Niverville Nighthawks star goaltender Raiden LeGall has recently committed to Bemidji State University, a prestigious NCAA Division I university.

The 17-year-old from Morden has excelled with the Nighthawks after dominating the provincial U18 league with the Pembina Valley Hawks over the past two seasons.

Legall, who has accumulated a 6–4–1 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and .935 save percentage so far in Niverville this season, had a couple of schools interested in offering him a scholarship.

“I had a few schools I was talking to but eventually decided on Bemidji,” says LeGall. “I got a chance to go down there for a visit, and the way things were run and the personnel were all great. It’s just a really nice city and school. As well, the rink and facilities were unreal. Another plus was that it’s so close to home, and I would be able to have family and friends come down to visit and watch games.”

Niverville was fortunate that LeGall settled on staying in the MJHL this season, as he was strongly being pursued by the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

“It was obviously a difficult decision when Everett wanted me to sign with them. Another very well-run program down there,” says LeGall. “I mean, it was always my dream to play in the Western Hockey League growing up, but the biggest thing that persuaded me to play in Niverville was just how much everyone here cares about you. Especially within the organization, but also the support throughout the community. Playing a game in the city on a Saturday night and seeing our fans come out and fill the rink there as well has been super cool and a great example of just how much support we get from the community here in Niverville.”

Nighthawks head coach Kelvin Cech is very proud of LeGall and everything he has so far accomplished.

“This is the highest achievement for a Junior A hockey player in Canada or the United States,” says Cech. “And it’s no surprise considering the lengths the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips went to a few months ago in an effort to sway Raiden to the major junior route. Raiden and I spoke while he was in Everett in September, and he was faced with a choice. This happens eventually with elite players. And if you have choices in life, you’re probably doing something right. Fortunately our conversation went well, and Raiden chose to play here in Niverville. And now he’s got a scholarship waiting for him when he graduates from junior hockey.”

The plan for LeGall is to play another year of junior hockey after this season so he can continue developing and make sure he’s ready before he joins the college hockey ranks. He will then head to Bemidji State for the 2025–26 season.