Nighthawks looking to build off strong first year in MJHL

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This article was published 18/09/2023 (990 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Niverville Nighthawks capped off their inaugural season with a surprise playoff appearance. The quest to return, and go even further this season started at the team’s training camp, hosted at the Niverville Community Resource and Recreation Centre.

For the second consecutive year, the Nighthawks played out-of-province competition to open the pre-season, as Niverville hosted the Superior International Junior Hockey League defending champion Kam River Fighting Walleye. Last season they played Saskatchewan’s Weyburn Red Wings to kick off their season.

Lead by new addition Micheal Tanchak and his two goals, the Nighthawks defeated their Ontario counterparts 3-1 to begin their 2023/2024 exhibition season. Tanchak was added via trade this off-season after spending the past four seasons suiting up for the Winnipeg Blues.

Last year, the 20-year-old forward picked up 35 points in 54 games for a below average Blues squad.

Niverville’s head coach and general manager Kelvin Cech said the team is more focused this season in camp, bringing in fewer players compared to last year.

“We feel (training camp) has been really competitive,” Cech said after defeating Kam River.

“It’s a bit smaller at this point than we had last year. It’s nice that we have one under our belt. It’s a new season, and we’re all really excited.”

Cech said putting together a team from scratch last year brought different challenges than this season’s camp so far. With returning players, coaches have a better idea of what the team will look like, as well as individual strengths and weaknesses.

“It’s hard to quantify whether a decision is difficult or not,” Cech said when asked if this year was easier than last year.

“These are human beings you’re dealing with and a lot of them are far from home, trying out junior hockey. They’re on an adventure. We try to maintain our integrity and our ethics as much as possible, and be honest with everybody. Our job is to build the most competitive team possible, and we’re well on our way towards doing that.”

Against Kam River, the Nighthawks iced a lineup of nearly all new players, but that didn’t mean they weren’t recognizable. Even with practice jerseys on, and a completely fresh lineup, Niverville played in a similar style to last year, grinding out offensive possessions, and playing with an edge up and down the lineup, despite a roster made up mostly of 16 and 17-year-olds, with a few veterans to add leadership.

“It was awesome, they competed so hard, and there was a lot of skill on display at the same time,” Cech said.

The Nighthawks goaltender draft pick from this season, Quinn Burfoot picked up the win, stopping 33 shots.

“People might say ‘it’s just exhibition,’ but try telling that to Quinn,” Cech said.

“He got his first win, and he got the puck and he’s going back to Pilot Mound, and he’s going to be a star there.”

Cech anticipates icing a slightly younger team this season, with players from Niverville’s first draft set to make an impact this season. Goaltender Raiden LeGall, forward Nathan Brown, and Lorette defender Avery Laliberte are all in their second MJHL camp, and will look to see the ice this season.

“We believe that there’s no rush, and those guys were probably close to being able to play last year,” Cech said.

“That wasn’t necessarily what was best for the team, or best for them. To come in with a little bit more confidence this year has just been awesome. They’ve all looked fantastic.”

LeGall earned the victory in the Nighthawks’ second pre-season game against Selkirk, with Brown picking up two assists. Laliberte chipped in with a helper of his own against Kam River.

“At this point, everyone we’ve got is pushing for a roster spot,” Cech said Sept. 8, noting they’re only going to keep a player on the roster if the MJHL is the best spot for them right now.

“These are guys that could all play junior hockey at this point… It’s about what’s balancing what’s best for the team in the short term and the long term, and what’s best for the player.”

Niverville finished off their pre-season schedule with a game against the Pistons in Steinbach Sept. 16.