Photo: Jonathan Kozub
(+1) 1st – Steinbach Pistons
This Week: 2-0
Overall: 37-6-3
Impressive Player: Connor Paronuzzi – 1 goal, 2 assists in 2 games
Something common this year for Steinbach is lengthy winning streaks thanks to allowing very few goals. With this latest 5-game streak, the group has allowed a measly 6 goals. They have the fewest penalty minutes in the MGEU East but lead the MJHL in times shorthanded with 228.
Up Next: Feb 14th vs WPG Blues, Feb 16th @ Dauphin, Feb 19th vs Winkler
(-1) 2nd – Winkler Flyers
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 33-7-2-2
Impressive Player: Brody Beauchemin – 1 goal, 2 assists in 2 games
Really good teams will get knocked down, but they find ways to bounce back quickly. Coming off a shutout loss, the orange and black responded by gutting out a win the next night. After long stretches of inactivity, the Flyers are set to embark on a tough 4 game in 6-night stretch against quality opposition.
Up Next: Feb 14th vs Niverville, Feb 16th @ Portage, Feb 18th @ Neepawa, Feb 19th @ Steinbach
(+1) 3rd – Virden Oil Capitals
This Week: 2-0-1
Overall: 31-7-3-3
Impressive Player: Trevor Hunt – 3 goal, 2 assists in 3 games
The first team in the MGEU West to clinch a playoff spot. A deep, hardworking, physical team that looks like they’re gearing up for those tight-checking playoff games. A lot of hockey coming up in a short amount of time. The Oil Caps have 6 games in 10 days, with 4 of those games on the road.
Up Next: Feb 16 vs Neepawa, Feb 17th @ Niverville, Feb 19th @ WPG Freeze, Feb 21st @ WPG Freeze
(+2) 4th – Waywayseecappo Wolverines
This Week: 2-0
Overall: 19-22-1-3
Impressive Player: Ben Roulette – 1 goal, 3 assists in 2 games
Winners of 5 straight, the Wolverines are catching fire at the right time. The goaltending has hit new heights, the scoring has found another level and beating teams with a better than .500 record has everyone believing they’re reaching their potential. Not in playoffs yet but watch out if they do get in.
Up Next: Feb 16th @ Swan Valley, Feb 19th vs Neepawa
(+2) 5th – OCN Blizzard
This Week: 2-0
Overall: 27-14-1-3
Impressive Player: Tomas Anderson – 2-0 Record, 45 saves on 45 shots, 2 shutouts
A very impressive couple of games for the Blizzard. The strong structure and elite goaltending collided with an offense that proved their prime to explode during any game. While the chase for top spot is still on, the real battle will be holding onto 2nd spot, ensuring they open the first round of playoffs at home.
Up Next: Feb 16th @ Niverville, Feb 17th @ Selkirk, Feb 18th @ WPG Freeze
(-1) 6th – Portage Terriers
This Week: 1-0
Overall: 29-10-4-4
Impressive Player: Ashton Fishley – 2 assists, shootout winner, in 1 game
Sometimes a single game can provide lots of opportunities to figure things out. The Terriers needed extra time to get the bonus point, but it was a roller coaster to get there. Battling through ups and downs now will help this group no matter what they face come playoff time.
Up Next: Feb 16th vs Winkler, Feb 19th vs Niverville
(-4) 7th – Dauphin Kings
This Week: 1-1-0-1
Overall: 25-14-1-3
Impressive Player: Cayden Glover – 3 goals in 3 games
A mixed bag when it comes to results for a team that has shown they can battle back or hold on to a lead. No one should leave early, there always seems to be entertainment right to the end. They still have games in hand and hosting the opening round at Credit Union Place is still very possible.
Up Next: Feb 16th vs Steinbach, Feb 17th @ Swan Valley, Feb 20th vs Swan Valley
(+1) 8th – Neepawa Titans
This Week: 1-0
Overall: 21-22-1
Impressive Player: Colton Alexander – 1 goal, 1 assist in 1 game
One step forward then one step back throughout the month has given the team chasing them a real shot. It’s going to come right down to the wire. A strong effort may be just what’s needed but with more tough games on the horizon, the mentality of the group has to be get points by any means necessary.
Up Next: Feb 16th @ Virden, Feb 18th vs Winkler, Feb 19th @ Waywayseecappo
(-1) 9th – Selkirk Steelers
This Week: 0-1-1-1
Overall: 19-21-3-2
Impressive Player: Noel Olsonawski – 0-1-1-1 Record, 111 saves on 200 shots
The group knows how important every point is from here on out. They scratch, claw, fight, and battle for everything. Hard to play against and quite hard to score on, the Steelers grind and grind until they’re able to break through. Younger players are stepping up and the vets are finding another gear.
Up Next: Feb 16th vs WPG Blues, Feb 17th vs Blizzard, Feb 19th @ WPG Blues
(-) 10th – Niverville Nighthawks
This Week: 1-1
Overall: 23-18-3
Impressive Player: Nathan Brown – 1 goal, 3 assists in 2 games
17-goals against over three games is a troubling trend. After a surprise coaching change, the Nighthawks will look for a “new coach bump” during a key stretch of their season. 5 games are upcoming against 5 tough opponents, good efforts are not good enough now. Need to come away with at least 2 wins.
Up Next: Feb 14th @ Winkler, Feb 16th vs Blizzard, Feb 17th vs Virden, Feb 19th @ Portage
(-) 11th – Winnipeg Freeze
This Week: 1-2
Overall: 8-32-3
Impressive Player: Elliot Perreault – 2 goals, 3 assists in 3 games
Pushing one of the MGEU East playoff teams to the brink, then followed up with a massive road win will be something to build on. They came crashing back down to earth the next night but it’s about capturing lightning in a bottle in short bursts. There always seems to be lots of offense for at least one team.
Up Next: Feb 17th @ WPG Blues, Feb 18th vs Blizzard, Feb 19th vs Virden
(+1) 12th – Winnipeg Blues
This Week: 0-1-1
Overall: 7-33-4
Impressive Player: Carter Demelo – 1 goal, 2 assists in 2 games
Hard working and never cheat effort, the Blues can be a dangerous and frustrating team. They’ve been able to take teams out of their game plan through their effort and determination. Solid goaltending keeps them within striking distance and learning to score will come with more chances.
Up Next: Feb 14th @ Steinbach, Feb 16th @ Selkirk, Feb 17th vs WPG Freeze, Feb 19th vs Selkirk
(-1) 13th – Swan Valley Stampeders
This Week: 0-2
Overall: 10-36-2
Impressive Player: Aidan Taylor – 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 games
Playing better than stats might indicate, the Stampeders keep grinding away but a team that gives up a lot of shots or great chances against will eventually give up goals. Finding the back of the net has been an issue all year. They’ve scored the fewest goals and allowed the most goals in the MGEU West.
Up Next: Feb 16th vs Waywayseecappo, Feb 17th vs Dauphin, Feb 20th @ Dauphin
