The Niverville Nighthawks continue to trend in the right direction as they head into their first playoff run, defeating the Winnipeg Blues by a 5–1 score on Friday night at the CRRC. The win improves their record to 26–27–4.
Niverville had an excellent game for the most part as they cruised over the Blues. The team’s star forward Josh Paulhus led the way with two goals in the first period. Isaac Rentmeester also scored for Niverville in the second period to give the club a 3–1 lead.
The Nighthawks pulled away in the last period with goals from Bryce Warkentine and Brendan Bottem.
Chris Fines was excellent once again in net, stopping 34 shots to earn the win.
“We knew that Winnipeg would come out hard, as they’ve given us tough games all year,” said Nighthawks head coach Kelvin Cech. “So I thought the guys were mature, maybe a little bit sloppy at times. I thought Chris Fines was excellent when we needed him to be, and it was a good character win. We just keep going in the right direction.”
Every team in the league wants to peak for the start of the playoffs, and Cech feels that the Nighthawks are on that path to playing at an elite level come the postseason.
“We feel close to where we want to be. Our game has been trending in the right direction for a while now. Even last week, when we had that tough road trip up north, there were times when we played really well and it didn’t go our way. To peak at the right time, we just have to keep focusing on whatever comes tomorrow and trying to get better tomorrow.”
The Nighthawks are back in action for their final regular season game of the year on Sunday, March 19 at the CRRC against the Winkler Flyers. The puck drops at 3:00 p.m.
“Winkler brings out the best in us,” Cech says. “There’s a rivalry there for sure, so it’s a perfect game for us before we head into the postseason.”
Finally, the first-round playoff schedule has been released. Next weekend, the Nighthawks will start the best-of-seven series versus the top-ranked Portage Terriers, alternating home and away games. Mark the dates and times in your calendar.
Round One Schedule
Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.—Niverville Nighthawks at Portage Terriers
Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.—Portage Terriers at Niverville Nighthawks
Tuesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.— Niverville Nighthawks at Portage Terriers
Thursday, March 30, 7:30 p.m.— Portage Terriers at Niverville Nighthawks
Friday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.— Niverville Nighthawks at Portage Terriers
Sunday, April 2, 7:30 p.m.— Portage Terriers at Niverville Nighthawks
Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.— Niverville Nighthawks at Portage Terriers