WINNIPEG, September 23, 2026
The Winnipeg Monarchs officially ushered in their new campaign to start the 2026–27 Manitoba Junior Hockey League season, showing flashes of explosive offence and grit across an action-packed opening weekend. While a 0–1–1 record isn’t the storybook start on paper, the squad proved they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s heavyweight contenders and local rivals.
Championship Atmosphere & A First-Period Flash in Niverville
The Monarchs opened their regular season on September 18 with a trial by fire, traveling to face the defending Centennial Cup champions, the Niverville Nighthawks. Before the puck dropped, the arena buzzed during a pre-game banner reveal celebrating Niverville’s national title run.
Once play began, Winnipeg wasted no time spoiling the party early.
Feeding off high-energy shift work, the Monarchs stunned the home crowd by storming out to a 2–0 lead through the first 20 minutes. Ty Edwards and Kale Jones provided the early fireworks, each burying their first goals of the season to put the defending champs on their heels.
However, Niverville flexed their championship veteran muscle as the game wore on. Pushing back in the second and third frames, the Nighthawks scored five unanswered goals to hand Winnipeg a 5–2 defeat. Despite the final score, Winnipeg’s opening-frame performance showed they have the speed to push the league’s top team.
Campbell’s Hat Trick Highlights OT Thriller vs. Blues
There was no time to dwell on the opener as the Monarchs turned around the very next night, September 19, for a city-rivalry clash against the Winnipeg Blues.
The latest chapter of the “Battle of Winnipeg” delivered every bit of high-stakes drama expected from two cross-town opponents. It was an offensive showcase headlined by Monarchs forward Nicholas Campbell, who put on a clinical performance with a hat trick, earning himself the game’s 3rd Star honours. Forward Mitch Hill also got on the board, notch-ing his first goal of the young season to keep Winnipeg locked in a back-and-forth battle.
Despite Campbell’s stellar hat trick, the Monarchs came up just short in extra time, falling 5–4 in a nail-biting overtime finish. While leaving with a single point felt bittersweet, the offensive chemistry was unmistakable.
Monarchs to Play Winkler Flyers in Home Opener
Standing at 0–1–1 through two tough road contests, the Monarchs now prepare to bring the action back home.
Winnipeg hosts their home opener on September 25 when they welcome the Winkler Flyers (0–2–0). The matchup carries intriguing psychological weight: the Monarchs already topped Winkler 6–5 in a wild pre-season clash earlier this month. With two games of real-season game speed under their belts and four standings points up for grabs, the Monarchs will look to turn early promise into their first official victory of the regular season in front of their home fans.
Written by: Devin Racicot
