The Neepawa Titans saw their 2025-26 season come to a close this week after being swept in their first-round playoff series by the Virden Oil Capitals. The four-game loss at the Yellowhead Centre marks the end of a campaign that saw the team qualify for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League post-season for the third consecutive year.
While the Titans failed to advance, reaching the playoffs for three straight seasons is a milestone for the organization, as it is the first time the team has achieved this feat in the 21st century. Despite this progress, the club continues to navigate a long-standing post-season drought, having not celebrated a playoff series victory since 2007.
The series against the Virden Oil Capitals proved difficult, with the final game resulting in a 7-2 loss. Virden forward Bryce Bryant led the offensive effort throughout the round, finishing with a league-high eight points. Following the series, Virden captain Ty Plaisier credited his team’s depth and strong goaltending from Braxton Burdeny as primary reasons for their success.
Elsewhere in the league, the Niverville Nighthawks reached a significant milestone by completing a first-round sweep of the Winkler Flyers to advance to the second round. This marks the first playoff series victory in that franchise’s history. Nighthawks goaltender Austin Dubinsky anchored the effort, posting a 1.25 goals against average and a .958 save percentage, including a 38-save shutout in the clinching game.
The Neepawa Titans finished their regular season with a record of 28-28-1-1, which placed them fourth in the West Division.
