Coming off their first loss of the season on Sunday afternoon against the Dauphin Kings, the Nighthawks were looking to bounce back Wednesday night while hosting the struggling Winnipeg Monarchs at the CRRC.
Although the game looked like a mismatch on paper—the Nighthawks entering at 6–1–0 against the Monarchs’ 1–11–0 record—the visitors made Niverville earn every inch of a hard-fought 3–2 victory.
Niverville opened the scoring just six minutes into the first period when Thomas Phillips connected with Hayden Wheddon on a perfect cross-ice feed. Wheddon, parked at the side of the net, redirected the puck past Monarchs goaltender Austin Ball for his first of two goals on the night.
The Nighthawks extended their lead late in the first while on the power play. Once again, it was Wheddon doing the damage—and he did it from the same spot, finishing off a pass from Adam Vigfusson to make it 2–0.
After a scoreless second period, the situation grew tense for the home team. A double-minor for high-sticking, assessed to Jase Konecsni, gave the Monarchs a four-minute power play opportunity—and they capitalized early in the third.
Winnipeg cut the lead in half when Andre Cho tipped a Nathan Forster shot past Niverville goaltender Ben Chornomydz.
Just 37 seconds later, newcomer Idris Alameddine made a great first impression on his new team with a stunning solo effort. Making his Monarchs debut, Alameddine carried the puck from his own end, split the Nighthawks’ defence, and beat Chornomydz five-hole to tie the game at two.
But the Nighthawks’ top line of Merik Boles, Vigfusson, and Wheddon wasn’t done. Following a failed Monarchs clearing attempt, Wheddon fed Boles behind the net, who quickly found Vigfusson in the slot. Vigfusson wasted no time snapping a shot past Ball for what proved to be the game-winner.
Despite the loss, Monarchs goaltender Austin Ball was outstanding, turning aside 34 of 37 shots to give his team a chance to stay in the fight.
By the Numbers
The trio of Boles, Wheddon, and Vigfusson combined for seven points on the night and now share the team lead in scoring with 11 points each.
Nighthawks goaltender Ben Chornomydz improved to 2–0–0 on the season, stopping 16 of 18 shots and allowing just two goals in each of his first two starts.
Loik Leduc’s seven-game point streak came to an end. The forward had notched eight points (six goals, two assists) during that run.
Looking Ahead
Niverville continues their five-game homestand Saturday night when they host the MJHL’s top team, the Selkirk Steelers. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. at the CRRC. The weekend then continues Sunday afternoon as the Neepawa Titans visit Niverville for the first time this season. Game time on Sunday is 3:00 p.m.