As the unofficial first half of the season comes to a close, the Winkler Flyers head into the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Christmas Break tied for second place in the standings with a (22-10-6) record. With 22 games remaining in the 2014-15 season, the Flyers will hope to build upon one of their hottest starts in recent memory.
After taking three of four points in their final weekend before the break, the Flyers are now off until their New Year’s Eve matinee against the Steinbach Pistons on December 31st (4:30pm @ Winkler Recreation Complex).
The Orange and Black are off to one of their best starts in years at (22-10-6 = 50pts). At this same time last season, the Flyers were in last place in the Addison Division with a record of (11-23-4 = 26pts). Tristan Keck has been finding the back of the net at a record setting pace, leading the MJHL with 32 goals in 38 games. Cam Whyte, Patrice Wren, Scott Gall and many others continue to round out a pretty consistent Flyers’ offense. Winkler is just 35 goals off of their season totals from last year with 138 goals scored through 38 games this year compared to 173 goals scored all of last season.
Goaltender Dasan Sydora has been the back bone of the Flyers’ defense sitting near the top of the league in both wins and shutouts. The Flyers defense corps also continues to grow and improve with just two of the Flyers’ seven defenseman having more than a year and a half of Junior Hockey experience.
Of Winkler’s final 22 games remaining in the season, 12 of them are against teams in the bottom half of the standings (Swan Valley-4, Neepawa-3, Selkirk-2, Dauphin-1, Waywayseecappo-1, OCN-1). Winkler has just one game left against the first place Portage Terriers, two games remaining against the Winnipeg Blues (tied for second with Winkler), two against the fourth place Steinbach Pistons and five against the fifth place Virden Oil Capitals. The Flyers have 10 games left at home and 12 on the road.
With 21 players currently on the roster, the Flyers have three open cards to use before the January 10th trading deadline.
The entire Winkler Flyers organization would like wish all their players, fans and supporters a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you again after the break.