By Dave Anthony
Courtesy of Niverville Online
The Niverville Nighthawks have added 2006-born defenceman Judd Pesch to their blueline after a trade with the Fort Francis Lakers of the SIJHL.
Hailing from East Grand Forks, Minnesota, Pesch is listed as a 5’10”, 178-pound, right-handed defender.
Last season with the Lakers, Pesch scored 10 goals and added 20 assists for 30 points in 48 games.
In the playoffs, Pesch took another step forward, collecting 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in just 13 games, while also adding 38 penalty minutes.
Going back to the Lakers is a Player Development Fee.
Early summer moves
Pesch is the latest add to a Nighthawks backend that earlier in the offseason saw them acquire 2006-born blueliner Cole Bies from the St. Cloud Norsemen of the NAHL.
Bies, is also from East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and last season, the 6’2″, 201-pound left-handed defender put up 2 goals, 7 assists for 9 points in 45 games, while tacking on 75 penalty minutes.
In late June, Niverville announced the acquisition of Fenton Mann, a hard-hitting defender who spent last year with the Winnipeg Blues.
Standing 6’2″ and coming in at 194 pounds, Mann has earned a reputation as a hard-to-play-against blueliner who can throw a highlight-reel hit.
Mann scored 1 goal and had 2 assists for 3 points in 56 games with a Blues team that struggled to find offence throughout the year.
In 2003, Mann was selected by the Regina Pats in the 7th round of the WHL draft.
Going back to Winnipeg was a Player Development Fee, and Future Considerations.
Home opener
The Nighthawks are set to open the 2026-27 season at home on Friday, September 18th, against the Winnipeg Monarchs.
