Oakbank’s Coyle thriving in Nighthawks uniform

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This article was published 15/11/2023 (614 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There is a glut of evidence Kaycee Coyle made the right move coming back to southeast Manitoba.

The 2004-born defenseman from Oakbank joined the Niverville Nighthawks via trade this summer and has fit like a glove on the team’s top pairing.

His 19 points lead the entire Manitoba Junior Hockey League for defensemen, and through 17-games as a Nighthawk, he has more points than he did all last season while playing for the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Kaycee Coyle was mobbed by teammates after scoring the game-winner against Portage in overtime. (Cassidy Dankcohik The Carillon)
Kaycee Coyle was mobbed by teammates after scoring the game-winner against Portage in overtime. (Cassidy Dankcohik The Carillon)

“I think he surprised himself on just how powerful he can be,” Niverville head coach and general manager Kelvin Cech said after a 4-3 overtime win against Portage.

“He plays the game the right way. He’s a heart and soul guy for us, and seems to be in the right place at the right time.”

Coyle certainly lived up to that billing against Portage, potting the overtime winner, and sending the Niverville Rec Centre into a frenzy to cap off a three-goal third period comeback.

Coyle took the puck from the left half-wall and cut into the slot before unleashing a spin-o-rama move to shake off his initial defender and letting loose a wrister which found the back of the net.

The shot beat Portage goalie Jayden Catellier despite the fact a Terriers player challenged Coyle as he let loose the shot.

“It’s just leaning into the stick and letting the stick flex do the work,” Coyle said when asked how to generate power through a stick-check

“If there’s an opening, shoot it there.”

Coyle said it was “awesome” to play junior A so close to home, and have family able to easily watch him play home games.

Developing into an offensive defenseman came naturally for Coyle.

“It just comes with time,” he said.

Kaycee Coyle has been an offensive force for the Niverville Nighthawks, and leads the MJHL in scoring for defenseman. One of those points came here, as this wrist shot would find the back of the net to give the Nighthawks a 4-3 overtime victory over Portage. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)
Kaycee Coyle has been an offensive force for the Niverville Nighthawks, and leads the MJHL in scoring for defenseman. One of those points came here, as this wrist shot would find the back of the net to give the Nighthawks a 4-3 overtime victory over Portage. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

“Being confident and comfortable being in the offensive zone, and taking your time. You don’t always have to rush the play. If you have the time take it.”

Nabbing a local player was great for Cech, but to add a local player who filled a need after losing skill in the back-end last off-season was even better for the Nighthawks.

“It took a lot of time, all summer, basically grinding away to get it done,” Cech said of the trade.

“He’s local, he’s known to us. Friend of the team Dwight Hirst coached him in U18. You do your homework, and we just felt we wanted to add a big right-handed first pair defenseman who can play all situations. He’s shattered even our expectations.”

Coyle is one of many local connections who are now suiting up for Niverville. Merik Boles (Lorette) and Bryce Warkentine (Landmark) played minor hockey with Coyle on the Eastman Selects.

“It’s good to be with some of the guys I played with a couple years ago,” Coyle said.

Avery Laliberte (Lorette) is a bit younger, just missing out on playing with the three others.

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