Tristan Keck had two goals and Winkler native Nolan McGuire had a goal and two assists as the Winkler Flyers doubled the Winnipeg Blues 4-2 in the Flyers preseason home opener. After falling 4-3 in Winnipeg the night before, Winkler was able to win the rematch as the MJHL preseason schedule rolls along. With a few more regulars in the lineup, and playing in front of their home fans for the first time, the Flyers had a great start to the hockey game. At the 8:37 mark of the first period, Winkler product Nolan McGuire was able to find a loose puck in the slot and snapped it into the back of the net to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead. Nearly 10 minutes later, McGuire passed the puck down the right side to newcomer Cam Whyte who fired a shot inside the near post to push Winkler ahead by two. With 36 seconds to play before the break, Tristan Keck put the home side in front 3-0 with McGuire and Kaden Jarvis drawing the assists. Winkler took their three goal advantage into the intermission while outshooting the Blues 11-2 through 20 minutes of play. The Blues got on the board just a few minutes into the second period but Winkler still had a two goal lead heading into the third. Tristan Keck, who is entering his third season with the club, scored his second of the game short-handed, just past the midway point of the third to restore the Flyers three goal lead. Winnipeg would add another one before the end of the third but the Flyers were able to hang on for the 4-2 victory. Lance Knudson played all three periods for the Flyers and made 15 saves in the win. Winkler outshot Winnipeg 37-17 overall. The Flyers, who have around 35 players still in camp, will host the Steinbach Pistons on Friday, September 5th in their next exhibition game. Puck drop at the Winkler Recreation Complex is 7:30pm.

The Winkler Flyers won their second preseason game in a row on Friday night, defeating the visiting Steinbach Pistons 3-1. Bryce Enns, Nicholas Labossiere and Braden Billaney did the goal scoring for Winkler, who improved their MJHL preseason record to 2-1. Playing the first of three games in three days, the Orange and Black dressed a lineup with a small number of veterans mixed with a group of youngsters still trying to impress. The Flyers drew first blood when Bryce Enns banged home a loose puck just under six minutes into the game. Fellow vets Josh Cook and Zak Hicks drew the assists. Winkler took their one goal lead into the first intermission. The Pistons tied the game 1-1 with a goal late in the second period and the two teams went into the third all square. Nicholas Labossiere put the Flyers back in front 2-1, 2:16 into the third period with an nice unassisted goal. With 3:24 to play in regulation, 16 year old Braden Billaney skated the puck into the Pistons zone and ripped a wrist shot past the goaltender, giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead. Goaltender Gavin Klassen, who has a strong game overall, finished the game with 30 saves as the Pistons outshot Winkler 31-30. The Flyers (2-1) will travel to Steinbach (1-1) on Saturday night for a rematch with the Pistons. Game time at the TG Smith Centre in Steinbach is 7:30pm. The Flyers next preseason home game is Tuesday, September 9th when the Selkirk Steelers come to town (7:30pm @ Winkler Recreation Complex).

The Flyers scored three second period goals in a span of eight minutes, enroute to a 3-1 over the Pistons in Steinbach. Adam Vander Linden made 37 saves on 38 shots to help the Flyers win their third preseason game in a row. Just 24 hours after beating the Pistons 3-1 at home, the Orange and Black travelled to the TG Smith Centre in Steinbach looking for the same result. The Flyers dressed a large group of new faces with a few veterans sprinkled in. After a scoreless first period, Morden native Michael Wirth gave the Flyers a 1-0, 7:46 into the second period. With just over six minutes left in the period, Braden Billaney scored his second goal in as many games on the power-play to push the Flyers in front by a score of 2-0. Winkler kept coming and increased their lead to 3-0 just a few minutes later thanks to forward Josh Brunton, who finished off a nice pass from Holland product Jeff Michiels. All three Flyer goals came in a span of eight minutes and seven seconds. The Pistons finally got one past Vander Linden, midway through the third period on the power-play to cut Winkler’s lead to 3-1. Vander Linden and the Flyers would hold the Pistons off the scoresheet the rest of the way while improving their MJHL preseason record to 3-1. Vander Linden made 37 saves on 38 shots as Steinbach outshot the Flyers 38-21. The Flyers will hit the road on Sunday night for a date with the Selkirk Steelers (7:30pm @ Selkirk Recreation Complex), before hosting the Steelers in their next home game on Tuesday, September 9th.

