The Selkirk Steelers are turning heads both on and off the ice.
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League club sits atop the standings and, for the second straight week, holds the No. 1 ranking in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. A handful of Steelers are also among the top scorers in Junior A hockey nationwide.
Last week, several players earned MJHL monthly honours, while the club announced its 2025–26 leadership group — all as the team continued its unbeaten run with three more victories on the road.
“By no means can we take our foot off the gas just because we’re having success,” said head coach Hudson Friesen. “There are bigger divisional games looming, and we know from last year that no matter how good you start, it’s about how you continue to build throughout the year. The standings are tight and our division is strong again, so we can’t be satisfied — we’ve got to keep building and not take any nights off.”
Leading that mentality in the locker room is 20-year-old winger Owen Branson, named team captain for the 2025–26 season. The Fargo, N.D., native was part of last year’s squad that finished fifth in the MGEU East Division, captained by now-graduated Jacob Ziegler. Joining Branson in the leadership core are Nolan Wytrykusz, Wyatt Witham, Rohan Guevarra and Griffin Krone, who were named alternate captains.
“These five guys came in from camp fully dedicated to being Steelers,” said Friesen. “They all bleed red and white. The way they carry themselves every day made our decision easy — they’ve led by example since the start.”
Guevarra, now in his second MJHL season, has emerged as a driving force. With five goals and 16 assists through eight games, he was named the MJHL’s RBC Player of the Month and leads the league in scoring.
“He’s been extremely motivated and developed a lot since last year,” said Friesen. “He’s not only driving the play offensively — his game away from the puck has improved, and that’s helped both his own success and the team’s.”
Rookie forward Isaac Sousa, one of the youngest players in the league at just 16, was recognized as the Chevrolet Rookie of the Month after recording four goals and seven assists.
“Isaac’s such a special player and person,” Friesen added. “To do what he’s done as a 16-year-old rookie isn’t easy. He’s been a sponge, absorbing everything we teach.”
Sousa scored a goal and assist in Selkirk’s 13–1 rout of the Winnipeg Monarchs last Wednesday at Hockey for All Centre. Cole Babych led the offence with four goals, while Krone recorded a hat trick in the one-sided victory.
The Steelers followed with a 2–1 overtime win against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard on Friday at Roy H. Johnston Arena. Goaltender Ethan Sawyer stopped 29 of 30 shots, while Maden Simard opened the scoring and Witham buried the overtime winner.
Selkirk completed the sweep the next night, defeating the Blizzard 3–1 behind goals from Remy Hlady, Jayton Frederick and Kayden Turner.
With the perfect weekend, the Steelers improved to 8–0, cementing their hold on first place in the MJHL and their spot as the No. 1-ranked team in Canada.
Upcoming games:
Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Steinbach Pistons, 7:30 p.m. at Selkirk Recreation Complex. Sunday, Oct. 12 at Winkler Flyers, 7:30 p.m. at Winkler ICON Arena.
