Taking Flight

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THE NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS

2024-2025 REGULAR SEASON

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W H AT ’ S

INSIDE 5 THE NEW GUY BEHIND THE BENCH FROM THE 6 LETTER NIGHTHAWKS PRESIDENT

6 LETTER FROM THE MJHL COMMISSIONER AND SOUL: THE VOLUNTEERS 9 HEART WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN VIEW: 10 INSIDER’S THE NIGHTHAWKS BOARD EDITOR Evan Braun

editor@nivervillecitizen.com

CREATIVE

13 BEST VIEW IN THE HOUSE: THE KETTLE 14 THE UNSUNG HEROES: BILLET FAMILIES

Dustin Krahn

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SALES Dylan Zacharias

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Ray Dowse

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COVER DESIGN Dustin Krahn

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ty Dilello Evan Braun

17 CHANGES TO THE MJHL DRAFT 17 SHOWCASING TALENT 18 SCORING AT THE DRAFT 21 LIFE OF AN EQUIPMENT MANAGER 22 MJHL ALUMNI: STARS OF THE PAST 25 PLAYER PROFILES 32 STAFF

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THE NEW GUY

BEHIND THE BENCH ”The lustre of being the newest team in the league is now behind us. Expectations from the fans have grown with each of the first two years… and so have the expectations in our hockey club.”

Dwight Hirst is excited for his first full season as an MJHL head coach.

The 44-year-old took over behind the bench midway through the previous season. With the former coach let go and the team stumbling, his job was to turn things around and lead the Nighthawks to the playoffs for the second straight year.

“It was a great finish to the season and the push we made to secure a second playoff berth for a new franchise,” says Hirst. “The team was a great bunch of young men who had to gather themselves after the coach was let go and pull together to make that push. The resiliency and ability to refocus was a testament to their character.”

Hirst started out by playing minor hockey in Lac du Bonnet, his hometown.

“I couldn’t crack the Eastman U18 lineup as a 15-year-old and didn’t have a team back home. So I spent my Grade 11 year playing in the Junior B league, which really prepared me for Junior A the following year.”

Hirst started his Grade 12 year playing for the Vernon Vipers, but he had a tough time moving away from home at 16 to play junior and asked for a trade back to Manitoba.

He played his next two years for the Neepawa Natives in the MJHL.

Two years later, he earned a full ride to play for the Minnesota State University in NCAA Division 1.

For the next few years, Hirst played with Minnesota State, North Dakota, and the USHL’s Fargo-Moorhead Ice Sharks.

He later played senior hockey with the Lac du Bonnet Blues, winning multiple championships.

Hirst’s coaching career started like most, as a hockey dad coaching his own kids. His trajectory took off when he ended up coaching the U18AAA Eastman Selects program.

Upon joining the Nighthawks, he was elated with how the community rallied around the new guy in town.

“I was impressed with the quality of people involved and the support here in Niverville,” he says.

“Everyone was very welcoming and supportive of the things we did in the hard push to the playoffs. It’s a great community to be a part of.”

The transition from one head coach to another had a few bumps.

“The group had a lot of emotions to overcome with the coaching change that first week and the four games in the six-day stretch where we went 0–4,” he says. “They cleared those hurdles after the first week and with the final ten games they went 7–3 to show they wanted

to be a playoff team. I was very impressed with the bounce-back.”

Vision of the Future In discussing team goals for the coming season, as well as in the long term with the Nighthawks, Hirst wants to see the club blossom into a perennial playoff team. He sees the possibility of winning a league championship sooner rather than later.

“The goals for this season are to have a good start to the season and maintain the level needed to ensure we are a competitive playoff team come March. The bar keeps getting pushed up, as this is the third season for this franchise. We need to be in the playoffs for the third straight season, and that’s the expectation.”

He says that it all comes down to being accountable to each other in all aspects of the team’s daily operations.

“Doing things right on the ice, in the gym, and in the community is what will make this program better every day,” Hirst says. “The discipline every day will become our habits as a group. We want to make sure we are developing great young men off the ice as well. It’s going to take everyone involved to keep building that foundation of success.”

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NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

LETTER FROM THE

NIGHTHAWKS PRESIDENT As we embark on our third season, we have much to appreciate, and we do this with renewed gratitude.

I congratulate our players, coaches, and hockey operations staff, who all were instrumental in getting us to the playoffs for the second year.

To our fans, I extend thanks for your support last year. We appreciate your ongoing support this season.

As a not-for-profit entity, we could not exist without the sponsorship provided to us by businesses. Thanks to each of you who have committed to your support of the Nighthawks.

Our region has generously supported the team through fundraisers such as our annual gala dinner, the season-opener social, the 50/50, and the new Niverville Nighthawks Chase the Ace every Monday night.

We also impart a special thanks to each of our volunteers who make coming to the rink such a joy for season ticket holders, local fans, and visiting teams. On many occasions, I have heard the great appreciation

from the fans of visiting teams, and even the league board, about getting to travel to play in Niverville.

As for the game day experience, we were so grateful last year for the opening of The Kettle. This new area of the rink provides a great ambiance with a unique and enhanced view of each and every game moment.

The end of last season was the culmination of the first term for five of our board members: Carl Fast, Scott Wallace, Tom Kleysen, Dylan Wiens, and myself. While Carl, Dylan, and Scott decided not to run for re-election, Tom and I remain on the board alongside three new directors as of September 2024— Tony Martone, Kevin Dunn, and Darryl Berard. I want to personally thank Carl, Scott, and Dylan for all their work and support in building the Nighthawks brand.

The MJHL consists of 13 teams, each one competing to win the Turnbull Cup and the right to represent the MJHL at the national Centennial

Cup in May. I thank the other 12 teams who are our partners as we seek to build an elite junior hockey experience for all our players.

On behalf of the board of directors, I want to acknowledge Kevin Saurette, commissioner of the MJHL, as well as his staff. They provide the leadership and ongoing efforts each year to ensure that the league remains a destination for all Manitoba players, and many from farther afield. Thank you, Kevin.

As we look forward to competing in 2024–2025, our intention is to continue maturing as an organization. This means recommitting ourselves to focus on all that grows and enhances our program.

As a board, we seek to be more engaged than ever as we strive alongside our staff and volunteers to be our very best every single day.

Thank you.

CLARENCE BRAUN PRESIDENT AND GOVERNOR

LETTER FROM THE

MJHL COMMISSIONER My name is Kevin Saurette and I have been commissioner of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League since July 1, 2020. I assumed this role after working for four seasons as MJHL Director of Operations under long-time MJHL commissioner Kim Davis. I grew up in Brandon and now reside in Winnipeg with my wife Sarah and our two daughters, Sophie and Molly.

Before my time with the MJHL, I enjoyed a ten-year professional hockey playing career with stops in the U.S., Germany, and Northern Ireland. During my time in Belfast, I had the opportunity to enroll at Ulster University in the Executive MBA Program where I earned my master’s degree with distinction.

On behalf of the MJHL board of governors, I would like to thank

the community of Niverville and surrounding area for an amazing first two seasons in the MJHL. It was a very exciting day for the MJHL community when Niverville was granted an expansion franchise to operate in the league and the following two seasons have not disappointed.

