For the first time in franchise history, the Niverville Nighthawks are moving on to the second round of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs.
After coming up short in the opening round in each of their first three seasons, the Nighthawks have finally broken through, completing a commanding first-round sweep of the Winkler Flyers with a 4–0 win in Game 4 on the road.
Goaltender Austin Dubinsky was the backbone of the Nighthawks’ success all series long, and he saved his best for last. The netminder turned aside all 38 shots he faced to record his first playoff shutout, finishing the series with a perfect 4–0 record while allowing just five goals on 118 shots. He also finished the first round with a 1.25 goals against average combined with a .958 save percentage.
After a sluggish opening period in Game 3 which saw them give up a goal in the opening minute, Niverville came out much better effort in the series clincher.
Five minutes into the first period, Adam Vigfusson set up Parker Carrier at the left point, and his shot beat Flyers goaltender Liam Ernst through traffic, with Merik Boles providing the screen. The goal gave the Nighthawks an early 1–0 lead. Three of Carrier’s seven goals during the regular season came against the Flyers.
Midway through the period, Winkler’s penalty troubles proved costly once again. While on a five-on-three advantage, Aaron Krestanowich fired a point shot that deflected off a defender and into the net, doubling the lead to 2–0. John Scott collected an assist on the play, adding to his strong series, giving him six points.
The Flyers had a late power play opportunity to respond but couldn’t solve Dubinsky. And before the period would run out, the Nighthawks found themselves on another power play.
Niverville carried that late first-period power play into the second and wasted no time capitalizing. Just 42 seconds into the middle frame, Vigfusson finished a perfect cross-ice feed from Boles at the side of the crease to make it 3–0.
The Nighthawks continued to generate chances, including a shorthanded breakaway by Dawson Zeller that resulted in a penalty shot after he was hooked. However, Ernst came up with a key stop to keep the deficit at three.
Moments later, Dubinsky answered at the other end with a beautiful glove save off Charles Bernier to keep the Flyers off the board.
That save proved pivotal.
Just over a minute later, Vigfusson struck again. Hayden Wheddon attempted a cross-ice pass at the Flyers blue line, but the puck bounced off multiple Winkler defenders and landed on Vigfusson’s stick. He made no mistake, beating Ernst with a backhand to extend the lead to 4–0.
The Flyers pushed hard in the third period, outshooting Niverville 17–4, but Dubinsky remained unbeatable, shutting the door to secure the sweep.
Vigfusson led the way offensively with a goal and two assists, while Boles and Krestanowich each contributed multi-point efforts in the series-clinching win.
With the victory, the Nighthawks now turn their attention to the Waywayseecappo Wolverines in what will be a historic second-round matchup, both teams having advanced this far for the first time in their respective franchise histories.
The Wolverines earned their spot by sweeping the Dauphin Kings in the opening round.
Niverville had the upper hand in the regular season against Waywayseecappo, winning all four meetings between the two clubs.
The Citizen will have a series preview in the coming days.
Elsewhere, the Virden Oil Capitals are awaiting their opponent after sweeping the Neepawa Titans. They will face the winner of the series between the Steinbach Pistons and Portage Terriers, with Steinbach currently holding a 3–1 series lead after a 5–3 win over the Terriers on Friday night. Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday night in Steinbach.
Dates for the second round have yet to be announced.