The Winkler Flyers ran their preseason winning streak to four games with a 4-2 win in Selkirk on Sunday night. Nick Labossiere scored two goals, while Dasan Sydora got the win in net as the Flyers finished their stretch of three games in three days in style. After taking both games against Steinbach on Friday and Satuday, the Flyers traveled to Selkirk for the first of two games against the Steelers. With a larger number of veteran players in the line up for both teams, Cam Whyte tipped in a Zak Hicks point shot with 6:29 left in the first to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead. Josh Cook also picked up an assist. The Steelers drew even in the opening minute of the second period and took a 2-1 lead, 11:20 into the middle frame. Just 54 seconds later, Nick Labossiere swung in front of the net and picked the top corner, tying the game at two. The two teams skated into the second intermission tied 2-2. Winkler would go ahead for good midway through the third period when Labossiere tapped in his second of the game at the 10:17 mark, putting the Flyers up 3-2. Zak Hicks and Brandon Bartley assisted. Selkirk pulled their goalie in the final minutes and Josh Cook was able to catch up to a loose puck and find the back of the net, giving the Flyers some insurance and a two goal advantage. Dasan Sydora made 21 stops in his Flyers debut as Winkler outshot the Steelers 33-23. The Flyers will look to improve on their 4-1 preseason record when they host Selkirk on Tuesday, September 9th in their next home game. Winkler will have one more home and home preseason series with the Neepawa Natives on the weekend, before hosting the Steinbach Pistons in their regular season home opener on Friday, September 19th. Puck drop on Tuesday night for the Flyers and Steelers is 7:30pm at the Winkler Recreation Complex. As of Sunday, the Flyers had 32 players left in camp.

Scott Gall, Shawn Pachet and Patty Wren recorded two points each on Tuesday night as the Winkler Flyers downed the Selkirk Steelers 4-1 at home. Dasan Sydora had his shutout bid stopped with 3:48 left in the game, after another impressive showing in goal for the Orange and Black. Back at home after spending the last two games on the road, the Flyers played host to the Selkirk Steelers trying to win their fifth preseason game in a row. Defenseman Jon Carlson got Winkler off to a great start, letting a shot go from the top of the circle and giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead just 4:20 into the game. Patty Wren and Nolan McGuire picked up the assists. The Flyers extended their lead to 2-0 nearly eight minutes into the second period when Scott Gall and Shawn Pachet assisted on Jeff Michiels second goal of the preseason. Winkler took their two goal cushion into the third period while outshooting the Steelers 25-14 through 40 minutes. Winkler continued to push and came out of the gate in the third period with two more goals in the opening two minutes. Patty Wren assisted on Scott Gall’s power-play goal, 1:16 into the third and just 44 seconds later, Brett Klassen found the back of the net to push the Flyers ahead by four goals. The Steelers finally beat Flyers starter Dasan Sydora with a screened shot from the point on the power-play with just under four minutes left in the game, cutting Winkler’s lead to 4-1. Sydora finished the game with 20 saves on 21 shots as the Flyers outshot Selkirk 32-21 overall. It was another solid performance by the Flyers with a few roster spots still up for grabs. The Flyers, who now have 27 players in camp after a few cuts following the game will host the Neepawa Natives on Friday night in their next MJHL exhibition game. Puck drop at the Winkler Recreation Complex is 7:30pm.

