Photo: Todd Pederson
1st – Dauphin Kings
Last week: 2-0
Overall: 2-0
In a theme of what the year ahead could look like, the Kings will be a hard team to score against and have no problems creating their own chances without giving up much.
Key Player: Cole Sheffield – 2-0, 1.01 GAA, .972 SV%, 1 shutout
Up Next: Sept. 27th @ Neepawa, Sept. 28th vs Neepawa, Oct. 1st vs Winkler
2nd – Selkirk Steelers
Last week: 3-0
Overall: 3-0
A dream start for a team that needed to come out of the gate and put points in the bank. Offense from the defense early with the blueline chipping in a combined 10 points.
Key Player: Rohan Guevarra – 1 goal, 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 27th @ WPG Freeze, Sept. 29th @ Portage, Oct. 1st @ WPG Blues
3rd – Northern Manitoba Blizzard
Last week: 2-0
Overall: 2-0
Survived a bit of a scare in the season opener and followed it up with a statement. Leading the league with 11 goals scored in two games. 7 players already have multiple points.
Key Player: Marlen Edwards – 2 goals, 4 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 27th @ Portage, Sept. 28th @ Virden, Sept. 29th @ Virden
4th – Neepawa Titans
Last week: 2-0-1
Overall: 2-0-1
A pair of statement wins against some of the other divisions toughest competition. Dangerous shooters up and down the lineup, smooth skating defenders and strong goaltending. Legit threat nightly.
Key Player: Colton Alexander – 1 goal, 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 27th vs Dauphin, Sept. 28th @ Dauphin, Sept. 30 @ Waywayseecappo
5th – Steinbach Pistons
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 1-1
A solid answer after dropping the season opener in the Turnbull Cup rematch on the road. Depth up and down the lineup will wear teams down. Only team with single digit penalty minutes through the opening weekend.
Key Player: Connor Paronuzzi – 1 goal, 2 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 27th vs Swan Valley, Sept. 29th @ WPG Freeze
6th – Portage Terriers
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 1-1
A massive comeback earned them the win in their last game and kept them from starting 0-2. A veteran forward group will keep getting better while young goalies will find their way.
Key Player: Decker Mujcin – 3 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 27th vs NOM Blizzard, Sept. 29th vs Selkirk
7th – Niverville Nighthawks
Last week: 2-1
Overall: 2-1
Brought back down after a pair of uplifting, if not expected, strong performances. Have the weapons to be dangerous and will grow to be consistent as a group.
Key Player: Raiden LeGall – 2-0, .50 GAA, .980 SV%, 1 shutout
Up Next: Sept. 27th vs WPG Blues, Sept 29th vs Swan Valley
8th – Winkler Flyers
Last week: 1-2
Overall: 1-2
Two strong games followed by a wild back-and-forth contest. Proved they could score but also showed they can give up their fair share. Lessons learned now will only help.
Key Player: Kam Thomas – 2 goals, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 27th @ Waywayseecappo, Oct. 1st @ Dauphin
9th – Virden Oil Capitals
Last week: 1-2
Overall: 1-2
Not bad efforts and lots of positives to build on early. Strong goaltending will give confidence to go find offence. Solid scoring output in first win of the year.
Key Player: Ethan Guthrie – 2 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Up Next: Sept. 28th vs NOM Blizzard, Sept. 29th vs NOM Blizzard
10th – Winnipeg Freeze
Last week: 0-1
Overall: 0-1
Held strong until the penalty kill was overworked. Will be tougher to score against then in years past. More up front will force teams to be detailed or pay the price.
Key Player: Brandon Burdeny – 0-1, 55 saves on 59 shots
Up Next: Sept. 25th @ WPG Blues, Sept. 27th vs Selkirk, Sept. 29th vs Steinbach
11th – Waywayseecappo Wolverines
Last week: 0-2
Overall: 0-2
Took their lumps in the season opener. Will keep finding ways to score by committee. As young players find their way, the chances against will lower and chances for will increase.
Key Player: Aidan Herring – 1 goal, 2 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 24th @ Virden, Sept. 27th vs Winkler, Sept. 30th vs Neepawa
12th – Winnipeg Blues
Last week: 0-2
Overall: 0-2
Stayed in the fight as long as they could mainly thanks to goaltending. Giving up 99 shots in two games while giving up only 7 goals. Must reduce shots or at least the quality of shots.
Key Player: Branden Watson – 1 goal in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 25th vs WPG Freeze, Sept. 27th @ Niverville, Sept. 28th vs Swan Valley
13th – Swan Valley Stampeders
Last week: 0-2
Overall: 0-2
Crushing loss in the opener and a flat response. Have shown the group has punch but will take time to find consistency. It’s a tough road trip but, have to bank at least some points.
Key Player: Landen Gulutzan – 1 goal, 2 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Sept. 27th @ Steinbach, Sept. 28th @ WPG Blues, Sept 29th @ Niverville
