Ty Dilello
The Niverville Nighthawks returned to action after the Christmas break on Friday night with a rough 7–3 loss on the road to the Winkler Flyers. With the loss, the Nighthawks stay in fourth place in the MJHL’s East Division with a record of 20–13–1.
Things started off well. The Nighthawks led 2–1 after the first period on the strength of goals from Nathan Brown and Ty Kennett.
The Flyers took over the game in the second period, outscoring the Nighthawks 6–1 over the last 40 minutes.
Niverville’s third goal came from Michael Debrito.
Raiden LeGall stopped 32 shots in the Nighthawks’ goal in the loss.
“This was a tough loss, no doubt,” said Nighthawks defenceman Ethan Kelly. “I think Winkler was better tonight at being first on pucks and finding the soft areas on the ice whilst capitalizing on the chances we gave them.”
The Nighthawks might have been shaking off the rust, so to speak, with this being their first game back after 15 days.
“I think we all enjoyed the Christmas break we got this year,” said Kelly. “It was a longer one than last year, but it is good to be back in Niverville with the fellas again.”
The Nighthawks are back in action on Saturday night with a home game against the Flyers. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m.
“To be successful, I feel we need to get bodies on them fast, so they are not comfortable with the puck. If we play fast and move the puck quickly then I think that Winkler isn’t able to keep up with us.”