Photo: Jonathan Kozub
(-) 1st – Steinbach Pistons
This Week: 3-0
Overall: 31-4-3
Impressive Player: Spencer Penner – 2 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
Extending their recent winning streak to 10 with contributions from up and down the roster. A deep forward lineup wears teams down combined with the points from the blueline having been a major factor in success both recently and throughout the year. Upcoming road games are must watch.
Up Next: Jan 24th @ Niverville, Jan 26th @ Winkler, Jan 27th @ Dauphin
(+1) 2nd – Winkler Flyers
This Week: 3-0
Overall: 29-5-2-2
Impressive Player: Dalton Andrew – 3 goals, 4 assists in 3 games
Grinding out wins, the Flyers may seem like they’re down, but they are never out. A high powered offense can strike quick like lightning and before teams can catch their breath, they’re chasing the game. Once ahead, lockdown defenders keep things from getting too exciting. Lots going right in Winkler.
Up Next: Jan 24th @ Portage, Jan 26th vs Steinbach, Jan 28th vs Waywayseecappo
(+2) 3rd – Dauphin Kings
This Week: 3-0
Overall: 22-12-1-3
Impressive Player: Cayden Glover – 3 goals, 2 assists in 3 games
Continuing to prove the success to start the new year is not fluke, the Kings are on a 7-game heater and showing no signs of slowing down. They may be hitting their stride with 16 goals scored in their last three games. Home ice in round 1 looks very possible, and the division lead is not out of reach at all.
Up Next: Jan 26th vs Blizzard, Jan 27th vs Steinbach
(-3) 4th – Virden Oil Capitals
This Week: 2-0-0-1
Overall: 28-6-2-3
Impressive Player: Nolan Chastko – 4 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
January has been very successful for the top team in the MGEU West. Piling up points while everyone is chipping in on both sides of the puck. Winning at home has also been good for a club that has their eye on starting playoff rounds at home. They need to put fear into teams walking into their building.
Up Next: Jan 26th vs WPG Blues
(+1) 5th – Portage Terriers
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 24-9-4-3
Impressive Player: Decker Mujcin – 2 goals, 1 assist in 2 games
After an offensive explosion got their coach Blake Spiller his 671st career win, they followed it up with a defensive battle but fell a goal short. Deep and balanced, anyone can be dangerous on any given night. As they look to keep building, they will end up that team that no one wants to play in the playoffs.
Up Next: Jan 24th vs Winkler, Jan 26th @ Neepawa, Jan 28th @ WPG Blues
(-2) 6th – OCN Blizzard
This Week: 0-1-1
Overall: 22-12-1-3
Impressive Player: Sam Zagari – 2 goals, 2 assists in 2 games
Spinning their wheels a bit lately, the Blizzard know what they need to do to be successful, it’s now time to find ways of doing it when your opponent has planned for it and is making it difficult. In the current three-game skid, they’ve allowed an uncharacteristic 15 goals. When that changes, so will the results.
Up Next: Jan 26th @ Dauphin, Jan 27th vs Swan Valley
(+3) 7th – Selkirk Steelers
This Week: 3-1
Overall: 17-19-2-1
Impressive Player: Noel Olsonawski – 2-1 Record, 65 saves on 67 shots, 2 shutouts
An interesting team all year, the Steelers have had peaks and valleys, showing they can beat the teams they should while competing against the top teams. Lots of positives to build on. Massive games against the team ahead of them in the standings. Points are a must nightly if playoffs are even to be a dream.
Up Next: Jan 26th @ Niverville
(-1) 8th – Neepawa Titans
This Week: 0-1
Overall: 17-20-1
Impressive Player: Keenan Skrupa – 1 goal in 1 game
Hardworking, scrappy, determined and dangerous up front, the Titans can flex some goal scoring might while having one of the best young goalies in the MJHL keep them in games when things do go sideways. Can’t slip up now with a slightly tight grip on the final playoff spot but things can turn quickly.
Up Next: Jan 26th vs Portage, Jan 27th @ WPG Freeze
(-) 9th – Niverville Nighthawks
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 22-15-2
Impressive Player: Nathan Brown – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
One step forward, one back. That’s been the theme for the Nighthawks of late. They’ve shown they can be an elite team. They’ve also shown they can be quite average. It’s simple to say that everyone needs to contribute to success but it’s critical this group knows their role and plays their role to win.
Up Next: Jan 24th vs Steinbach, Jan 26th vs Selkirk
(-1) 10th – Waywayseecappo Wolverines
This Week: 0-2-1
Overall: 13-21-1-3
Impressive Player: Jack Clarke – 1 goal, 3 assists in 3 games
Just when it feels like they’re going to break out, there’s a step back. Still within reach of a playoff spot, the hope will be to have their electric top lines provide the offense while their improved goaltending gives them a chance to keep games close. No morale victories anymore, they need points.
Up Next: Jan 25th vs Swan Valley, Jan 28th @ Winkler
(+1) 11th – Swan Valley Stampeders
This Week: 1-2
Overall: 10-30-2
Impressive Player: Aidan Taylor – 3 goals, 1 assist in 3 games
A long, long month where the team has traveled all over the province hasn’t been easy but there are bright spots even on the dark days. Some guys have taken advantage of opportunities and shown they can be part of the future. Doesn’t take the sting out of losses but does make the wins all the sweeter.
Up Next: Jan 25th @ Waywayseecappo, Jan 27th @ Blizzard
(+1) 12th – Winnipeg Blues
This Week: 1-3
Overall: 7-28-3
Impressive Player: Carter Demelo – 2 goals, 3 assists in 4 games
A thrilling overtime win on the road is a massive boost of morale to the group. While unable to keep the magic rolling, there are enough flashes to know that if this group stays and grows together, next year will be different. Scores look worse than they play a lot of the time.
Up Next: Jan 26th @ Virden, Jan 28th vs Portage
(-2) 13th – Winnipeg Freeze
This Week: 0-3
Overall: 7-28-2
Impressive Player: Elliott Perreault – 3 goals in 3 games
Able to hang around for stretches, eventually a young group can get snowed in. No quit up and down the roster. No matter what happens the rest of this year, the group have earned the league’s respect. They give everything they have and if they stick together long term, they’ll be rewarded one day.
Up Next: Jan 27th vs Neepawa
