Photo: Ryan Sawatzky
1st – Winkler Flyers (+1)
Last week: 3-0
Overall: 21-6-2
Hard to call what this team is doing of late anything but perfect. 4, yes 4 shutouts in a row. An incredible stretch of play showcasing the elite defensive structure and goaltending plus timely offence.
Key Player: Liam Ernst and Leif Ekblad, combined 3-0, 3 shutouts on 57 shots
Up Next: Dec. 20th vs Steinbach
2nd – Niverville Nighthawks (-1)
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 19-10-1
Big win over the team that’s right neck and neck for that final playoff spot in the MGEU East. Those points could prove crucial in Niverville’s bid for a third consecutive season of postseason play. Doing it by committee.
Key Player: Hayden Wheddon – 1 goal in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 18th vs Waywayseecappo, Dec. 20th @ Waywayseecappo, Dec. 31st @ Steinbach
3rd – Steinbach Pistons (+2)
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 23-5-2
A very strong display of late given how hard the injury bug has bit. Cashing in points while not fully healthy has kept them atop the MJHL and when the lineup does return to full strength, look poised to make a serious charge.
Key Player: Connor Paronuizzi – 4 goals, 8 assists in 4 games
Up Next: Dec. 20th @ Winkler, Dec. 31st vs Niverville
4th – Selkirk Steelers (+2)
Last week: 2-1
Overall: 19-11-0-1
Going into the break with a pair of wins, still right in the thick of the fight not just for a playoff spot, but higher. The rest will do them well as their big guns have carried the load. Could also benefit from getting healthy.
Key Player: Luke McCarthy – 2 goals, 4 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Christmas Break
5th – Neepawa Titans (+2)
Last week: 3-0
Overall: 18-12-1-1
One of the hottest teams in the MJHL right now. Finding ways to carve out wins. Strong depth, committed to the systems and scoring enough goals to bank points. A pair of tough games ahead with massive points on the line.
Key Player: Logan Paquette – 2 goals, 3 assists in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 20th vs Northern Manitoba Blizzard, Dec. 21st vs Northern Manitoba Blizzard
6th – Portage Terriers (-3)
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 21-10
While the last game was more dramatic than it needed to be, the Terriers found a way to get the two points. Take them and move on. One more game before going into the break. A veteran team that’s looking for big things in the new year.
Key Player: Nolan Nenow – 2 goals, 1 assist in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 21st vs WPG Freeze
7th – Dauphin Kings (-3)
Last week: 1-1
Overall: 21-8-1
A so-so month of December. Leading the MGEU West Division and with games in hand, the group will feel like their best hockey is ahead which could put the rest of the division in the rear-view mirror for good.
Key Player: Madden Murray – 2 goals in 2 games
Up Next: Christmas Break
8th – Northern Manitoba Blizzard (+3)
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 19-13-0-1
A much-needed response. After struggling for a time, the Blizzard showed a lot of character and scoring punch in collecting three wins in a row. A pair of massive games against the team right on their heels to close out 2024.
Key Player: Miguel Bouvier – 4 goals, 2 assists in 4 games
Up Next: Dec. 20th @ Neepawa Titans, Dec. 21st @ Neepawa Titans
9th – Swan Valley Stampeders (+1)
Last week: 1-0
Overall: 5-21-2-1
A big offensive game where everyone can feel good about getting that win. With more players feeling good about their games, they’ll look to keep building and head into the holiday break on a high.
Key Player: Bennett Muller – 1 goal, 1 assist in 1 game
Up Next: Dec. 19th @ Virden, Dec. 20th vs Virden
10th – Waywayseecappo Wolverines (-2)
Last week: 0-2
Overall: 10-17-2
With one win in their last five, they’ve watched an opportunity to climb securely into a playoff spot pass them by. On the bright side, they’re still right in the thick of that fight and must like their odds of getting better in the new year.
Key Player: Lucas Perry – 3 assists in 2 games
Up Next: Dec. 18th @ Niverville, Dec. 20th vs Niverville
11th – Winnipeg Blues (-2)
Last week: 0-2-0-1
Overall: 4-21-1-2
Playing a better brand of hockey, more engaged, more consistent. Results will come. This group doesn’t just hand over points, they make teams earn what they get. They’ll look to keep developing that hard-working reputation, and should lead to better results.
Key Player: Grady Stallman – 1 goal, 1 assist in 3 games
UP Next: Dec. 20th @ WPG Freeze
12th – Virden Oil Capitals (+1)
Last week: 0-3
Overall: 11-19
The break can’t get here soon enough for the Oil Caps. Winless to this point in December. They can turn things around with two strong performances. Can’t want to split, need to find a way to grind out 4 out of a possible 4 points.
Key Player: Daniel Tokariwski – 3 goals in 3 games
Up Next: Dec. 19th vs Swan Valley, Dec. 20th @ Swan Valley
13th – Winnipeg Freeze (-1)
Last week: 0-4
Overall: 4-21-1-2
Tough times continue where goals are hard to come by. Giving up lots of shots but as a group, they never seem to quit. If a team sags or opens the door, the Freeze are learning to walk through it. It won’t get easier prior to the break.
Key Player: Julian Fedora – 1 goal, 1 assist in 4 games
Up Next: Dec. 20th vs WPG Blues, Dec. 21st @ Portage
