The Niverville Nighthawks defeated the Portage Terriers 3–0 on January 27, 2026, at the Niverville Community Resource and Recreation Centre (CRRC) in Niverville, Manitoba, a result that keeps Niverville among the top teams in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League as the regular season moves into its final weeks.
Niverville’s starting goaltender recorded a 28-save shutout, including two key stops during a Portage 5-on-3 late in the second period that helped preserve the clean sheet. The Nighthawks’ defensive work — particularly shot-blocking and backchecking — was a decisive factor.
Scoring came in all three frames: an even-strength goal at 14:22 of the first period put Niverville ahead; a power-play marker at 8:45 of the second increased the lead; and an empty-net goal at 18:55 of the third sealed the 3–0 win.
Niverville head coach Kelvin Cech praised the team’s commitment after the game: “Our back-check was the story tonight. When you see your top scorers diving to block shots in the third period of a two-goal game, you know the room has bought in.”
The loss continues a difficult stretch for the Terriers — Portage has been shut out four times in its last nine games, according to local coverage by PortageOnline.
Local support at the CRRC has been a major factor for the Nighthawks this season as they pursue a league title; residents can follow ongoing coverage and game recaps in the Niverville Citizen.
