At the midway point of the 2024-25 season, the Winkler Flyers have soared to an impressive standing in the MGEU East Division. With a sparkling record of 22 wins, 6 losses, and 2 overtime losses through 30 games, the Flyers sit comfortably in second place, two points behind the division-leading Steinbach Pistons with a game in-hand. Their season so far has been defined by a relentless offensive attack, rock-solid defensive play, and standout goaltending.
Leading the charge offensively is Jayce Legaarden, whose 18 goals and 35 points have made him a consistent force on the scoresheet. Not far behind are Brody Beauchemin (14 goals, 32 points) and Nicholas McKee (12 goals, 31 points.) Brady Craik has been a sparkplug with 16 goals and 29 points, while defenseman Blake Matheson has quietly amassed 27 points from the blue line, proving his worth as a two-way presence.
Defensively, the Flyers have been a tough nut to crack. Collectively, the group has given up a league-leading 57 goals against in 30 total games. Steady performances from blueliners Isaiah Peters and rookie standout Max Lavoie have anchored the defensive corps, while Connor Jensen has played a big role earning himself 20 points from the back end. Between the pipes, Liam Ernst has shouldered the bulk of the workload with an impressive stat line of 21 games played, 16 wins, 4 losses, 1 overtime loss, a 1.56 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage, and a league leading six shutouts!
Signature wins have highlighted the Flyers’ campaign, including a dominant 5-2 victory over division leaders Steinbach on December 20. Shutout triumphs have become something of a calling card, with clean sheets against Dauphin (2-0 on October 1), Selkirk (3-0 on December 10), Portage (3-0 on December 13), Niverville (3-0 on December 15), and a resounding 7-0 win over the Winnipeg Freeze on December 17. These performances have underscored the team’s ability to rise to the occasion in critical matchups.
Special teams have been another key factor in the Flyers’ success this season. The squad enters the break with the league’s top PP, capitalizing on 30.1% of their opportunities on the man advantage, while their PK also tops the league at 85.6%.
The Winkler Flyers’ success has also earned them national recognition, as they are currently ranked #13 in the latest CJHL Top 20 Rankings. This acknowledgment underscores the Flyers’ strong first half and their position among Canada’s elite junior hockey teams.
As the Flyers prepare to take on the challenges of the second half of the season, the focus will remain on consistency, health, and fine-tuning their game for what promises to be an intense playoff push. With their depth, leadership, and unwavering team spirit, the Winkler Flyers are not just contenders—they are a team on a mission to repeat as champions.