The Winkler Flyers and Neepawa Natives combined for eight goals in the third period as the Flyers got past the Natives 5-4 to win their sixth preseason game in a row. It was the final exhibition home game for the Orange and Black as they close out the exhibition campaign Saturday in Neepawa. Looking to extend their preseason winning streak to six, the Flyers welcomed the Natives for the first of two straight games against Neepawa. After a scoreless first period, the Natives took a 1-0 lead with 8:40 to play in the second. Neepawa would take their 1-0 lead into the second intermission despite the Flyers outshooting them 34-18 through 40 minutes. The Flyers began the wild third period with a goal by Scott Gall just 51 seconds into the period, tying the game 1-1. Evan Last and Nathan Karlowsky drew the assists. Neepawa would take the lead back just moments later. Before the period was five minutes old, Evan Last was able to sneak one past the Neepawa goaltender pulling Winkler even once again. The Flyers would take their first lead of the game with 12:04 remaining in regulation when Karlowsky and Tanner Posch assisted on Kayden Jarvis’ goal making the score 3-2 for Winkler. However, Neepawa jumped right back into it with the tying goal just a few minutes later. With just under seven minutes to play, the Flyers would take the lead back for good. Nathan Karlowsky managed to pick the far corner and push the Flyers ahead 4-3 with his third point of the night. Jon Carlson and Zach Heisinger assisted. The Flyers would get some much needed insurance with just over six minutes left and it came off the stick of Tristan Salesse who extended Winkler’s lead to 5-3 with Reid Burak and Winkler product Nolan McGuire assisting. That insurance goal would prove to be a big one as the Natives would cut Winkler’s lead to 5-4 with a power-play goal with just two seconds left in the game. Adam Vander Linden got his second start of the preseason and made 26 saves in the win. Overall, the Flyers outshot the Natives 53-30. Winkler will now head to Neepawa on Saturday night to conclude their eight game preseason schedule against the Natives. The Flyers have a 6-1 preseason record and have won their last six games in a row. The Flyers next home game will be their 2014-2015 Regular Season Home Opener on Friday, September 19th when the Steinbach Pistons come to town. Puck drop on Friday night is 7:30pm. More details on the Flyers home opener will be announced in the coming days. The Flyers opening night roster will also be announced early next week.

The Orange and Black wrapped up their eight game preseason schedule with a dominant 5-0 win in Neepawa on Saturday night. The Flyers out-shot the Natives 50-18 on their way to a 7-1 MJHL preseason record. Trying to conclude their exhibition schedule and head into the regular season on the right foot, the Winkler Flyers traveled to Neepawa looking for their seventh straight win and second in a row against Neepawa. Just minutes into the game, the veteran group of Flyers hit the scoresheet. Bryce Enns found the back of the net just 4:24 into the first and the Flyers had a 1-0 lead. Scott Gall drew the lone assist. The Flyers outshot Neepawa 15-5 in the opening period and took their one goal lead into the first intermission. The game remained 1-0 until the Flyers struck for two quick power-play goals near the end of the second. With 2:36 to play before the break, Evan Last and Bryce Enns assisted on Scott Gall’s second goal in as many games, giving the Flyers a 2-0 lead. Cam Whyte would extend Winkler’s lead to 3-0 with another power-play goal with just 12 seconds to play in the period. Defensemen Connor Hamonic and Jon Carlson drew the assists to send Winkler into the second intermission with a three goal cushion. The Flyers kept their foot on the gas pedal in the third and added to their lead. Just over seven and a half minutes into the final period, Shawn Pachet made the score 4-0 for Winkler with linemate’s Tristan Keck and Josh Cook drawing the helpers. Winkler picked up their fifth goal of the game with just over five minutes to play when Scott Gall earned his second of the night from Evan Last and Bryce Enns. Despite facing only 18 shots in the game, goaltender Gavin Klassen made many nice saves to keep his team in control. The Flyers outshot the Natives 50-18 overall. The Flyers finished the MJHL preseason on a seven game winning streak and a 7-1 record overall. During those seven games, Winkler outscored their opponents 31-15. Winkler will open the 2014-15 Manitoba Junior Hockey League regular season on Friday, September 19th when they host the Steinbach Pistons. Puck drop at the Winkler Recreation Complex is 7:30pm. Details on the regular season home opener and the Flyers opening night roster will be announced in the coming days.

The 2014-15 Winkler Flyers 24 man opening night roster has been announced. The 35th edition of the Orange and Black will feature many local faces and a large group of returning players who have their sights set high for the new season. With 14 players back from last year’s squad, and 22 of the 24 players having Junior Hockey experience, the Winkler Flyers are expected to provide an entertaining brand of hockey in their 35th year in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The roster, consisting of three goaltenders, seven defensemen and fourteen forwards come primarily from Manitoba, with 18 of the players playing in their home province. Ten of those 18 players are from right here in the Pembina Valley with two of them calling Winkler home. The six remaining members of the team come from Ontario (2), Alberta (2) and British Columbia (2).   There are seven 20 year olds (‘94), ten 19 year olds (‘95), five 18 year olds (‘96) and two 17 year olds (‘97) to start off the season. The Flyers, who finished the Manitoba Junior Hockey League preseason schedule with a 7-1 record will host the Steinbach Pistons on Friday, September 19th to kick off the 2014-15 Regular Season.

