Neepawa Natives looking ahead to 2nd half of MJHL season
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- Published on Friday, December 8, 2017
Head coach Dustin Howden (On left, behind players) and the rest of the Neepawa Natives are looking forward to making continued progress in the second half of the MJHL regular season.
By Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner & Press
Saying whether or not the first half of the season has been a success for the Neepawa Natives is all a matter of perspective. From the numbers, Neepawa is in a much better position than they were in at this point last season. Compared to 2016, the Natives have five more wins (14-14-2 record in 2017 vs. 9-21-0 in 2016), and 12 more points (30 pts vs 18 pts in 2016). But for Neepawa Natives head coach Dustin Howden, the game is about more than just numbers.
“For right now, yes, we have some more wins and we have some more points, but we’re still sitting in eighth place and possibly ninth, because Swan [Valley] has a few games in hand on us. I think it’s just a testament to how tight the league is this year. It makes for exciting hockey and just goes to show that every night is important. If you take a night off, teams have the talent to expose you and run the score up pretty quick. We have had a couple of nights, where we’ve done that, and a few where we’ve been on the receiving end. Right now, we’re just looking to take the rest of the season game by game. Focus on the task in front of you, and the results will follow,” stressed Howden.
Over the course of the first half, the Neepawa Natives have released or traded seven players; (Goaltenders Evan Robert and Noah Morin, defencemen Kruz Listmayer, Skyler Thorsteinson and Troy Earl and forwards Riley Vautour and Peyton Malcolm.) and acquired or traded for three. (Goaltenders Jake MacLennan and Spencer Eschychyn, defencemen Austin Friesen.) Howden said changes like these are an attempt to evolve their lineup and find that right chemistry to make them a contender.
“The first half of the season is always about the players getting accustom to one another. Working new teammates, and in some case, linemates into the system. Then the second half is really a case of, you show exactly who you are. So, we’re excited about seeing what we could become,” Howden said. “We were very excited at the start of the year, with the recruitment effort that was done, with our mixture of new players and returning veterans. We’re pleased with who we have in the lineup, but don’t get comfortable or complacent. Junior hockey is a business and even though we’re past the first half deadline [for trades and roster numbers], There’s still time to make adjustments if needed in the second half. You should never be satisfied until you’ve secured the [championship] ring on your finger at the end of the year.
