The Niverville Nighthawks couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2025–26 MJHL season. In front of nearly 700 boisterous fans at the CRRC, the Nighthawks sent the home crowd away happy with a 5–2 victory over the Winnipeg Blues in their highly anticipated home opener.
Even before the players were introduced, the atmosphere in the arena was palpable—and it didn’t take long for the home side to give their fans something to cheer about.
Just 32 seconds into the game, the Nighthawks struck first. Hayden Wheddon picked up a loose puck behind the Blues’ defence and sent a backhand pass to a wide-open Adam Vigfusson, who made no mistake, sliding it past Blues goaltender Mason Burkes (33 of 38) for the early 1–0 lead.
Vigfusson, who led Niverville in scoring last season, had even more reason to celebrate tonight. Earlier in the day, the club announced that the 20-year-old veteran from Gimli would captain the team this year.
Niverville continued to dominate play early and looked to extend their lead when Jaden Mah’s shot slipped through Burkes and sat at the top of the crease. Loik Leduc was there to tap it in, but the goal was waved off after the official lost sight of the puck and blew the play dead, drawing a chorus of boos from the home crowd.
Just 14 seconds later, Winnipeg made them pay. Brennan Green ripped a shot from the left circle that was stopped by Nighthawks goalie Austin Dubinsky, but the rebound went straight to Branden Watson, who tied the game 1–1.
Despite the equalizer, Dubinsky looked sharp all night, finishing with 36 saves.
Niverville regained the lead midway through the first, capitalizing on a power play. Newcomer Tyler Bernier, acquired last week in a trade with the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, tipped in a Luke Wagner point shot for his first goal as a Nighthawk, putting Niverville up 2–1.
Tensions boiled over late in the period after a hit from behind by Luke Mackenzie on Blues forward Carson White. The play triggered a fight between Niverville’s Parker Carriere and Winnipeg’s Riddick Feely. Both players were handed game misconducts, and Mackenzie received a five-minute major and game misconduct for boarding.
The Blues failed to capitalize on the extended man advantage, however, and shortly after the penalty expired Kole Mears made it 3–1 off a perfect feed from Evan Panzer for his first MJHL goal.
Winnipeg responded quickly. An attempted clearing pass from Panzer beside his own net ricocheted off a forechecking Hayden Ritter and trickled past a stunned Dubinsky to cut the lead to 3–2.
Midway through the third, Niverville iced the game with two quick goals in a 41-second span. First, on a five-on-three power play, Panzer knocked home a perfect pass from Thomas Phillips at the side of the Blues net to restore the two-goal cushion.
Moments later, Leduc tapped home his first MJHL goal to make it 5–2 and seal the win.
By the Numbers
Niverville finished two-for-five on the power play and a perfect two-for-two on the penalty kill.
Evan Panzer tied his career high with three points (one goal, two assists) and led the team with five shots.
Adam Vigfusson and Kole Mears each registered two points (one goal, one assist).
The teams combined for a total of 55 penalty minutes.
The final shot tally slightly favoured the Blues: Winnipeg 38, Niverville 37.
What’s Next
The Nighthawks will enjoy a week off before heading to Virden to face the Oil Capitals on Friday, September 26. They return to home ice on Wednesday, October 1 when the Portage Terriers visit the CRRC for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop.