The Selkirk Steelers got back in the win column Saturday with a 7-0 thumping of divisional rival Portage Terriers at Stride Place.
Steelers defenceman Ayden Collins works to deny Flyers forward Tanner George a shot on goal
Dawson Madden scored twice, while Wyatt Witham, Kayden Turner, Landon Pue, Landon Jamieson and Jules Delepoulle added the rest of the Steelers’ tallies.
Back in net, second-year netminder Ethan Sawyer stopped all 33 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season and the second of his Manitoba Junior Hockey League career.
His numbers improved to a 3.15 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage in what was his league-leading 29th game of the season.
After playing just 21 games in 2024-25 as a rookie backup, Sawyer has taken a big step forward — one that is keeping Selkirk’s hopes of a postseason push alive.
“He came into camp and you could tell he had a big summer and was very motivated to take the net and be the guy for us, and he’s done that all year long,” said Steelers head coach Hudson Friesen. “Whether we’re winning games or not, he’s been our backbone. He hasn’t had a bad game all year. He competes extremely hard, comes to the rink ready to play and is very prepared.”
Sawyer came fully prepared ahead of Saturday’s game, knowing his team desperately needed a win.
The victory moved Selkirk to 17-18-2 on the season, placing the Steelers within nine points of the fourth and final playoff spot in the MGEU East Division.
The shutout also gave the team a boost in morale, as the Steelers’ skaters were just as pleased to see their ace earn a clean sheet.
“We didn’t make it easy on him in the third,” said Friesen. “We gave up a few chances late when the game was out of hand. He stood on his head to make sure he got that donut on the board, and we were all really happy for him. It’s something he’s been earning all year.”
Selkirk still has 21 games remaining before the conclusion of the regular season. Rookie backup Hudson Hunnie is set to start the Steelers’ next game Tuesday, Jan. 20, against the Winnipeg Monarchs.
The 17-year-old has posted similar numbers to those Sawyer recorded during his rookie season and could become the club’s starter in future years.
His play has also provided calmness for the Steelers’ staff, who know they have a strong option when their starter needs a night off during a busy stretch.
“There’ll be a heavy dose of Sawyer down the stretch, especially in big divisional games — he’ll be the guy getting the nod,” said Friesen. “We have confidence in both of them, but with the way Sawyer’s playing, he’s earned those opportunities and has done a great job in those situations.”
Selkirk also played earlier last week, falling 5-3 Tuesday in Winkler and 4-2 Thursday in Niverville.
The Steelers led 3-2 over the Flyers after three early third-period goals from Carter Zalischuk, Madden and Owen Branson.
Winkler, however, scored three unanswered goals of its own — including two in the final two minutes — to earn a full two points in the East Division matchup.
Selkirk then battled the MJHL-leading Nighthawks on Thursday, trailing 2-1 heading into the third after Cole Babych scored for the Steelers.
Niverville added two more in the third before Madden replied in the final minute, leaving Selkirk with a two-goal deficit it could not overcome.
The Steelers were also scheduled to host Virden on Sunday, but the game was postponed to a later date.
Selkirk now prepares for the Monarchs on Tuesday before a rematch with Portage on Friday in Selkirk.
Upcoming games
Tuesday, Jan. 20 — vs. Winnipeg Monarchs, 7:30 p.m., Selkirk Recreation Complex
Friday, Jan. 23 — vs. Portage Terriers, 7:30 p.m., Selkirk Recreation Complex
