Lorette D-man returns to region to suit up for Niverville Nighthawks

Lorette defenseman Thomas Phillips is coming back to the Eastman Region.

After spending the past three seasons suiting up for teams across the Manitoba and Saskatchewan junior leagues, the Niverville Nighthawks have nabbed the 2005-born defenseman via a trade with the Kindersley Klippers.

“We’re really excited to add someone like (Phillips) to our group,” Mike McAulay, the team’s general manager said.

“He’s an experienced defenseman who will bring mobility and skill to our blueline. Along with being a good skater, he has excellent vision and makes a really good first pass. He will fit in well with how we like to play.”

Phillips jumped from the Eastman Selects U18 AAA team to the Virden Oil Capitals in the 2022/2023 season, before joining the Northern Manitoba Blizzard the next year.

He boasts over 115 games of Manitoba Junior Hockey League experience.

The Nighthawks got an early start to their training camp, hosting their first sessions of the season Aug. 15.

“It’s been a good off-season,” McAulay said.

“Not as hectic as previous years. Typical recruiting but we have a really good base of returning players.”

There will be new faces behind the Nighthawks broadcasts as well as on the ice this year. Kevin Pauls, who had been the play-by-play commentator for the team since their inception, has moved to the Winkler Flyers.

The Nighthawks have turned to a pair of local voices, naming Bill Burfoot and Tavyn Arnason as their new broadcast team.