The 2023–24 Niverville Nighthawks will have a different look. Throughout the off-season, the team has been making changes to its roster.

On June 4, the Nighthawks made their first big move by acquiring goaltender Keegan Gordon in a trade with the Winnipeg Freeze for future considerations.

The Nighthawks will be using Gordon heavily next season, since incumbent goalie Chris Fines recently committed to play next season out of Great Falls, Montana with the University of Providence Argos in the ACHA Division II hockey program.

On June 23, it was announced that Nighthawks’ leading scorer Josh Paulhus had committed to playing for the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Another important player, Evan Bortis, is heading to Saskatoon to play for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey program.

“The opportunity came along to play at the University of Saskatchewan back in January when the coach reached out and said they were watching and interested,” says Bortis. “The recruiting process is a long process, but I enjoyed it all. We exchanged phone calls throughout the rest of the season. I then got the opportunity to play at the U of S and further my education, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to get the opportunity to play at home. I am beyond excited to be a part of such a high-class school with an elite hockey program. It really is special for me to play there, as my older brother played there, and it’s been a dream of mine to always one day become a Huskie.”

Saskatoon is home to Bortis, and he adds that he is both thrilled and honoured to have the opportunity to attend and play in his hometown.

“I wish I could have had more time in Niverville, as it was a season I will never forget,” he says. “The support from the community and our fans was amazing every day. The community really brought all of us guys into Niverville with open arms and formed a town where everybody wanted to play. I will forever be grateful for my time in Niverville, and I will always be thankful for my teammates, coaches, billets, and staff. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and will always be a Nighthawk. I will miss Niverville and hope everyone returning the best.”

Another player is also on the move. Star blueliner Carson Reed was recently drafted by the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) in the third round.

Reed’s plan for next season is to try and make the team in Waterloo. If that doesn’t work out, he’ll come back to Niverville for another campaign.

“I loved it in Niverville,” says Reed. “Amazing team, amazing coaching staff, and an amazing fanbase. It was the best first year of juniors that anyone could ask for, and I wouldn’t have changed anything about it. I was happy to be selected on the all-rookie team as I worked hard and got rewarded.”

With all these changes, the Nighthawks have acquired many new players as well. So far they include Michael Tanchak (Winnipeg Blues), Wyatt Taron (Shawinigan Lake School), Matty Healey (Prairie Hockey Academy), and Kyle Bochek (Bonnyville Pontiacs).

In addition, the Nighthawks have hired a new assistant coach in Ben MicFlikier, who had previously played in the MJHL for two seasons. MicFlikier most recently spent time as a coach for the St. Paul’s Crusaders high school team and the St. Boniface Riels of the MMJHL.

“I kept tabs on the Nighthawks throughout last season and actually saw the job posted and knew it was a great fit,” MicFlikier says. “Since I accepted the position, I’ve been catching up on everything I can almost daily to prepare for camp and the season, so I can’t wait to get started.”