Niverville is recognized as one of the fastest growing communities in the province and the MJHL board of governors is thrilled to have the organization and community as part of the family. The organization continues to grow with significant efforts being applied to raise the standards across the MJHL both on and off the ice.

I would like to recognize the significant commitment and ongoing efforts of Clarence Braun, the

Niverville board of directors, and the community, volunteers, and staff who have been instrumental in making the Nighthawks a benchmark for expansion franchises across Canada.

Along with everyone in Niverville, we here at the league are very excited to watch the continual progression of Nighthawks hockey for many seasons to come.

Thank you to everyone involved who helped bring MJHL hockey to Niverville and we wish continued success to the Nighthawks management team, hockey operations staff, and all of their partners and supporters as we move through the 2024–25 season.

Best wishes and good luck!

KEVIN SAURETTE COMMISSIONER, MJHL

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TAKING FLIGHT

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HEART AND SOUL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN

It’s no secret that volunteers are the heart and soul of the Niverville Nighthawks.

Without them, the team couldn’t function the way it does—and it certainly wouldn’t be anywhere near as successful.

Terry Dowse and Holly Dibra.

Holly Dibra Without question, one of the team’s most stalwart volunteers is Holly Dibra, who got involved with the Nighthawks right from the start out of a passion to help out the community in a tangible way.

“I love people and I love hockey, so it was a win-win situation,” says Dibra of those early days.

For the first two seasons, Dibra has been the person responsible for arranging national anthem singers at home games.

She has found some amazingly talented performers, including Mel Bergen, Jackie and Jason Heistad, JR Charron, Catie St. Germain, Real Comeault, Emily Anderson, Presley Foster, as well as the Niverville High School jazz band and Niverville Middle School choir.

Regular fans are also accustomed to seeing Dibra sell 50/50 tickets with her stepmom, Terry Dowse.

A jack of all trades, she fills in wherever she’s needed, whether it’s as a greeter, ticket scanner, salesperson, cleaner, or someone to hand out team lineups at the door.

“I love it all,” she says. “The volunteers are very dedicated and awesome. We are family.”

One of Dibra’s favourite parts of volunteering is getting to work with the Flight Crew, a group of local students with physical and cognitive disabilities. They take care of pregame preparations and attend the CRRC nearly every day to lend a helping hand.

“Not only do they enrich the players, but they make an impact on fans and volunteers at the games.

The players may never know just how much impact they have had on these people’s lives. Even the small things like a high-five and fistbump are a big thing.”

She also treasures the opportunity she had to volunteer alongside Mark Giesbrecht, a fellow volunteer and someone who enriched her life for more than 40 years.

Giesbrecht, who recently passed away from a heart attack, had close ties to the Nighthawks. His mom Fran is the volunteer coordinater and his brother Justin is the team’s physiotherapist.

“Mark taught me so much,” Dibra says. “Even on the hard days, he would pat you on the back, give you a hug, and say, ‘All better.’ Even with all his challenges, he wouldn’t complain and had the biggest smile to brighten your day.”

Dibra is thankful to have gotten into volunteering and wants to continue to pay it forward.

“Volunteering is so important,” she says. “My boys have also graciously volunteered their time at games for the past two seasons. It really is a family event! Growing up in Niverville, it’s so hard to believe that we have a beautiful rink with an MJHL team. It brings people together during our very long, cold winter.”

Terry Dowse Dibra’s 50/50 partner at Nighthawks home games, Terry Dowse, has grown to love the time she spends volunteering for the local MJHL franchise.

And if you’ve ever been to a game, you’re like to recognize her friendly smile.

“I enjoy being a small part of what goes on here,” says Dowse of her volunteer role. “I was asked by my son if I would like to help out, and it’s been fun and exciting ever since! This is a wonderful group of people who come to volunteer. They all go above and beyond to be sure

everything goes well. I have met so many dedicated, wonderful people. I can’t say enough!”

Paul Dufour Another standout member of the volunteer team is Paul Dufour, who works in the area of crowd control for every home game.

Dufour was involved in the local minor hockey scene for many years.

So when the opportunity came to work with the Nighthawks, he immediately said yes. He says it has provided him with the perfect opportunity for him to make a meaningful and substantive contribution to the sport and team, not to mention the community at large.

“New teams need a lot of help getting established, so it was an easy choice to help,” says Dufour. “I work with crowd control, so for the most part it means talking with folks on where their seats are and some courtesy rules so everyone can enjoy the game.”

He fully intends to continue showing up as a volunteer for as long as he can.

“I enjoy working with the rest of the volunteers, as they are a very friendly group,” he says. “We really do have a lot of fun and laughter helping out. And it is a great environment to be in!”

Want to Help Out? “Everything has gone well these first few years,” says Fran Giesbrecht, the team’s volunteer coordinator. “We have a dedicated volunteer base. But there have been games where we were short on volunteers, so more volunteers are always welcome.”

For those who are interested in volunteering, email Giesbrecht: volunteer@mjhlnighthawks.ca.

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NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

INSIDER’S VIEW:

THE NIGHTHAWKS BOARD “It’s all about how you choose to make a difference in your community. Many people choose to do it in different ways.

For Nighthawks board members, it’s about affecting your community through hockey and our fanbase and team.”

What exactly is the role of the Nighthawks board? And what is it they do behind the scenes?

The board is made up of a group of passionate locals who have come together over the past few years, each doing their part to make it possible for Niverville to host a Junior A franchise.

Three years in, many of these board members continue to be extremely active with the team, making everyday contributions that make a big difference.

And that truly is what it’s all about, at the end of the day.

“It’s all about how you choose to make a difference in your community,” says board member Will Cuccaro. “Many people choose to do it in different ways. For Nighthawks board members, and myself specifically, it’s about affecting your community through hockey and our fanbase and team.”

For Cuccaro, local hockey has been a part of his life for the past 27 years, through both playing and coaching.

“Being involved on the board with the Nighthawks and giving our com-

munity something to rally around, something to cheer for, and to bring our community together 29 home nights a year, plus playoffs, is pretty exciting. I think that turning hockey into a positive experience is very important and a lot of fun to see.”

There’s a process to becoming a Nighthawks board member, as well different ways to financially contribute to the team.

One of those ways is becoming a founding member, which entails purchasing a founding member share.

Those who own a founding member share, which comes at a cost of $10,000, are then given the the opportunity to serve as a board member.

During the startup years, these shares were used to raise the initial funds needed to get the team off the ground.

To be on the board, a person has to be a founding member.

“From there, we have 11 board positions,” says Cuccaro of the board’s current makeup. “From president to vice president, there are various other roles and responsibilities to be filled.”

These include game operations, hockey operations, infrastructure, marketing, merchandise, billeting, events, and technology.

“Each member on our board takes responsibility for one or more of those areas.”

For those who don’t have the means to get involved as a board member, though, there are many ways to help make that big difference.

Notably the Nighthawks are always on the prowl for more eager volunteers.

“Volunteering is as simple as helping set up on game days, selling drink tokens, ushering at the arena, merchandise booth, setting up and taking down stuff, and more,” he says. “Volunteers can be more involved by being a committee lead and supporting board members in the execution of more tactical or strategic plans too.”

Get Involved To get more involved with the Nighthawks, reach out to Will Cuccaro at will.cuccaro@mjhlnighthawks.ca.

N IV E RV I L L E N I G HT H AW KS B OA R D O F D I R ECTO R S :

CLARENCE BRAUN PRESIDENT

BRYAN TROTTIER DIRECTOR

WILL CUCCARO DIRECTOR

DARRYL BERARD DIRECTOR

RAYMOND DOWSE

JEREMY BRAUN

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BEST VIEW IN THE HOUSE:

THE KETTLE Since its opening in February 2024, The Kettle at the CRRC has become a hotspot for fans to gather before, during, and after Nighthawks home games.

The Kettle adds a significant number of extra seats to the arena’s overall capacity. Located at the northeast corner, it boasts a full bar offering cocktails, mixed drinks, Nighthawks lager, and a variety of products from Torque Brewing.

The bar-style seating provides a different way to take in a game night, and the mezzanine rises high above the bar, giving fans the best possible vantage point of the game.

From day one of the Nighthawks joining the MJHL, plans were set in motion to add more seating to the arena.

In order to secure a team at all, Nighthawks organizers had to promise an eventual seating capacity of 1,000. The existing seating at the time came to 600 seats on the west side of the rink.

“Just talking with the guys, we were trying to create a unique place that can be used year-round,” says Bryan Trottier, the Nighthawks’ director of team special projects. “I was looking for a place where people could go when their kids were in bed, or when they were done work

for the day. They’d be like, ‘The Kettle will be open. Someone will be there.’ Kind of like the old Cheers.”

Trottier and his board first applied for a government grant for the upgraded seating area in January 2022. Two years later, their dream was realized.

But it didn’t happen without some hiccups along the way.

Thanks to two years of pandemic, which introduced a host of supply chain issues, inflation, and rapidly rising trade costs, the grant didn’t stretch as far as they needed.

This meant the project had to be smaller in scale than hoped.

Plans for the original project included a mezzanine that would have stretched along the entire east side.

Even with the project being scaled back, however, fan enthusiasm has been strong. They’ve been showing up nightly for home games, socializing over drinks long after the game ends.

“The Kettle added more seating, a different view, and a different atmosphere to the CRRC,” says Trottier. “It was received very well,

and we had a substantial uptake in sales and seating, which could also be attributed to a playoff run. The atmosphere was fun, and the new bar was busy. There were a lot of smiles and cheers in the area.”

Since the start of the current season, the next big thing is the monthly Night Cap. On these evenings, the team keeps the Kettle open late after a Friday night home game as an opportunity for fans and volunteers to stay late and mingle with the coaches, general manager, hockey operations people, board members, and more.

The next confirmed Night Caps are scheduled for December 13 and February 8. On these nights, the bar will be kept open until 10:30 p.m.

Next up for the CRRC’s ongoing expansion is a brand-new dressing room for the Nighthawks.

“This is a substantial build and is our next step in ensuring Niverville Nighthawks games are the place to be,” Trottier says. “There is no official schedule as of yet, but we will be getting conceptual drawings completed later in 2024.”

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NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

THE UNSUNG HEROES:

BILLET FAMILIES Among the most underrated heroes in any junior hockey organization is the local billet families who host players throughout the season and give them a home away from home.

With just two years of Nighthawks hockey under the team’s belt, the organization has built up a solid base of billet families to look after its roster of talented players.

“Billeting in the second year was good,” says Nighthawks billeting coordinator Gail Chornoboy. “It’s had some challenges and still some learning curves, but all in all it was a great year.”

Chornoboy notes that she is always looking for new billet homes to sign up and host players.

“Just because it doesn’t work out to sign up in the beginning of the year doesn’t mean you cannot reach out at any time,” she says.

The Falks

The Falk family.

The Friesen family.

Anita Falk and her family have had their hands full over the past calendar year with all the Nighthawks players who have joined their household.

“Our daughter’s boyfriend plays in the MJHL as well, and it was him who got us thinking about being a billet family,” Anita says. “We heard about his experiences, good and bad, and thought this would be something we would be interested in.”

During the team’s second season, the Falk house was a bit like Grand Central Station. In total, four different players stayed with them starting with training camp. They stayed for about a month.

Once the regular season got underway, the family was down to two players, Mighton Johnson and Kyle Bochek, until December. At that point, two more recent acquisitions,

Luke Mackenzie and Noah Asmundson, joined the family.

“Each of the guys brought something different to our family with their larger-than-life personalities, dedication, and compassion,” says Anita. “Each of these boys fit right in with our family like they had been there all along. When trades occur, it sure tugs at the heartstrings, as you are fully committed to being a part of their journey, good and bad.

So it’s a super sad day when they do leave, but I still wouldn’t change it for anything. Each and every one of these players will be a part of our home forever.”

The Falks weren’t scared off by the many additions to the family last season, and they are once again billets in year three.

“It is a fantastic experience, and we love every minute of being a billet family. It is incredible to be a part of their journey in Junior A hockey.

We have met a lot of wonderful people through the world of billeting, including players, their family, and other billet families.”

The Friesens Karly Friesen and her family billeted for two straight seasons. In the second year, they housed Nighthawks forward Michael Tanchak.

“We loved the idea of opening our home and hearts to a young man needing a loving home and supportive family,” says Karly. “Michael was a very polite, responsible, and respectful young man. Since he is from Winnipeg, he would go home quite often, but we loved spending time

with him when we could. Mike loves our children, especially our youngest, who was only five months old when he moved in. She still gets excited when she sees pictures of him.”

For those wanting to get involved in billeting a young player, Karly notes that you need to be willing to love and care for these boys as if they were your own.

“It’s important to verbalize expectations and rules at the beginning and have check-ins regarding these every once in a while,” she says.

“Encourage them to participate in family activities and outings—and you should participate in things they are interested in too. Finally, ask them about their day and how they are doing physically and mentally.

These boys are under a lot of stress and often miss their friends and family from back home. They need to know that they can talk to you and trust you.”

The Friesen family has loved the billet experience and look forward to welcoming more players.

“Our three kids love having a big brother. They talk about our two hockey sons regularly and are already asking how much longer until the next one moves in. Our house doesn’t feel normal with the room empty during the summer.”

Want to Be a Billet Home?

The Nighthawks are always on the lookout for new households in the Niverville and Ste. Agathe area that are interested in billeting players. If that’s you, feel free to reach out now: gail.chornoboy@mjhlnighthawks.ca.

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NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

TAKING FLIGHT

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D MJHL

CHANGES TO THE

MJHL DRAFT The MJHL’s board of governors has voted to move away from the draft in future years.

In June 2024, the MJHL’s board of governors voted to move away from the draft. This decision will take effect for the upcoming season.

The move allows Manitoba prospects entering the MJHL for the first time to exercise control over which team they’d like to play for.

What does this mean? It means that for the 2025–26 season, players

who were born in 2009 will be eligible to sign with any team in the league.

The draft’s elimination places a stronger emphasis on every team running a program of choice, giving Manitoba prospects greater freedom to choose the team whose program best fits their personal needs and individual development path.

As well, any auto-protected players or draft picks born in 2007 who remain unsigned by the team that drafted them will be free to sign with any other MJHL team as of August 1, 2024.

Players born in 2008 who find themselves in the same situation will have that freedom as of August 1, 2025.

into three teams of 20 players each to compete against one another.

One of the teams will feature prospects 18 and younger while the other two will feature players aged 20 and under.

“These events will be heavily attended by NHL, NCAA, Major Junior,

and university programs from across North America,” the MJHL says in a press release announcing this year’s showcases. “It will be another important step for MJHL and SJHL athletes in attracting the attention of the many scouts and coaches who will be in attendance.”

S H OWCAS I N G TA L E NT The MJHL has joined forces once again with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to put on a pair of impactful talent showcase events this season.

The first took place in early November in Warman, Saskatchewan. That showcase acts as an

elite identification camp for the 2024 World Junior A Challenge.

The second showcase event will be held in the winter, specifically at the end of January 2025 in Winnipeg.

This event will bring out 60 elite prospects from each league, split

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NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

S C O R I N G AT

THE DRAFT This past year marked the last MJHL draft in the league’s history.

But the Nighthawks certainly made the most of the opportunity, adding some critical new talent.

Nighthawks first round pick, River Arnason.

Nighthawks third round pick, Ben Dnes.

The Niverville Nighthawks had a busy day on June 2, scoring several key prospects in the 2024 MJHL draft over the course of eight rounds.

In total, the team made six draft picks and auto-protected two local players from Niverville.

It was the first draft for the team’s new general manager, Mike McAulay, who said he was pleased with the result for his club.

The Nighthawks were already active before the day began.

Prior to the draft, they completed a trade with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines to acquire forward Sean Williams.

Williams scored 52 points in 57 games last season with Waywayseecappo. He was expected to try out for the Elmira Aviators of the NAHL this fall, and the Nighthawks would be his fallback if that opportunity didn’t work out.

For their first pick, seventh overall, the Nighthawks were pleased to select forward River Arnason of Winnipeg.

Arnason scored 41 points in 22 games last season with the Rink Hockey Academy (RHA) U17 squad.

“We were really happy, as Arnason was our guy,” said McAulay.

“We’ve been watching him all year and have been really impressed.

He has a high IQ and processes the game well, with a high-end offensive skillset. So he’s going to be a really good junior hockey player for us.”

Not having a pick in the second round, the Nighthawks next grabbed forward Ben Dnes of Winnipeg in the third round.

Dnes scored 45 points in 36 games with the Winnipeg Bruins AAA U17 team last season.

“We were quite surprised to see Ben still there, so it didn’t take us very long to submit the pick,”

said McAulay. “Ben’s got that real combination of skill and grit that you look for. He’s a strong, athletic kid who’s also a great track-and-field athlete, so we’re excited to see what he can bring to the table for us down the line.”

In the fourth round, the Nighthawks scooped up forward Ryden Duchon of West St. Paul.

Duchon scored 24 points in 44 games last season with the Winnipeg Thrashers U18 AAA team.

McAulay noted that Duchon has a lot of dynamic offensive ability.

He’s also a really smart player and uses his speed to generate offence for himself and others on the ice.

The Nighthawks took defenceman Danny Cross of Winnipeg in the fifth round with the fifty-seventh overall selection.

Cross scored 23 points in 43 games with the Winnipeg Bruins U18 AAA team last season.

“Danny Cross was highly rated on our draft board, so we were very happy to get him where we did. He’s a steady defenceman who does a lot right and is hard to play against.”

Next up, with the fifty-ninth overall pick, the Nighthawks took forward Carter Kingerski of Headingley.

Kingerski scored 52 points in 43 games last season with the Winnipeg Wild U18 AAA squad.

“Carter is a high Western Hockey League pick with Tri-City, so he’ll probably do well there,” McAulay said. “But to be able to add someone like that late in the draft who could be a real difference maker if he ever does play Junior A is something we couldn’t pass up on.”

Finally, the Nighthawks chose defenceman Kellan Sichewski of Garson with their final pick.

Sichewski was able to score seven points in 41 games last season

with the Eastman Selects U18 AAA team.

McAulay expressed optimism that all these players could eventually become Nighthawks.

“Most of our draft picks will come into our training camp this year,” said McAulay. “For River Arnason, he’ll come in, and we’ll see where he’s at and then make the best decision for his development, whether that’s going back to U18 for another year or playing with us in Niverville. At the end of the day, we’re open-minded to some draft picks staying and making the team, but we want to do what’s best for them and their development.”

The Nighthawks also announced its two auto-protected players for 2024.

Max Dowse is a 16-year-old forward who played last year on the Rink Hockey Academy U17 team.

Noah Hudson, also born in 2008, is a defenceman who plays with the Eastman Selects U17 team.

Both Dowse and Hudson are from Niverville and hope to wear a Nighthawks jersey someday in the near future.

“I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of my hometown team,” says Dowse. “I always thought it would be really cool to play for Niverville, ever since they came into the league.

This fall, I’m planning to play for the RHA U18 prep team and look forward to a great fall camp with the Nighthawks.”

According to Hudson, he and Dowse are only the second and third Niverville-based players to be selected by the Nighthawks.

“It’s a huge honour,” Hudson says.

“I’m really excited to be recognized by the Nighthawks. I’m just looking forward to the future.”

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TAKING FLIGHT

|

D YOUR_PICTURES_HERE

LIFE OF AN

EQUIPMENT MANAGER “Through it all, I’ve loved every minute of this great job. I’m very proud to work with some great young kids and fellow staff members.”

Mitch David is entering his third year as the team’s equipment manager.

What exactly does that entail?

The head equipment manager is responsible for meeting all the players’ necessities at the rink, from making sure they have enough Gatorade to sewing, sharpening, and repairing skates. The equipment manager’s work is critical to a player’s game day success.

Some of his off-ice roles include sewing name bars and repairing ripped gloves, pants, elbow pads, and shinpads. David also orders and repairs equipment, counts inventory, ensures the dressing room remains in top shape, and does team laundry.

For road games, he packs a skate sharpener, uniforms, tools, tape, laces, towels, bottles, etc.

At game time, David addresses any equipment needs that hinder a player’s performance. Examples include fixing helmets, cleaning visors, repairing pads, retaping sticks, and setting up the bench for the game, to name just a few of his tasks.

Between periods, he’s sharpening blades. Players are required to have two sets of steel, one for backup, so David can easily switch them out.

He was in his early twenties when he started in the equipment manager business, following his own MJHL and MMJHL career as a goal-

tender. He started with the University of Manitoba Bisons.

When the Nighthawks were playing their first games in 2022, David had not yet been hired, nor had he even thought of joining.

“I got a call from some billets in town asking if their players could get their skates sharpened through me because I had all the equipment from owning a pro shop when I lived in Winnipeg,” says David. “Once I started this, word spread until I got a call from the head coach.”

He acknowledges that equipment managers weren’t really a thing back when he played in he MJHL. In fact, not every team has one even today.

“It’s getting better,” he says.

“From the experiences I had at WHL camps, having an equipment manager was a luxury and allowed players to focus. It was so special to walk into a room that was set up for games—jerseys hung logo-facing forward and socks folded nicely on your stall cushion while a table was stacked with tape in a crisp-looking pyramid… That’s what I wanted to create for players in this organization. I wanted it to be like a sanctuary where they could feel like pros.”

David gets a ton of help from others in the organization, since a top-notch service like this can’t be offered by one person alone.

