The Yellowhead Chiefs are finding their stride. A pair of home-ice wins over the Interlake Lightning this past weekend lifted the club to a 5–4 record and sixth place in the Manitoba U18 AAA standings — marking the first time the team has been above .500 since their opening night win in September 2023.
Saturday, October 18 — Chiefs 6, Lightning 4
The Chiefs and Lightning combined for a scrappy, high-energy affair Saturday night in Shoal Lake, where special teams and composure played key roles. The night was capped off with a recognition of 100 games played (U18 AAA) by Isaac McArthur.
Oliver Nickel opened the scoring midway through the first, and after Interlake answered, the Chiefs took control in the second period. Goals from Carter White (his first of the season), Destin Knight, and captain Alec Strachan powered Yellowhead to a 4–1 lead. Interlake clawed back with two of their own, but goaltender Landon McGregor stood tall, turning aside 35 of 39 shots.
Knight sealed the victory with his second of the night, a shorthanded empty-netter, to complete the 6–4 win. The game was physical, featuring multiple head contact penalties and post-whistle scrums — a testament to the rivalry and emotion between the two clubs.
Sunday, October 19 — Chiefs 5, Lightning 2
The Chiefs came out calmer and more confident Sunday, executing one of their more complete games of the season.
Isaac McArthur and Bryce Gambler both notched their first goals of the year, while rookie Wyatt Njegovan’s third of the season stood as the game-winner early in the third. Carter White added his second goal in as many days, and Grady McNish capped the scoring late to secure the sweep.
Goaltender Sawyer Wallin was steady in net, stopping 33 of 35 shots to earn his third win.
Looking Ahead
With a 5–4–0 record, the Chiefs sit sixth in the league standings — a promising spot for a team still rounding into form. They now prepare for their longest road trip of the year, heading north to Thompson for a two-game set against the Norman Northstars on October 25 at 7:00 p.m. and October 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Yellowhead will look to keep the momentum rolling and stay above the .500 mark for the first extended stretch in two years.
