opportunity to jump ahead into second place and host game one of the playoffs is still there, but maybe even better is the level of competition to close out the year will have the group in a playoff-like mentality.
Player Spotlight: Sebastien Hicks – 1 goal, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Mar. 6th vs Dauphin
6 – Virden Oil Capitals (-)
This week: 1-1-0-1
Overall: 33-13-3-2
Treading water a bit after clinching the division. Won’t be overly happy with the way they’ve played, but can be encouraged that they have proven they have a lot more to give. A very busy schedule with many games all clustered together might help snap them out of the daze.
Player Spotlight: Liam Goertzen – 1 goal, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Mar. 6th vs Northern Manitoba, Mar. 7th vs Dauphin, Mar. 9th vs WPG Blues, Mar. 10th vs Neepawa
7 – Dauphin Kings (-)
This week: 1-2
Overall: 29-23-2
A bit of a step back after a few games where the goals were coming from everywhere shows they have it in them to be a threat up front. The group has bought into limiting chances against and strong systems paired with goaltending keep them in the fight, but that timely scoring will need to come from the key guys consistently.
Player Spotlight: Rylan Gage – 1 goal, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Mar. 6th @ Waywayseecappo, Mar. 7th @ Virden, Mar. 10th @ Northern Manitoba
8 – Winnipeg Monarchs (+4)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 10-40-2
Hitting double digits in wins, the team that never gives up has been rewarded, scoring some big goals and pushing teams above their weight class around. Confidence is important for a young team, and the Monarchs can take some of it forward. Goaltending is the backbone and deserves a lot of credit.
Player Spotlight: Cam Alt – 3 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Mar. 5th @ Selkirk, Mar. 6th @ Niverville, Mar. 8th @ WPB Blues, Mar. 10th @ Steinbach, Mar. 11th @ Portage
9- Winnipeg Blues (+2)
This week: 1-0
Overall: 14-32-3
Making an impact on the playoff picture in the role of spoiler. If they are allowed to hang around in games, they can find a way to strike. Goaltending keeps them in and holds the fort when things start getting crazy in their own zone. Confidence might carry them through a busy end-of-the-year schedule.
Player Spotlight: Kannen Kirkwood – 1-0 record, 41 saves on 42 shots
Up Next: Mar. 4th @ Portage, Mar. 6th vs Selkirk, Mar. 7th vs Portage, Mar. 8th vs WPG Monarchs, Mar. 9 @ Virden, Mar. 11th vs Winkler
10- Northern Manitoba (-2)
This week: 0-3
Overall: 8-38-3-3
Playing out the stretch with several players looking for roster spots next year gives them a chance to be dangerous. There could be a lot of turnover, and some guys who want to be a part of the future are proving it now. Can’t be taken lightly and can surprise teams if not respected.
Player Spotlight: Kelton Kellerman – 3 goals in 3 games
Up Next: Mar. 4th @ Neepawa, Mar. 6th @ Virden, Mar. 7th @ Steinbach, Mar. 10th vs Dauphin, Mar. 11th @ Swan Valley
11 – Neepawa Titans (-2)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 25-25-1-1
Having a slide before the playoffs isn’t the end of the world, but the Titans need to pull out of the tailspin in the last few weeks and get back to finding ways to win as a team. A solid mix of winnable but challenging games can be just what they need to find their way back to ramping up instead of sliding down.
Player Spotlight: Dylan McCann – 1 goal in 2 games
Up Next: Mar. 4th vs Northern Manitoba, Mar. 6th @ Swan Valley, Mar. 7th @ Swan Valley, Mar. 10th @ Virden
12 – Selkirk Steelers (+1)
This week: 2-2
Overall: 20-29-2-1
Looking ahead, there are pieces the Steelers want to see keep taking steps while also showing key guys a reason to return. Younger players have taken advantage of the increased role and have made the best of it. Could still be a fair amount of change going into next year, but some have opened eyes to being a part of the future.
Player Spotlight: Carter Haney – 3 goals, 1 assist in 4 games
Up Next: Mar. 5th vs WPG Monarchs, Mar. 6th @ WPG Blues, Mar. 8th @ Portage, Mar. 10th vs Niverville
13 – Swan Valley Stampeders (-3)
This week: 1-4
Overall: 18-31-3-1
Putting aside the win vs loss record, the Stamps are a closer, more dedicated, hard-working team that shows flashes of what they can be. Bringing in players that have bought in has been noticeable, and something that can get stronger ever game, regardless of outcome.
Player Spotlight: Crosby Harrison – 4 assists in 4 games
Up next: Mar. 6th vs Neepawa, Mar. 7th vs Neepawa, Mar. 11th vs Northern Manitoba
