As the days grow shorter and the summer sun sets a little earlier, the start of hockey season fast approaches. The Niverville Nighthawks kicked off their fourth training camp since joining the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) on Friday, welcoming back both prospects and veterans to the CRRC.

This year’s camp is beginning a little earlier than usual, with the Nighthawks opting for a mid-August start. According to head coach Dwight Hirst, the decision was made to get ahead of the competition and establish a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

“We wanted to do something different and get ahead of the process this year,” Hirst explains. “The players were informed last spring that we’d be holding a mid-August camp, followed by a return after the September long weekend.”

Veteran forward Adam Vigfusson, fresh off a standout 2024–25 season in which he led the Nighthawks with 62 points and 31 goals, returned to the CRRC with high expectations. 

Vigfusson praised the energy and intensity on day one, highlighting the strong competitive spirit displayed by both the returning veterans and the younger prospects.

“For day one, it was great,” Vigfusson says. “The pace was high, the pucks were moving well, and overall it was a lot of fun.”

Hirst is equally impressed with the quality of play, noting that the veterans, like Vigfusson, are expected to lead by example both on and off the ice.

“We expect our veterans to set the standard for how we want the young players to compete,” Hirst says. “It’s all about leading through example, and we want the younger guys to push themselves and show what they can do and compete.”

Despite the early start to camp, Vigfusson is confident that the team’s conditioning will improve as the days progress.

“We’ve got a few more days of camp, so we’re going to keep building,” the forward says. “I wouldn’t say the legs are in mid-season shape yet, but we’ll get there.”

Vigfusson also expresses his excitement about the direction the Nighthawks are headed this season.

“We’ve got a really good group of guys this year, and I’m excited to get the season going.”

The enthusiasm from fans was also evident on day one, with many supporters turning out to watch the opening sessions.

“Our fans always bring so much energy,” Hirst adds. “And we really appreciate them coming out today.”

The Nighthawks’ training camp is open to the public and continues through the weekend. Saturday’s sessions run from 9:00 a.m. until 7:45 p.m., while Sunday’s camp is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.