Ty Dilello – Niverville Citizen
The Niverville Nighthawks continued their winning ways on Wednesday night at the CRRC with a big 3–2 win over the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. With the win, the Nighthawks move into second place in the MJHL’s East Division with a record of 5–1–1.
Kaycee Coyle got the Nighthawks on the board in the first period with a pair of early goals that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Kyle Bochek scored just two minutes into the second period for Niverville, extending the lead to 3–0, before the Wolverines clawed back with a couple of goals to get it to 3–2 heading into the final frame.
The Nighthawks played a mature third period and held down the fort well to hold on and win the game.
Raiden LeGall was excellent once again in the Nighthawks’ goal. He stopped 27 shots in the win.
“We made some poor decisions and got into penalty trouble in the second period, and that’s how Waywayseecappo got back in the game,” said Nighthawks head coach Kelvin Cech. “There were some choice words said at the second intermission, but the guys rallied and played a very mature third period to shut it down and get the win.”
Cech was quick to compliment Coyle’s game, as his two-goal night was good for Player of the Game honours.
“Kaycee competes hard and does everything from killing penalties to running the powerplay,” said Cech. “The goals were nice, but he just competes a ton, and we’re happy to have him.”
The Nighthawks are off to a fantastic start this season. So far they’re one of the hottest Junior A clubs in Canada.
“We just have more players that have done it before,” said Cech. “We’re not a bunch of rookies anymore, and we as coaches know where people fit better and where they will best help the team. The guys are really confident. And we’re getting amazing goaltender from Legall and Gordon. Everyone’s contributing. That’s the biggest part of our success.”
The Nighthawks are back in action this weekend with a pair of road games on Friday and Saturday against the Winnipeg Freeze and Portage Terriers, respectively.
“We need to continue trying to stay out of the box as best as we can. And then just keep playing simple. If we do that, our skill will take over.”