Vigfusson leading hungry Niverville Nighthawks squad

The first step on Adam Vigfusson’s path towards Manitoba Junior Hockey League stardom came in one of his team’s toughest results.

As a young player suiting up for a vastly out-matched Niverville Nighthawks team, down 3-0 in the first round of the 2024 playoffs against a powerhouse Steinbach squad, the coaching staff turned to the youngster.

Vigfusson was one of the five players who took to the ice to begin overtime, getting the most valuable minutes the team had given out that season. While the Nighthawks would lose that game and the series, it was clear a newly hired coaching staff trusted the young forward from Gimli.

After a breakout season in 2024/2025 (31 G 31 A), Vigfusson has turned from young gun to veteran leader for the Nighthawks, with that same coaching staff granting the 2005-born player the captaincy this year.

That 2024 playoff run was the first time head coach Dwight Hirst got a chance to coach Vigfusson, after the Nighthawks fired Kelvin Cech mid-season and named Hirst his replacement.

“When I first came to this program (Vigfusson) was a healthy scratch at times,” Hirst said.

“All of a sudden I came in, we made it to the playoffs and he was a big part of playing every night.”

Vigfusson was announced as captain a couple days before the start of the regular season, and wasted no time in making an impact, scoring 30 seconds into the team’s home opener against the Winnipeg Blues Sept. 19.

“That was special,” Vigfusson said, recalling the goal.

“Hayden Wheddon passed me the puck, I had some room on the blocker side, so I potted it. Man, the emotion of the first goal of the year is pretty special.”

The Nighthawks are one of the league’s pre-season favourites.

“Just lead by example, try to stay as focused as possible, lift the boys up when they’re down, just lead on the ice off the ice,” Vigfusson said when asked how he envisions the captaincy.

“Do whatever it takes to win.”

Hirst said Vigfusson “sets the bar,” when it comes to off-ice workouts and conditioning skates.

“Not only is he one of our top skill guys, he’s also one of our hardest workers,” Hirst said.

“It’s the marriage of the two.”

The Nighthawks have a deep group this season, and that shows in how they handed out assistant captain honours this season. Six players will wear the ‘A’ this season, three different players at home and on the road.

“There’s tons of leaders in the room, anyone could have worn (the captain’s ‘C’) this year,” Vigfusson said.

“It’s a veteran team… I was a little bit surprised, but very honoured.”

Stats-wise, Vigfusson could be in for an outstanding year. He’s the highest scoring forward to return to the league, after every other player in the league’s top 12 either graduated or changed leagues to start the season.

In terms of his personal game, Vigfusson shared he hoped to “get gritty,” in hopes of nabbing a spot at a college team next season.

“Any scholarship is what I’m after,” Vigfusson said.

“I’m looking forward to how the year plays out.”

For more MJHL coverage including game recaps, standings and statistics, be sure to pick up a print edition of The Carillon every week.