Local News

Hirst, Dubinsky Named CJHL Award Finalists After Championship Run

Bill Burfoot

Head coach Dwight Hirst and starting goaltender Austin Dubinsky are up for CJHL awards.

your_pictures_here

Fresh off their Turnbull Cup championship, the Niverville Nighthawks continue to add to a historic season, with national recognition now coming for both their bench boss and goaltender.

Head coach Dwight Hirst has been named a finalist for Coach of the Year by the Canadian Junior Hockey League. The award recognizes excellence behind the bench across the country’s top Junior A leagues.

Hirst was already named the 2025–26 MJHL Coach of the Year, also known as the Muzz MacPherson Memorial Award, after leading the Nighthawks to a dominant 103-point season, highlighted by a 51–6–1 record, both franchise bests.

His national nomination comes on the heels of a remarkable season in which the Nighthawks continued to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in the MJHL. Under Hirst’s leadership, the team has become known for its consistency, discipline, and structure—qualities that translated into success in both the regular season, playoffs, and ultimately to the Turnbull Cup championship. 

Beyond the wins and accolades, Hirst’s impact is evident in the culture he has built in the dressing room. Known for his attention to detail and steady leadership, he has created an environment where players are pushed to grow, compete, and succeed at the next level.

In addition to Hirst, Nighthawks goaltender Austin Dubinsky was also named a finalist for the CJHL Top Goaltender award. The 20-year-old netminder has been nothing short of sensational this season, a season in which he was also awarded the MJHL’s Ed Belfour Top Goaltender Award.

Dubinsky finished the regular season with 34 wins in 38 starts, along with a 2.18 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. He followed that up with an even better playoff performance, going 12–1 with a 1.31 goals-against average and a .956 save percentage, allowing more than two goals in a game just once during the Nighthawks’ run to the Turnbull Cup.

The Nighthawks are now set to represent the MJHL at the Centennial Cup in Prince Edward Island. Their tournament begins Thursday against the host Summerside Western Capitals, with puck drop scheduled for 5:30 p.m. local time. The championship runs from May 7–17.