Ty Dilello
The Niverville Nighthawks escaped the Swan Valley Stampeders with a dramatic 4–3 victory at home at the CRRC on Saturday night. With the win, the Nighthawks stay in fourth place in the MJHL’s East Division with a record of 16–11–1.
It was a back-and-forth game all night long, with both teams hanging in with each other. Ty Kennett got the Nighthawks on the board early in the first period before Swan Valley replied with a goal of their own. Luke Mackenzie, who was just acquired in a trade a few days ago, put the Nighthawks back ahead with a goal before the first period ended.
The teams kept trading goals the rest of the way, with goals from Swan Valley, then another from Nighthawk Luke McCrady, and another Stampeders counter to level the game at 3–3.
Kaycee Coyle was the hero for Niverville, scoring with three minutes remaining in the third period. That proved to be the game-winner.
Raiden LeGall stopped 27 shots in the Nighthawks’ goal.
On Friday, the Nighthawks announced the acquisition of Virden Oil Caps forward Luke Mackenzie and the list rights to Jeremiah Warkentine. The Oil Caps received a 2024 Second Round Pick in the 2024 MJHL Prospect Draft and the list rights to 2006-born forward Hayden Moore in return.
Mackenzie, who had 10 points in 20 games this season so far with Virden, will be a great addition to the Nighthawks.
The Nighthawks are back in action tonight with a road game against the Winnipeg Blues. The puck drops at 6:00 p.m