Neepawa Natives ready to shine at annual showcase in Winnipeg.
- Details
- Published on Thursday, October 2, 2014
By Eoin Devereux
The Neepawa Banner
One of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s most popular events returns to Winnipeg this weekend, as the 11th annual Old Dutch/MJHL Showcase will hit the ice at the MTS IcePlex.
“This event is well attended by university scouts throughout Canada and the United States,” said MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis. “The feedback we receive is very positive. I know the scouts like to see the event in one venue, while fans have the opportunity to watch all 11 MJHL teams during a single weekend. It’s really a hockey fan’s ultimate dream.”
Neepawa Natives coach Dwayne Kirkup said playing in the Showcase should give his players an extra spark of energy.
“I think the Showcase is an opportunity all our players look forward to. It’s a chance to showcase their abilities. It’s especially attractive for the 20-year-old players that are looking for an opportunity to get a scholarship,” said Kirkup. “It’s also great for the coaches. It gives us a chance to watch the other teams, try to figure out their system of play. A good way as well to network. Usually there are some sort of trade talks and player movement discussed during the games. It’s always a nice to sit down with other coaches one on one and talk about the possibilities.”
Kirkup added that this could be the exact change of pace the Natives need to shake off their recent road woes. The team has lost three straight games, one in Portage la Prairie and a pair in the Pas this past weekend against the OCN Blizzard.
“Obviously the positive on Friday [against OCN] was that we were able to score. The negative part however was that we gave up too many goals. Friday’s game turned into a shootout and I don’t like that mentality,” said Kirkup. “We definitely outplayed OCN on the Saturday night. We were just a little snake bitten around the net. We just couldn’t find a way to score on a few chances. Our power play was better and we really should have won.”
The Old Dutch/MJHL Showcase may also see the return of a pair of players from injury. Kirkup said forward Brady Bouchard is recovering quite well from a concussion and might be available for the weekend. Forward Henry Berger may also return from the I.R. after dealing with an injured ankle. He stressed however that both players are currently day-to-day.
The Old Dutch/MJHL Showcase kicks off Thursday at 7 p.m. when the Steinbach Pistons take on the Winnipeg Blues. The Neepawa Natives will play a pair of games. The first is on Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. Game two will be Saturday evening at 6:00 pm against the Selkirk Steelers.