“I have tremendous help from our trainer, Justin Giesbrecht, who takes on duties during road games when I can’t travel, having a young family of five,” he says. “Then there’s our coaching staff, and my assistant Hudson Reimer, our game day specialist Andrew Schmidt, and the Flight Crew, which has been instrumental since year one. Without their help, it just wouldn’t work the way we want it to.”

As the equipment manager, he gathers a lot of funny stories over the course of a season.

“I had a player ask me to change his luck scoring goals,” David recalls.

“So during warmup, I took his stick, poured some Red Bull on it, wiped it down, and gave it back. He went on to score two goals that night!”

There’s a lot more where that came from.

“In year two, Michael Debrito and I had a fun ritual. I would stand on the bench and toss him a puck to catch on the blade of his stick. He scored almost every game after we started doing that.”

For what it’s worth, David’s also the team’s “gum guy.” He’s constantly being asked for sticks of gum.

“Through it all, I’ve loved every minute of this job,” he says. “I’m very proud to work with some great young kids and fellow staff members.”

21

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TAKING FLIGHT

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

MJHL ALUMNI:

STARS OF THE PAST As time goes on and the Nighthawks franchise grows stronger and more storied, Niverville is going to look back at its deep bench of alumni who went on to achieve great things, both in their hockey careers and in their personal lives. We are excited to eventually fill this space with those players’ uniquely inspiring stories!

Bryan Hextall 1940s New York Rangers star Bryan Hextall was a strong and fearless forward, not to mention one of the best hockey players of his time. A true ironman, he rarely missed a game. In fact, he played in more than 340 straight NHL contests before having to finally sit one out.

“There wasn’t anyone like Bryan,” recalled his Rangers teammate Max Labovitch. “He was just this strong and amazing hockey player. I consider him to be the Superman of those 1940s Rangers teams.”

Hextall scored 20 or more goals in seven of his 11 seasons in the NHL, and this was during a time when scoring 20 goals a season was a very big deal. After all, they only played a 50-game schedule.

He won a retroactive Art Ross Trophy in 1942 and scored arguably the biggest goal in Rangers franchise history: the overtime winner to clinch the 1940 Stanley Cup. For a big scorer, Hextall was a very tough player. He could skate over an opposing defencemen without breaking stride, and he always felt you didn’t need to drop the mitts to prove yourself.

Hextall was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan in July 1913. When he was six, his family moved to the hamlet of Poplar Point, Manitoba.

He started playing hockey at the age of nine, but he started as a goalie since he couldn’t skate. His uncle Jack Bend, the local hockey guru, helped mould him.

His first taste of success came when his team reached the provincial midget final in 1930. The next year, he won the Manitoba juvenile championship for Poplar Point.

He spent a few years playing junior hockey for the Winnipeg Monarchs and Portage Terriers of the MJHL in the early 1930s before turning pro with the Vancouver Lions of the North West Hockey League in 1934. In Vancouver, he made the

D ARCHIVAL

switch from defencemen to forward, playing on the left wing. He helped Vancouver win a league championship in 1935.

The Rangers soon signed Hextall as a free agent, luring him to the east coast for the first time. He spent most of the 1936–37 season with the IAHL’s Philadelphia Ramblers before being called up—and the rest is history. Rangers boss Lester Patrick quickly moved Hex over to the right wing, which paid off immediately. He was 24 years old.

He scored 17 goals in his rookie season and 20 in his sophomore season. He then led the league in goals in back-to-back seasons and led the league in points in 1941–42.

In 1940, Hextall won his one and only Stanley Cup. His club dispatched the Boston Bruins in six games in the semifinals, setting them up for a battle against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the finals.

The Rangers took the first two games at home. After that, a visiting circus forced the Rangers to vacate Madison Square Garden. The rest of the series had to be played in Toronto, and the Leafs proceeded to win the next two games.

Game five was a double overtime

thriller that ended in the Rangers’ favour.

In game six, on April 13, 1940, the teams were tied two goals apiece at the end of regulation, just in time for Hextall’s heroics.

“I got the puck behind the net,” recalled Phil Watson, who played with him on the top line. “I passed it out blind. I didn’t even see Hex.” Watson’s pass somehow skidded onto the stick of Hextall, who backhanded a 15-foot shot into the Leafs’ net.

Who would have known at the time that it would take 54 years for the New York Rangers to hoist another Stanley Cup? Hextall would have continued as one of the best players in the game had his career not been interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. He missed the entire 1944–45 season after being refused entry into the U.S. by the War Mobilization Command.

When the war ended, he missed most of the 1945–46 season due to a serious stomach and liver disorder.

After his miraculous recovery, he retired from pro hockey in 1949, finishing with 187 goals and 175 assists over 11 seasons. He was a

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

three-time NHL first team all-star (1940, 1941, 1942) and a second team all-star once (1943).

In retirement, Hextall returned to Poplar Point to farm. He kept playing local hockey and helped the Poplar Point Memorials win four Manitoba Intermediate Championships. He also played senior hockey out of Portage la Prairie and Minnedosa before stopping at age 50.

He later coached the St. Boniface Canadiens and Portage Terriers. In 1953, he coached St. Boniface all the way to the Memorial Cup. Hextall raised four sons and a daughter. Two of his sons, Dennis and Bryan Jr., had great NHL careers of their own—and they both played for the New York Rangers at one time. His grandson is a former NHL star too, in goaltender Ron Hextall.

“I was only seven when Dad retired from the NHL, so I don’t remember much about those days,” said his son Bryan Jr. “I remember he’d put me on his shoulders and ride me around the rink after practice. I didn’t know he was a star. Kids don’t see their fathers that way.”

His grandson Ron remembered him as a quiet, humble, unassuming man who didn’t talk much about his career. “We would talk about present-day more so. I think he was uncomfortable talking about himself.”

Hextall was finally inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969. It’s surprising that a player of his calibre had to wait more than 20 years to earn that recognition, but he didn’t seem to mind. He was just happy to be mentioned in the same breath as all the other greats.

In 1978, after battling health issues for many years, Hextall had both legs amputated below the knee.

The following year, when the Winnipeg Jets joined the NHL, the team honoured Manitobans at their home-opener. One by one, these legends came onto the ice. Hextall, who refused to be taken to centre ice in a wheelchair, walked proudly on crutches and artificial legs as thousands of fans stood and cheered.

This marked the last time most hockey fans ever saw him. Hextall died of a heart attack at his home in Portage la Prairie on July 25, 1984.

He was 70 years old.

TAKING FLIGHT

D TY DILELLO

Art Stratton

Street in the West End shortly after.

Luckily, my brother and I both made a bantam team right off the bat with Going through Art Stratton’s hockey Isaac Brock Community Club. We career, you may be forgiven for played our minor hockey there. I also getting Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” stuck in your head. Con- went to Isaac Brock School, and later Daniel McIntyre Collegiate.” sider all the cities he played in over Stratton played two seasons of the course of 20 seasons. junior hockey in the MJHL with the The 6’1 centreman from WinniWinnipeg Barons before embarking peg is remembered today as one of the most well-respected playmakers on his professional hockey career.

In the early 1960s, he played for in professional hockey. brief stints with the New York RangAnd rightfully so.

In addition to his time in the NHL, ers, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago between the years of 1955 and 1976 Blackhawks.

For his first taste of the NHL, he Stratton skated for the likes of the skated 18 games with the Rangers.