Country 88 will be back as the official “Voice of the Winkler Flyers” as the Orange and Black enter their 35th season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. For each and every road game this season, Matt Friesen will provide play-by-play coverage on the radio on Country 88.9FM and online at www.pembinavalleyonline.com. Matt Friesen is entering his ninth season as the Voice of the Flyers on Country 88, formerly 1570 CKMW. Golden West Radio has been the official radio voice of the club for decades, and is excited to once again provide hockey fans in Southern Manitoba with exciting hockey coverage throughout the season. Every single regular season road game (except MJHL Showcase weekend) and every playoff game will be broadcast on 88.9FM with online streaming on www.pembinavalleyonline.com. You can also listen to the games on your smart phone on the Tune-In Radio ap. The 2014-2015 Country 88 Broadcast Schedule is as follows. All broadcast games are also indicated on your 2014-2015 Magnet Schedule with a “+”. The pregame show begins five minutes prior to puck drop. September – 20th – @ Steinbach, 7:30pm 30th – @ Portage, 7:30pm October –  7th @ Winnipeg, 7:00pm 17th @ Dauphin, 7:00pm 18th @ OCN, 7:00pm 19th @ Swan Valley, 6:00pm 22nd @ Portage, 7:30pm 30th @ Winnipeg, 7:00pm November –  7th @ Neepawa, 7:30pm 14th @ Dauphin, 7:00pm 15th @ OCN, 7:00pm 16th @ Waywayseecappo, 7:30pm 23rd @ Selkirk, 7:30pm December –  2nd @ Selkirk, 7:30pm 5th @ Neepawa, 7:30pm 14th @ Steinbach, 7:00pm 20th @ Steinbach, 7:30pm January –  9th @ Virden, 7:30pm 16th @ Virden, 7:30pm 21st @ Portage, 7:30pm 23rd @ Swan Valley, 7:30pm 24th @ OCN, 7:00pm 25th @ Dauphin, 7:00pm February –  6th @ Waywayseecappo, 7:30pm 7th @ Neepawa, 7:30pm 14th @ Swan Valley, 7:30pm 15th @ Virden, 6:30pm 28th @ Winnipeg, 7:00pm March –  3rd @ Selkirk, 7:30pm

The Winkler Flyers kicked off the regular season with a 4-2 win over the visiting Steinbach Pistons on Friday night. Tristan Keck led the way with a goal and an assist as the Orange and Black began the 2014-2015 season schedule. After an impressive 7-1 preseason, the Flyers hit the ice for real on Friday night looking to continue their success into the regular season. A large crowd of over 1000 fans were on hand, and they were not disappointed. Former CJHL Rookie of the Year, Tristan Keck, who is entering his third season with the Flyers scored the games first goal with 4:57 remaining in the opening period. Zak Hicks drew the lone assist on Keck’s breakaway goal. However, Tyler Penner would tie the game just 43 seconds later with a short-handed goal for Steinbach. Winkler would take the lead back before the end of the period when Jeff Michiels and Zach Heisinger assisted on Winkler native Nolan McGuire’s first career MJHL goal, putting the Flyers back in front 2-1 with just over a minute left in the first. Pistons forward Cole McCartan drew Steinbach even for a second time with 3:56 to play in the second period, and the two rivals headed into the third period tied 2-2. The Flyers would take the lead back with a power-play goal, 3:46 into the final period thanks to pair of newcomers. Cam Whyte was able to finish off a pretty pass from Patrice Wren and give the Flyers a 3-2 lead. Rosenfeld native Brett Klassen picked up the second assist. Forward Shawn Pachet then gave the Flyers some insurance with his first goal of the season with just under three minutes to play, increasing Winkler’s lead to 4-2. Tristan Keck and Josh Cook drew the assists. Adam Vander Linden made 23 saves in the win as the Flyers out-shot the Pistons 31-25 overall. Winkler went 1-for-3 on the power-play and a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty-kill. The two teams will meet again on Saturday night in Steinbach for the Pistons home opener. Puck drop at the TG Smith Centre is 7:30pm. You can catch the game live on Country 88 and online at www.pembinavalleyonline.com with Matt Friesen’s pregame show at 7:25pm. GAME STATS