Manitoba Junior Hockey League teams cement standings at deadline

With more than 20 games to go in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League season, there seems to be very little to be decided in the regular season.

The West Division should enjoy an entertaining finish at the top of the standings at least, as Dauphin, Virden and Neepawa were within two points for the division lead as of writing, but every other position appears safe.

Winkler’s massive deadline should put to rest any questions Selkirk could have posed them in the next eight weeks. Swan Valley shipped out their top two scorers, looking out of the hunt already in fifth in the West.

Niverville looked like a shoe-in to finish first in the East and league before adding a proven playoff performer in Marlen Edwards and I’d have guessed Steinbach would have held off Portage before they added last year’s league-MVP (Connor Paronuzzi) to their roster.

For fans of the league, the next couple months could be pretty boring to watch, especially if the Dauphin/Virden race is decided early.

Neepawa has a goal difference of just plus-one, so I’m doubtful they will keep pace in the West Division race. Hopes of a second seeding battle will likely come down to Winkler or Portage’s ability to close the gap. Portage is six points behind Steinbach, and Winkler is eight points behind Portage.

Any hopes for an exciting end to the season may be put to bed for good if Steinbach wins their game against Portage Jan. 18. Steinbach stormed to a 5-0 win the last time the two teams faced, just before Christmas.