St. Catharines Teepees, Cleveland “Alf Pike from Winnipeg was the Barons, North Bay Trappers, Wincoach,” said Stratton. “When I was nipeg Warriors, Springfield Indians, Kitchener-Waterloo Beavers, Buffalo called up, I said, ‘All I’m asking is Bisons, Pittsburgh Hornets, St. Louis you play me a regular shift from now until the end of the season so I can Braves, Seattle Totems, Tidewater prove my worth.’ Well, that lasted Wings, Virginia Red Wings, Rochabout seven games and that was it; ester Americans, Richmond Robins, they didn’t play me as much after and Hampton Gulls. that.”

He really had been everywhere!

He recalled a particular game Stratton was born on October with the Rangers in Montreal. With 8, 1935 and spent his early years three minutes left to go, he had growing up in Arborg and Arnes already loosened the laces on his before moving to Winnipeg when skates when Pike tapped him on the he was ten. His family lived in East Kildonan on Greene Avenue, just two shoulder and said, “Stratton! Get out streets over from the Rossmere Golf there!”

Stratton’s next NHL stint was and Country Club. with the Detroit Red Wings in “I had a brother Gordie who 1963–64. was a year older than me, and he “There was a great group of was also a hockey player, so we guys in that Detroit locker room,” he played in the playground league said. “But I could anticipate. I think together,” Stratton remembers. “As I played five games into the season a family, we moved to Strathcona

|

before they sent me down. The one thing that surprised me is Gordie [Howe] came to me and said, ‘Art, I’m not saying this just so you’ll hear it, but there’s no way they should be sending you down.’ That was nice to hear.”

Later that season, playing for the Buffalo Bisons, Stratton had one of the greatest games a hockey player could ask for. On March 17, 1963, he set an AHL record that will likely never be broken in any pro league by assisting on nine goals in one game.

When Stratton signed with the St. Louis Braves of the CPHL in 1965, it was the first time in his career that he signed a two-year contract.

He finally got his break when the NHL expanded to 12 teams in 1967. His first full season in the big league came in 1967–68 when he split his time between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers.

He scored wherever he played, though. Despite only having brief stints in the big leagues, he still scored 51 points in 96 career NHL games.

Stratton closed out his career playing in the minors for the likes of the Seattle Totems in the WHL, as well as a slew of AHL franchises in the Tidewater Wings, Virginia Red Wings, Rochester Americans, and Richmond Robins. He also spent some time with the SHL’s Hampton Gulls. He retired at the conclusion of the 1975–76 season at the age of 40.

He left the game of hockey as one of the greatest minor league players of all time. When you add up all his career stats from every league he played in, he scored 525 goals and had 1,095 assists for a total of 1,623 points in just 1,435 games.

His minor league career was so impressive that he was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in 2015.

Today, Stratton lives off Highway 200 between Niverville and St. Adolphe, and he still helps out around the Quarry Oaks Golf Course near Steinbach. He has nothing but fond memories when looking back at his time as a professional hockey player.

“I was a playmaker and I always had a couple of goal-scorers to play with that were eager to play with me,” he says. “My success was their scoring. So as long as they were scoring goals, I was successful.”

23

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TAKING FLIGHT

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

9 APPERLEY

3 ASSAILLY

LANE

BROCK

DEFENCE | ALTONA, MB

DEFENCE | WINNIPEG, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P L A Y E R BORN

JUN 7, 2006

AGE

18

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

6’ 0”

WEIGHT

178 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

RIGHT

Lane Apperley was born and raised in Altona, Manitoba. He got into playing hockey while playing mini-sticks with his brother.

Apperley’s favourite hockey memory centres around being down 4–0 going into the third period in Portage la Prairie and coming all the way back to win the championship banner while playing with the Altona Maroons at the atom level.

“I’m super pumped to play in Niverville, in front of the loudest crowd in the league,” he says. “I am super grateful for the amazing staff, such as coaches, trainers, billets, and volunteers. Everything so far has been unreal.”

BORN

JUN 8, 2006

AGE

18

6 BALLARD JAN 5, 2006

18

5’ 8”

LEFT

FORWARD | WINNIPEG, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

SHOOTS

49 BERTOLIN

A U T O G R A P H

AGE

WEIGHT

158 LBS

LUCAS

DEFENCE | ROSEAU, MN

P L A Y E R

HEIGHT

6’ 0”

Brock Assailly was born in Winnipeg and raised in The Pas, Manitoba.

His dad played hockey. Being a big fan of the sport, he got his son into it right away.

The hockey memories that stick with him most are the ones he formed while playing spring hockey in Saskatchewan and then travelling to The Brick tournament in Edmonton.

“The Nighthawks were a new team close to home for me and I instantly really liked the organization and the people who help run it,” says Assailly. “I had a good time at camp with the team and now I’m ready and excited for the rest of the season.”

ALEX

BORN

P R O F I L E

WEIGHT

162 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

LEFT

Alex Ballard grew up in Roseau, Minnesota. He got into hockey when his parents encouraged him to skate for the first time when he was three years old. He instantly loved it, especially since Roseau is a big “hockey town” in northern Minnesota.

Ballard’s most impactful hockey memories to date include going to the state championshipo in peewee and playing at Hockey Day in Minnesota on the outdoor rink against Roseau’s chief rival, Warroad.

“Joining the Nighthawks organization is big for me because it’s a great group of guys,” he says. “I’m really excited to see how we will do this year.”

BORN

MAR 13, 2006

AGE

18

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 9”

WEIGHT

143 LBS

SHOOTS

RIGHT

Lucas Bertolin hails from Thunder Bay, Ontario. He got into hockey while watching games on TV as a child.

“I started playing road hockey right away, but I wanted to play ice hockey,” Bertolin says.

His number one hockey memory involves his appearance at the OHL Cup in his U16 year.

Bertolin has been attending the Nighthawks camp ever since its inaugural season and is psyched to have make the team this year.

“It’s nice to get the chance to play for this team I have been looking up to for so long. I’m excited to see how the season goes!”

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

TAKING FLIGHT

11 BERTOLIN

55 BOLES

MATTHEW

MERIK

FORWARD | WINNIPEG, MB

FORWARD | LORETTE, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P L A Y E R BORN

OCT 23, 2007

AGE

17

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 7”

|

WEIGHT

147 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

LEFT

BORN

JAN 20, 2005

AGE

19

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 9”

WEIGHT

168 LBS

SHOOTS

RIGHT

Matthew Bertolin was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario and got into hockey when he was very young.

“My parents put my brother and I into skating when I was about two,” he remembers. “Since then, I just fell in love with hockey.”

The hockey memory that quickly comes to mind for Bertolin is his U15 provincial tournament in Elgin, Ontario. Although his team didn’t do very well, overall it was a formative experience.

“I am ready to play in front of the best fans in the league, and I’ll try to help bring a championship to the community.”

Merik Boles grew up in Lorette, Manitoba. His parents taught him to skate when he was just two years old. He then started playing hockey at the age of four.

This is his third year with the Nighthawks, and his favourite hockey memory remains the electric experience playing in the home-opener of the inaugural season back in 2022.

“I love being able to play close to home in a great community,” he says of his time in Niverville. “I’m super excited to see what year three of Nighthawks hockey will bring!”

