(+3) 1st – Waywayseecappo Wolverines
This Week: 1-0
Overall: 23-9-2
Impressive Player: Goalie Liam Tereposky – 29 saves in shootout win
A hard-fought win for Wolverines who keep right near the top of the West. A chance this weekend to really put the hammer down and with a little luck around them, they could even start next week in first place.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th vs Blizzard, Sunday, Jan 30th @ Blizzard
(-) 2nd – Dauphin Kings
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 24-9-1
Impressive Player: Forward Nakodan Greyeyes – 1 goal, 2 assists
A third period surge snapped a modest three game losing streak and should be something the team can build on going forward. They’ve let the teams around them get a little closer but have to feel confident that when they’re on, they are the best in the West.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th vs Virden, Sunday, Jan 30th @ Virden
(+1) 3rd – Winkler Flyers
This Week: 1-0
Overall: 20-13-1-1
Impressive Player: Defenceman Trent Sambrook – 1 goal, 2 assists
Scoring 7 goals in a game is always a good thing but especially when it’s done by 7 different players. The Flyers continue to grow as a forward unit and when the defence chips in offensively, it’s a bonus. With keeping pace and hosting the first round playoff matchup on their minds, they hope to keep the offensive good times rolling into the weekend.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th vs WPG Freeze, Saturday, Jan 29th @ WPG Freeze
(-1) 4th – Steinbach Pistons
This Week: 0-1
Overall: 24-8-1-1
Impressive Player: Forward Braden Birnie – 1 goal
A three-game losing streak is not the end of the world but for a team as deep as the Pistons are, the lack of goal scoring may be becoming a bit of a worry. Lots of time to get it all figured out and having three games this week could be exactly what the team needs to get back rolling.
Up Next: Wednesday, Jan 26th vs Portage, Friday, Jan 28th @ Portage, Saturday, Jan 29th vs Portage
(+2) 5th – Swan Valley Stampeders
This Week: 2-1
Overall: 17-17-0-3
Impressive Player: Forward Brad Fortin – 5 goals, 2 assists
How do you follow up a near perfect weekend against the best team in the East? You beat the best team in the West division as well. Despite a little stumble following a solid three-game run, the Stamps bounced right back and look poised to continue to separate themselves into a playoff spot and become a team that no one wants to play in the first round or beyond.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th @ Neepawa, Saturday, Jan 29th @ Neepawa
(-) 6th – Selkirk Steelers
This Week: 1-0-1
Overall: 16-15-3-2
Impressive Player: Forward Jordan Hughesman – 1 goal, 3 assists
Three out of a possible four points helps Selkirk get a little more control over what happens to that fourth and final playoff spot. A strong showing for a team that sold off a fair number of pieces at the deadline. Scrappy, hard-working and a no-quit attitude will lead to more success going forward.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th @ WPG Blues, Saturday, Jan 29th vs WPG Blues
(-2) 7th – Winnipeg Blues
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 21-13-0-2
Impressive Player: Forward Brayden Foreman – 1 goal, 4 assists
The mid-season up and downs continues for a Blues team searching for consistency outside of their top players. The way the score, they are in every game right till the end. With pressure from teams chasing them, this weekend has to be one where they put some points in the bank.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th vs Selkirk, Saturday, Jan 29th @ Selkirk
(+1) 8th – Portage Terriers
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 15-16-2-1
Impressive Player: Forward Slade Stanick – 1 goal, 1 assist
A gutsy win to keep within shouting distance of the final playoff spot. A team that’s figured out what their strengths are and are willing to play any style it takes to win. Should be a pretty interesting stretch ahead for a Terrier team that could make the playoffs and then cause a stir.
Up Next: Wednesday, Jan 26th @ Steinbach, Friday, Jan 28th vs Steinbach, Saturday, Jan 29th @ Steinbach
(-1) 9th Neepawa Titans
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 14-16-2-4
Impressive Player: Forward Dallon Wilton – 1 goal, 4 assists
The Titans slowed down one of the hottest teams in the league of late but couldn’t finish off the weekend. They know they have what it takes to win games and how they need to go about doing it. With a hungry Virden team on their tale, they need to be thinking results above anything else.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th vs Swan Valley, Saturday, Jan 29th vs Swan Valley
(-) 10th- Virden Oil Capitals
This Week: 0-1
Overall: 15-17-2
Impressive Player: Forward Beau Larson – 1 goal
Despite a third period, they would probably want back, the Oil Caps have to feel pretty good with their effort against Dauphin. Coming into this weekend’s games with three straight losses though, means there is little time for moral victories. They need points any way they can get them.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 21st vs Dauphin, Saturday, Jan 22nd @ Dauphin
(+1) 11th – OCN Blizzard
This Week: 0-0-0-1
Overall: 12-18-1-4
Impressive Player: Goalie Steven Bacovsky – 37 saves in shootout loss
The Blizzard just keep hanging around. While they trail for that final playoff spot, they’ve shown they can get hot as a team and make some noise. Capitalizing on their home games the rest of the way will be key for the Blizzard.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th @ Waywayseecappo, Sunday, Jan 29th vs Waywayseecappo
(-1) 12th – Winnipeg Freeze
This Week: 0-1
Overall: 8-23-2
Impressive Player: Forward Peter Magnus – 1 goal
Having moved some guys at the deadline, the Freeze will have opportunities for different guys to step up and carve out new roles. While the growing pains will be painful, it will be interesting to watch who grabs the chance to become more on a team that could play spoiler the rest of the way.
Up Next: Friday, Jan 28th @ Winkler, Saturday, Jan 29th vs Winkler.
