Alex Myers completed perhaps the greatest challenge that could come with being a goaltender in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League this season.
Playing his first full season in the MJHL with the Neepawa Titans — which even included a brief loan to the Niverville Nighthawks back in November — the Stonewall product was tasked with the reality of being in a goaltender logjam behind Neepawa’s two veteran goalies.
For the Titans, a playoff team that finished third in the MGEU West Division, this meant getting Myers into games wasn’t a guarantee given the crowded crease.
But instead of just sitting back and watching the ride, Myers knew he needed to make the most of the situation at hand.
He accepted the challenge of being in a third-string role and made sure he was ready in case his name was called.
And though Myers never got into a game in 2024–25 as the Titans were eliminated in Round 1 of the playoffs by the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, he was still able to find some positives — one being the Titans’ Coaches Award, which he received at the team’s 2024–25 awards on March 14.
“I was very honoured to get that,” said Myers on Sunday. “It kind of made everything that I did kind of feel worth it because it was kind of tough to go through but it kind of just gave me a sense of purpose to be there almost, just after the whole season and after I felt like I could’ve played and everything but it just made me feel very accomplished in myself.”
The Coaches Award is given to a player who demonstrates a combination of perseverance, dedication, and a team first mentality.
When Titans general manager/head coach Ken Pearson and staff were deciding who to give it to, Alex was a clear decision.
“I think it was pretty easy when we were deciding who we were going to choose,” said Pearson. “He was a guy that came in, we were unsure what our goaltending was going to be at the start of the year coming in and when both our veteran guys returned, we could tell Alex was a good fit with us already and wanted to keep him around. Right away he said he wanted to do everything he could to stay here and try to get better and get into the lineup. As the year went along it just wasn’t going to happen but away from the rink, he was one of the first guys to volunteer for things, never complained about anything, on the ice at practice worked his tail off, stayed out extra after practice to work on things even if it was by himself. Just little things like that, that us as coaches really appreciated and recognized and it was important for the rest of the guys to see when you put in the time you’re going to be rewarded, and Alex rewarded with that award.”
The 2024–25 season also showed Myers the routines and habits that will remain important in his future seasons as a Titan.
As a 2006-born netminder, Myers is eligible to return for the next two seasons.
The crease will also get a little less crowded in 2025–26, as their Team MVP and veteran netminder Mason Lobreau aged out of the league following this season.
Lobreau’s departure opens up the possibility for a tandem of KC Couckuyt — who played 25 regular-season games with the Titans in 2024–25 — and Myers, who has waited patiently for his chance.
Now, as opportunity knocks, Myers is ready to put in the work in the off-season to ensure he makes good on his chance next fall.
“Just kind of trying to stay ready throughout the summer,” said Myers. “Get bigger, stronger, little faster, and just go in with confidence and knowing what my abilities are and know how I can play and that should just take care of business.”
Myers will also enter next season with some added mental strength after grinding it out in 2024–25.
He’ll use that to his benefit next season as the Titans continue their search for the franchise’s first Turnbull Cup.