17 CARRIER

14 CORBETT

PARKER

AIDEN

DEFENCE | CALGARY, AB

FORWARD | WINNIPEG, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P L A Y E R BORN

MAR 30, 2005

AGE

19

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

6’ 1”

WEIGHT

201 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

LEFT

Parker Carrier was born in Penticton, British Columbia and raised in Calgary, Alberta. His older brother played hockey, which is how he got into the sport.

In terms of hockey memories, he says that nothing can measure up to the thrill of scoring one’s first goal with a team.

“And playing in my old arena in Penticton,” he adds.

Carrier is super excited to join the Nighthawks this year.

“We have an awesome group of guys and staff. I love living in Niverville and playing for the Nighthawks.”

Side note: an interesting fact about Carrier is his love for sushi.

BORN

FEB 17, 2004

AGE

20

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

6’ 0”

WEIGHT

158 LBS

SHOOTS

LEFT

Aiden Corbett was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He found himself begin drawn into the hockey world because of his older cousin, who helped get him interested in the sport.

Corbett’s key hockey memories revolve around all the spring tournaments he has had the privilege of playing in over the years.

“Joining the Nighthawks is exciting to me because I think we are going to win,” he says of the current campaign. “I am very excited for the season to play out.”

27

28

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TAKING FLIGHT

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

18 DONALD-GORMAN

33 DUBINSKY

LYNDEN

AUSTIN

FORWARD | EDMONTON, AB

GOALIE | ST ALBERT, AB

A U T O G R A P H

P L A Y E R BORN

FEB 24, 2006

AGE

18

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 11”

WEIGHT

150 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

RIGHT

Lynden Donald-Gorman is a forward hailing from Enoch, Alberta, just outside of Edmonton. He got into hockey at a young age.

In his hockey career so far, he has skated for a number of junior teams, including the CAC Canadiens, Sherwood Park Kings, Camrose Kodiaks, and Coquitlam HC. He joined the Nighthawks late in the 2024–25 campaign after being acquired in a trade with the SJHL’s Weyburn Red Wings.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Nighthawks for the rest of this season,” he says. “I’m happy to be here and hopefully will help the team make the playoffs!”

BORN

JUL 13, 2005

AGE

19

4 GETZLAF JAN 2, 2004

20

6’ 0”

LEFT

FORWARD | RED LAKE FALLS, MN

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

SHOOTS

19 KENNETT

A U T O G R A P H

AGE

WEIGHT

188 LBS

TYRIC

DEFENCE | KELOWNA, BC

P L A Y E R

HEIGHT

6’ 0”

Austin Dubinsky comes from Edmonton, Alberta. His parents put skates on him at a young age, and the rest is history. He fell in love with hockey right from the start.

Dubinsky’s biggest memory has to be completing at the Alberta Winter Games.

“The Nighthawks is a new organization with a really good group of people and the team is getting better every year,” he says. “Hopefully this year we can make a good run in the playoffs!”

HOLDIN

BORN

P R O F I L E

WEIGHT

209 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

RIGHT

Holdin Getzlaf was born in Calgary, Alberta but raised a bit further west, in Kelowna, British Columbia. He credits his family with getting him into the game.

Getzlaf’s favourite hockey memory so far is the thrill of winning a quadruple overtime game seven with his former junior team.

“I joined the Nighthawks because of how devoted this organization is as a whole for setting its players up for success,” he says. “I saw a place where I could see myself develop as a hockey player and a human. I am absolutely ecstatic to see where this season will go.”

BORN

MAR 12, 2004

AGE

20

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 8”

WEIGHT

180 LBS

SHOOTS

LEFT

Ty Kennett was born in Crookston, Minnesota and subsequently raised in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota.

“My dad got me into hockey when I was really little,” he recalls. “I played for our local team all the way up until I finished high school.”

The hockey memory that shines most brightly for Kennett was winning and going to the section quarterfinal for the first time in his small-town high school’s history.

“The coaching staff here in Niverville really welcomed me and seems to care about my hockey future,” he says. “This should be a fun year!”

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

TAKING FLIGHT

12 KONECSNI

8 LALIBERTE

JASE

AVERY

DEFENCE | SOUTHEY, SK

DEFENCE | LORETTE, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P L A Y E R BORN

JAN 6, 2005

AGE

19

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

6’ 2”

WEIGHT

183 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

RIGHT

Jase Konecsni was born and raised in Southey, Saskatchewan. He got into hockey through his parents, both of whom played the sport.

Konecsni’s favourite hockey memory has to be when he won a league championship in his first year of U13 with the Southey Marlins.

“Joining the Nighthawks organization let me be able to continue playing hockey and experience new things,” he says about coming to Niverville. “I’m also very excited to play with this group of guys.”

BORN

SEP 18, 2006

AGE

18

31 LEGALL SEP 16, 2006

18

6’ 0”

SHOOTS

LEFT

FORWARD | PIPESTONE, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

WEIGHT

192 LBS

37 MACKENZIE

A U T O G R A P H

AGE

HEIGHT

6’ 2”

LUKE

GOALIE | MORDEN, MB

P L A Y E R

P R O F I L E

Avery Laliberte grew up just outside of Lorette, Manitoba, where he played minor hockey. Laliberte’s dad passed down his love of the game to him.

His favourite hockey memories tend to revolve around the many road trips he’s gotten to take with teammates over the years.

“Joining the Nighthawks was big to me for multiple reasons: the hockey itself, the opportunity to grow, as well as the opportunity to inspire the youth,” he says. “The Nighthawks have given kids the chance to watch higher-level hockey and give them something to look up to, just as I had when I was a kid. I think we have a great team this season. It should be lots of fun.”

RAIDEN

BORN

|

WEIGHT

175 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

LEFT

Raiden LeGall hails from Morden, Manitoba. His dad got him into hockey when he was three. At that early age, he went to public skating every single week.

LeGall chose to become a goalie while playing street hockey. He just liked stopping pucks!

His biggest hockey achievement so far was winning the Portage Cup three times.

“Coming back to the Nighthawks this year is important to me because I feel like I am able to develop a lot,” he says. “I really enjoy being at the rink every day. I’m super pumped to be back, and I am ready to help bring a Turnbull Cup to Niverville.”

BORN

AUG 14, 2006

AGE

18

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

6’ 0”

WEIGHT

198 LBS

SHOOTS

RIGHT

Luke Mackenzie was born in Brandon, where he grew up on a beef farm five minutes from Pipestone.

“I think I started hockey at four or five, and I hated it at first,” he remembers. “My late Uncle Jason then showed me how to shoot and pass in our garage.”

He has a lot of great memories going back to his major peewee years in Souris and winning provincials in Swan River.

“I was fortunate last season to pick where I wanted to be traded and Niverville seemed intriguing,” Mackenzie says. “I believe we can make a run. I will do my best to help the team pursue the Turnbull Cup!”

29

30

|

TAKING FLIGHT

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

10 PANZER

7 SPERANZA

EVAN

MATTEO

FORWARD | GRAND FORKS, ND

FORWARD | LANGLEY, BC

A U T O G R A P H

P L A Y E R BORN

MAR 8, 2006

AGE

18

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 10”

WEIGHT

166 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

LEFT

Evan Panzer was born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Most of his family played hockey, so he found himself following in their footsteps.

