On Tuesday night, with just ten days until the start of the regular season, it was a third exhibition win in as many games for the Nighthawks, with the home team coming out on top at the CRRC after a home-and-away series with the Selkirk Steelers. In this one, the Nighthawks broke out to a big 4–1 lead, then held on as Selkirk made it close in the third period.

Once again, Niverville struck first, with a Merik Boles goal at 7:43, assisted by defenceman Luke Schaeffer. Selkirk then drew even six minutes later.

The game broke open in the second period with three unanswered goals by the Nighthawks. Michael Tanchak scored unassisted at 3:27, followed by a counter from Kelby Diehl a few minutes later, this one assisted by Ben Whitford and Ty Kennett.

And then it was Kennett, on the power play, who came back to score the game-winner in the closing minute of the second period, assisted by Boles.

In the third period, the Steelers mounted a comeback, scoring twice, only to fall short by a final score of 4–3.

Head coach Kelvin Cech says that so far the preseason has given the coaching staff an excellent opportunity to observe the talent at their disposal. The news has been very good.

“We’re encouraged by our young players,” Cech says, noting that many of the youngest players at training camp are still getting their first taste of junior hockey. “We’ll start rolling more veteran players into the lineup as we balance out the rest of camp. It’s been a lot of fun so far, but we have some difficult decisions, which ultimately is a good thing for our hockey team.”

Later in September, The Citizen will publish a more detailed recap of the preseason, including reflections from the players and coaching staff.

Two preseason games remain on the schedule, both against the team’s closest rivals, the Steinbach Pistons. The Nighthawks are back in action at the CRRC tomorrow night, with the puck dropping at 7:00 p.m.

They will then close the preseason in Steinbach on Saturday, September 16.