The Selkirk Steelers came out flying in the opening week of the 2025-26 Manitoba Junior Hockey League season, proving early they belong in the contender conversation.
On Friday night, the Steelers steamrolled the Winnipeg Monarchs 7-1 in their home opener at Selkirk Recreation Complex.
They doubled down Sunday in Winnipeg, lighting the lamp nine times in a 9-2 romp at Hockey For All Centre.
The statement weekend came just days after the MJHL released an Instagram poll of media members — with not a single vote cast for Selkirk to reach the Turnbull Cup final, let alone win it.
Head coach Hudson Friesen said the outside chatter isn’t on their radar.
“From our standpoint, we know what we have to do,” Friesen said. “Last year we fell a bit short, but we learned a lot of lessons. The guys coming back have bought in from day one of camp.”
Friesen added the group is hungrier this season.
“We’re confident we’re going to be a lot better,” he said. “Our goal is to be a playoff team that contends. There’s work to do, but we believe in our group and the way we need to play. We feel we can be one of those teams there at the end.”
Friday’s tilt drew 461 fans and plenty of offence. Griffin Krone had a hat trick and two helpers, while Rohan Guevarra, Landon Pue, Isaac Sousa, Owen Branson and Wyatt Witham all chipped in multi-point nights. Goalie Ethan Sawyer turned aside 20 of 21 for his first win of the year.
On Sunday, Branson and Sousa each picked up four points. Rookie netminder Hudson Hunnie stopped 19 of 21 shots for his first career MJHL win.
It was a weekend of firsts for several Steelers rookies, including Pue and Jayton Frederick, who both found the back of the net.
“Isaac Sousa had a really strong weekend,” Friesen said. “For a 16-year-old in this league, that’s impressive. He plays the right way and his offence comes from good habits.
“Pue was buzzing, Frederick got his first goal, and Hunnie was solid in net for his first MJ win. It was great to see the young guys step in and make an immediate impact.”
Selkirk now gears up for a three-game homestand against the Winnipeg Blues, Swan Valley Stampeders and defending champion Northern Manitoba Blizzard.
Upcoming games
• Tuesday, Sept. 23 vs. Winnipeg Blues, 7:30 p.m., Selkirk Recreation Complex
• Friday, Sept. 26 vs. Swan Valley Stampeders, 7:30 p.m., Selkirk Recreation Complex
• Saturday, Sept. 27 vs. Northern Manitoba Blizzard, 7:30 p.m., Selkirk Recreation Complex
