Photo: Scott Stroh
1st – Niverville Nighthawks (+1)
Last week: 1-0
Overall: 18-9-1
Strong overall game continues, and team has really bought into what needs to be done nightly. Hard working group and getting contributions from up and down the lineup makes them more dangerous.
Key Player: Austin Dubinsky – 1-0, 32 saves for first MJHL shutout
Up Next: Dec. 13th vs Selkirk, Dec. 15th vs Winkler, Dec. 18th vs Waywayseecappo
2nd – Winkler Flyers (+1)
Last week: 1-0
Overall: 18-6-2
Showed little rust after having a prolonged stretch of time between games. Strong defensive play continues to be the backbone, they’ve also shown they can bury you with any line combination.
Key Player: Liam Ernst – 1-0, 22 save shutout
Up Next: Dec. 13th @ Portage, Dec. 15th @ Niverville, Dec. 17th @ WPG Freeze
3rd – Portage Terriers (+3)
Last week: 2-0
Overall: 20-9
Good teams find a way to grind out games when they’re not firing on all cylinders. The Terriers may not hang the last two games in an art gallery, they will certainly take the crucial points.
Key Player: Dawson Madden – 2 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 13th vs Winkler, Dec. 15th @ WPG Blues
4th – Dauphin Kings (-)
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 20-7-1
A little slip after a very solid win over the weekend. Already a good lead in the MGEU West, the group can really put the hammer down if they can continue their strong, committed effort and the goaltending does what it does.
Key Player: Gavin Nemis – 3 goals, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 11th @ Northern Manitoba, Dec. 15th vs Swan Valley, Dec. 17th @ Northern Manitoba
5th – Steinbach Pistons (-)
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 20-5-1
Depth has really been tested and there’s been more positives than anything else. Missing players all over the lineup has given others opportunities. It’ll be tested more with a tough schedule before Christmas break.
Key Player: Mathis Laplante – 2 goals, 2 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 11th vs WPG Freeze, Dec. 13 vs WPG Blues, Dec. 14th @ Waywayseecappo, Dec. 17th @ Selkirk
6th – Selkirk Steelers (-4)
Last week: 0-2
Overall: 17-10-0-1
A rough patch. This group has seen it before, and they will fight through it. It won’t be easy with a couple of tough divisional games ahead, but these tests now go a long way to helping a team be ready for bigger games later.
Key Player: Owen Warnick – 2 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 13th @ Niverville, Dec. 14th @ Virden, Dec. 17th vs Steinbach
7th – Neepawa Titans (+1)
Last week: 2-1
Overall: 15-12-1-1
Continuing to find ways to put points in the bank. The effort has always been there but the goals are starting to come and from all over the lineup. The style of play is something the group can buy into and find success.
Key Player: Tim Tychonick – 1 goal, 4 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 12th @ Virden Oil Capitals, Dec. 13th vs Waywayseecappo, Dec. 17th @ WPG Blues
8th – Waywayseecappo Wolverines (+1)
Last week: 1-1-1
Overall: 10-15-2
Another stretch where it looks like goals have dried up just for the group to go and outscore their problems in a win. Used up their games in hand but are tied for that final playoff spot and have to be feeling good about their overall game.
Key Player: Sebastian Hicks – 3 goals in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 13th @ Neepawa, Dec. 14th vs Steinbach, Dec. 18th @ Niverville
9th – Winnipeg Blues (+1)
Last week: 1-0
Overall: 4-19-1-1
Big come from behind win should boost the mood for the group. New additions have fit in well and will provide more thump in the lineup. Time will tell if it’s sustained or a flash in the pan. For now, take the win.
Key Player: Brock Assailly – 3 assists in 1 game
Up Next: Dec. 13th @ Steinbach, Dec. 15th vs Portage, Dec. 17th vs Neepawa
10th – Swan Valley Stampeders (+2)
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 4-21-2-1
A whack of goals for a team that has improved week by week. The result may not have been there in their last game, but the lineup is more balanced and finding ways to contribute. Positive steps in a tough season.
Key Player: Aidan Taylor – 3 goals, 2 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 13th vs WPG Freeze, Dec. 15th @ Dauphin
11th – Northern Manitoba Blizzard (+2)
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 16-12-0-1
A much-needed win followed up with a strong game where a hot goalie proved to be the difference. Key pieces out of the lineup has made offense harder to come by. Big upcoming games can get them right back in line for top spot.
Key Player: Cheechoo Lathlin – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
UP Next: Dec. 11th vs Dauphin, Dec. 14th vs WPG Freeze, Dec. 15th vs Virden, Dec. 17th vs Dauphin
12th – Winnipeg Freeze (-5)
Last week: 0-2
Overall: 4-17-1-2
Back-to-back games where they gave up a large amount and only scored a minimal amount. It’s been said their goaltenders do all they can for as long as they can, but eventually they need to score goals and don’t.
Key Player: Christian Crutcher – 1 goal in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 11th @ Steinbach, Dec. 13th @ Swan Valley, Dec. 14th @ Northern Manitoba, Dec. 17th @ Winkler
13th – Virden Oil Capitals (-3)
Last week: 0-1
Overall: 11-16
A three-game stretch where they could only muster a single goal. Second fewest goals scored in the MGEU West Division. The group knows they’re better than that but need to start filling the net with the team chasing them hot on their heels.
Key Player: Marek Miller – 1 goal in 1 game
Up Next: Dec. 12th vs Neepawa, Dec. 14th vs Selkirk, Dec. 15th @ Northern Manitoba