Panzer’s biggest hockey memories include playing on an outdoor rink and competing at the state tournament.

“Coming to Niverville was important to me because my brother played here in the inaugural season,” he says. “I think it’s a great place to develop my skills and keep moving up. I am really excited to see what we can do as a team.”

BORN

MAR 15, 2004

AGE

20

22 SPIRIG JUL 27, 2004

20

5’ 8”

LEFT

FORWARD | GIMLI, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

SHOOTS

15 VIGFUSSON

A U T O G R A P H

AGE

WEIGHT

171 LBS

ADAM

FORWARD | ST ALBERT, AB

P L A Y E R

HEIGHT

5’ 11”

Matteo Speranza grew up in Langley, British Columbia. His dad gave him a stick and a puck when he was five years old. From there, he fell in love with the game.

When it comes to hockey memories, Speranza fondly recalls all the bus rides he took with his best friends in high school when he was playing for the Delta Hockey Academy.

“Niverville is a great community with great fans and I want to bring a championship here,” he says. “I’m very excited to end my last season of junior hockey in Niverville by having a fun year with the boys and create great memories.”

CARTER

BORN

P R O F I L E

WEIGHT

186 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

RIGHT

Carter Spirig was born in Peace River, Alberta. His family moved to Fort McMurray when he was four and he played hockey there until moving again to play U15 AAA in St. Albert.

“I started playing hockey when I was two,” he says. “My older brother played and I wanted to as well. That is when my parents put me in power skating.”

Spirig remembers winning the U15 AAA championship. More recently, he treasures the Humanitarian Award he won last year for his role with the Nighthawks.

“This will be my third season in Niverville, and every year the program gets better. We have a great team this year!”

BORN

AUG 9, 2005

AGE

19

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 9”

WEIGHT

150 LBS

SHOOTS

LEFT

Adam Vigfusson was born and raised in Gimli, Manitoba.

“My parents used to build outdoor rinks in our backyard for my brother and I when we were kids,” he says of his earliest memories on the ice.

As for hockey, Vigfusson recollects winning provincials in peewee, not to mention clinching a playoff spot with the Nighthawks last year.

“The Nighthawks organization treats us like professionals,” he says. “It has been such a great atmosphere, and I’m super excited about this latest season of hockey!”

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

TAKING FLIGHT

2 WAGNER

77 WARKENTINE

LUKE

BRYCE

DEFENCE | WINNIPEG, MB

FORWARD | LINDEN, MB

A U T O G R A P H

P L A Y E R BORN

AUG 8, 2006

AGE

18

A U T O G R A P H

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 11”

|

WEIGHT

201 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

RIGHT

BORN

JUN 24, 2004

AGE

20

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 11”

WEIGHT

197 LBS

SHOOTS

LEFT

Luke Wagner comes from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He got into hockey at the age of six, with his dad showing him the ropes.

“My favourite hockey memory to date so far would have to be winning back-to-back AA championships with my local team,” he says.

Joining the Nighthawks was a no-brainer for Wagner and his family.

“The Nighthawks have such a great reputation,” Wagner says.

“I’m super excited for the rest of the season. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Bryce Warkentine grew up on a dairy farm in Linden, Manitoba. He initially caught the hockey bug when his dad signed him up as a kid.

“I had a freakout the first practice, so he bribed me with a bunny,” he says, smiling at the memory. “And the rest is history!”

A key recollection for Warkentine, one he will never forget, was winning the provincial championship at the U15 level.

“The Nighthawks is an excellent program with an excellent hometown crowd,” Warkentine says. “The support we have here is amazing and humbling. It’s only 15 minutes from home too, so I can live the dream and farm a bit on the side.”

29 WHEDDON

21 ZELLER

A U T O G R A P H

A U T O G R A P H

HAYDEN

DAWSON

FORWARD | STONEWALL, MB

P L A Y E R BORN

MAY 10, 2005

AGE

19

FORWARD | ST ANDREWS, MB

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

5’ 9”

WEIGHT

181 LBS

P L A Y E R SHOOTS

LEFT

Hayden Wheddon was born in Winnipeg and raised in Stonewall. He got interested in hockey when he was watching his older cousin play.

He was hooked right from the get-go.

Wheddon’s favourite memories of the game include playing in his first WHL contest—and scoring in it.

Another memory would be playing in The Brick tournament in Alberta.

“The community here in Niverville is great,” he says. “It would be awesome to bring the fans a championship!”

BORN

NOV 2, 2005

AGE

19

P R O F I L E

HEIGHT

6’ 1”

WEIGHT

178 LBS

SHOOTS

LEFT

Dawson Zeller hails from St. Andrews, Manitoba. His earliest memories of the game involving watching hockey on TV with his family.

One of his favourite hockey memories would have to be scoring his very first MJHL goal.

“The Nighthawks is an organization where I can develop and better my game,” he says. “I’m super excited for the rest of the season.

This is going to be a great year.”

31

32

|

TAKING FLIGHT

A NEW

LEADERSHIP TEAM This past spring, the Niverville Nighthawks announced some big changes to the team’s hockey operations department.

In addition to the well-publicized change at head coach, they named Mike McAulay as general manager and Tyler Anderson as assistant coach.

With a deep-rooted passion for hockey and an extensive understanding of the game, McAulay’s commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to the team’s success made him the perfect fit for the crucial general manager role with the club.

Hirst stepped in late last season and quickly cemented his place in the club. His immediate impact and deep understanding of the game have been evident from the start.

Hirst was elated when he found out he would become the full-time coach of the Nighthawks this season.

“It was a feeling of opportunity to have the organization believe in my ability to coach this program,” said Hirst in the spring. “There is overwhelming support from the entire organization, from the management, the coaches, trainers, board members, and volunteers.”

Hirst got busy during the offseason, doing everything possible to prepare the club for the start of training camp. He has now settled into his leadership role.

“As we finished last season, we were a team that had pushed our compete level up and improved upon our special teams. We are striving to be a team that is very hard on pucks—puck possession is a priority—and resilient with our approach.”

Finally, just like McAulay, Anderson has been an integral part of the Nighthawks since the beginning. His dedication and hard work behind the scenes have not gone unnoticed and the club has been excited to see him take on a more prominent role as assistant coach.

This dynamic team is bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspective to elevate the Nighthawks program.

NIVERVILLE NIGHTHAWKS | 2024-2025 SEASON

COACHING STA FF

MIKE MCAULAY

DWIGHT HIRST

GENERAL MANAGER DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING

HEAD COACH

TYLER ANDERSON

JEFF MCGILL

AS S I STA NT C OAC H

A S S O C I AT E C O A C H

JUSTIN GIESBRECHT

MITCH DAVID

HEAD PHYSIOTHERAPIST

EQUIPMENT MANAGER

TYLER OSWALD

JARRETT OSTER

GOALIE COACH

SKILLS COACH

ROB PAMBRUN HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

SUPPORT STA FF

SARAH HUNT

KEVIN PAULS

D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING

FRAN GIESBRECHT

GAIL CHORNOBOY

V O L U N T E E R C O O R D I N AT O R

B I L L E T C O O R D I N AT O R

SUB-COM M ITTEES GAME DAY PLANNING & OPERATIONS WILL CUCCARO KEVIN DUNN

FOOD & BEVERAGE BARRY NACCI

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