1 – Niverville Nighthawks (-)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 14-1
A nice mix of dominating performances and showing heart, combined with no panic. What has stood out about the Nighthawks so far this year is the level of maturity up and down the lineup. The roster knows what they need to do to be successful, and has fully bought in.
Player Spotlight: Adam Vigfusson – 1 goal, 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Nov. 7th vs Winkler, Nov. 9th vs Waywayseecappo, Nov. 11th vs Steinbach
2 – Portage Terriers (+3)
This week: 2-0
Overall: 10-5-1
A pair of timely wins gives the Terriers a little more breathing room from the chasing pack in the MGEU East. Still searching for the consistent scoring nightly, but have shown they can play a complete game, and do so on their terms. A pair of tough tests is coming up against a team that is looking to make a statement.
Player Spotlight: Breck Hirrschoff – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Nov. 7th vs Dauphin, Nov. 9th @ Dauphin, Nov. 11th @ Winkler
3 – Neepawa Titans (+9)
This week: 3-0
Overall: 6-7-0-1
A massive week for a hard-working team that got what they deserved. While the reasons for their success are not new, the Titans will be boosted by getting the results of being the team that wants it more than their opponent. Strength in the crease also gives the team more swagger walking into any game.
Player Spotlight: Zach Burleigh – 3-0, 87 saves on 90 shots, 1 shutout
Up Next: Nov. 7th @ Virden, Nov. 8th vs Selkirk, Nov. 11th @ WPG Monarchs
4 – Virden Oil Capitals (+3)
This week: 1-0
Overall: 9-5
Strong offensive output for a team that has shown they can score with the best of them. On top of a big number for, solid defensive effort and goaltending will be keys to take away. With some tough games coming up, the Oil Caps will look to keep building and not take a step back, like they have just when it seems like they’re about to take off.
Player Spotlight: Braxton Burdeny – 1-0, 32 saves on 32 shots, 1 shutout
Up Next: Nov. 7th vs Neepawa, Nov. 8th @ Steinbach
5 – Steinbach Pistons (-1)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 11-3-1
Coming off a rare three-game losing streak, the group displayed a lot of resolve, bouncing back to win one of the more goal-filled games of the year. For all the talk about depth, it was the veteran players who stepped up and pulled the team through the mud. Will be tested again during a stretch of opponents who will make them be at their best.
Player Spotlight: Grady Hoffman – 2 goals, 2 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Nov. 7th @ Selkirk, Nov. 8th vs Virden, Nov. 11th @ Niverville
6 – Dauphin Kings (-4)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 10-4-1
Let a pair of winnable games get away from them. With the exception of one game, the group overall has been very sound defensively. They have also shown they can be dangerous offensively, though they don’t want to sacrifice offense for defense. Opportunity to bounce right back against a top team in the other division.
Player Spotlight: Nicolas Zaharias – 2 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Nov. 7th @ Portage, Nov. 9th vs Portage
7 – Winkler Flyers (-1)
This week: 0-0
Overall: 6-8-1
Unlucky to have a lengthy layoff just when it seemed that the team had turned the corner. Rest can be useful, players can get some more practice time in, or heal up any injuries players always tend to play through. Can’t ease into their first game back after the break. They’ll look to play as though they were shot out of a cannon.
Player Spotlight: Niklas Gudmundson – 10 goals, 14 assists in 13 games (season)
Up Next: Nov. 7th @ Niverville, Nov. 11th vs Portage
8 – Selkirk Steelers (-5)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 12-5-1
A stumble of late, but the points banked from early in the year make it seem less dire. The league has made adjustments, and now it’s up to the team to find a way to switch things up while also keeping the core of who they are. Strength in the crease can allow them to go hunt for offense at times.
Player Spotlight: Wyatt Witham – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Nov. 7th vs Steinbach, Nov. 8th @ Neepawa, Nov. 12th vs WPG Blues
9- Winnipeg Blues (-)
This week: 0-0
Overall: 5-6-2
Starting to find their way, the question will be how the team uses their extended break. Having their coach be a part of the Western All-Star Challenge could be a real boost for a group that is young, hungry, and looking to take that next step forward. Can’t have a slow start out of the break.
Player Spotlight: Matthew O’Sullivan – 9 goals, 5 assists, in 13 games (season)
Up Next: Nov. 7th @ Northern Manitoba, Nov. 8th @ Swan Valley, Nov. 12th @ Selkirk
10 – Swan Valley Stampeders (-2)
This week: 0-1
Overall: 5-12
A very flat, uncharacteristic performance. Regardless of the score, the Stamps have earned a reputation as a gritty, hard-working team. That hard work will need to get paid off in goals, eventually. Still hanging around, within shouting distance of that fourth spot in the MGEU West Division.
Player Spotlight: Easton Falls – 0-1, 44 saves on 50 shots
Up Next: Nov. 8th vs WPG Blues, Nov. 12th @ Waywayseecappo
11 – Winnipeg Monarchs (+2)
This week: 1-1
Overall: 2-16
A massive, much-needed win for a group that has battled. Found enough goals, and goaltending came up huge. A back-to-back up north against the same team will help the group either build on what they’ve done to be successful or rebound if they fall flat in the first game.
Player Spotlight: Austin Ball – 1-0, 46 saves on 48 shots
Up Next: Nov. 8th @ Northern Manitoba, Nov. 9th @ Northern Manitoba, Nov. 11th vs Neepawa
12 – Waywayseecappo Wolverines (-1)
This week: 0-1
Overall: 7-9-1
Still searching for that formula that produces results nightly. They have it all on paper, but can’t seem to put it all together for a stretch of games. Good news is they’ve played well enough to be in a solid position, but with a crowded MGEU West getting tighter, they’ll need to find that next level soon.
Player Spotlight: Mariko Bercier – 0-1, 29 saves on 32 shots
Up Next: Nov. 9th @ Niverville, Nov. 12th vs Swan Valley
13 – Northern Manitoba Blizzard (-3)
This week: 0-2
Overall: 3-9-1
With a young group, there will be nights that get long. With that, the Blizzard team has proven they will not roll over and just hand over wins. They compete, they battle, and they’re learning on the job. The coaching staff has done well putting players in spots to be successful. They won’t be down for long.
Player Spotlight: Kayne Pawlick – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Up next: Nov 7th vs WPG Blues, Nov. 8th vs WPG Monarchs, Nov. 9th vs WPG Monarchs
