The Niverville Nighthawks wasted little time asserting themselves Sunday afternoon, erupting for eight unanswered goals in an emphatic 8–1 victory over the Winnipeg Blues.
Unlike the previous meeting between the two teams—which required overtime to produce the game’s first and only goal—Sunday’s matchup featured offence almost immediately, with two goals scored within the opening minute of the first period.
The Blues struck first just 48 seconds after the puck dropped. Following a strong save by Blues goaltender Kannen Kirkwood, Winnipeg countered on a three-on-two rush. Hayden Ritter found Campbell Epp who moved into the right circle and snapped a shot over the shoulder of Nighthawks netminder Ben Chornomydz to give the Blues an early 1–0 lead.
That would be the lone blemish on Chornomydz’s afternoon.
The 18-year-old goaltender locked down, stopping the next 24 shots he faced to earn his eighth win of the season. Chornomydz improved to a perfect 8–0 on the year and has yet to allow more than two goals in any game in which he has started.
Winnipeg’s lead lasted just 12 seconds.
With Aaron Krestanowich, Dawson Zeller, and Hayden Wheddon all unavailable, Nighthawks head coach Dwight Hirst was forced to shuffle his lines. One of those changes paid immediate dividends.
Ryken Arran, elevated to the top line, forced a turnover behind the Blues’ net and fed Merik Boles, who beat Kirkwood to tie the game at 1–1.
Just 1:53 later, Parker Rolston continued his strong play, scoring his second goal in as many games. On the power play, Rolston redirected a pass from Boles over Kirkwood’s glove to give Niverville a 2–1 lead.
Loik Leduc capped off the first period with his first of two goals on the afternoon, sending the Nighthawks into the intermission up 3–1.
Niverville continued to pour it on in the second period.
Calyb Moore notched his ninth goal of the season, finishing off a two-on-one rush set up by Leduc with a shot over Kirkwood’s glove to make it 4–1. Evan Panzer followed with a goal of his own, pushing the lead to 5–1. Panzer, coming off scoring the game-winner against Steinbach on Saturday night, finished the night with three points (one goal, two assists) while extending his point streak to three games.
The third period was more of the same, as Leduc added his second goal. Jaden Mah and Jake Demone found the back of the net to round out the scoring. The goal was Demone’s first of the campaign.
The win extended the Nighthawks’ streak to five games and improved their record to an impressive 29–2–1 on the season.
“As a coaching staff we were very pleased with how the team played,” said Hirst. “Coming off an emotional win 18 hours earlier against the Pistons, we were very happy with how the team responded with the quick turnaround in games.”
Hirst also highlighted the contributions of players who stepped into expanded roles due to lineup changes.
“There were some players who got some different opportunities and more ice time because of the changes, especially on our special teams, and I feel they performed really well.”
The Nighthawks coach specifically credited Chornomydz for his professionalism and strong play.
“Ben has been great and a true professional. He knows the situation we’re in with Austin Dubinsky taking the net the majority of the nights, and he’s been nothing but a pro,” Hirst said. “It’s nice to see him get rewarded in the games that he’s in.”
Niverville now hits the road to face the Neepawa Titans on Wednesday before returning home Friday night for a matchup with the Swan Valley Stampeders at the CRRC. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.
See below for game highlights.