The Winnipeg Blues played hard all season, but fell in six games to the Winkler Flyers in the first round of the MJHL Playoffs.
The Blues started off the season strong – winning their first seven straight games, being named the top CJHL team one week into the season, and seeing starting netminder Dawson Green score the MJHL’s first goalie goal since 2013.
Winnipeg sat 16-5-1 after the MJHL Showcase, top in the East Division.
Injury troubles meant the Blues stumbled to end 2021, but Winnipeg made moves at the deadline and earlier to bring in key players for the now and the future.
Sean Williams, Brandt Young, Jake Dale, and Ryan Ostermann all played big roles for Winnipeg this year, and Rhys Raeside was an important player for the Blues in the playoffs.
Winnipeg finished third in the division, setting up a date with the Winkler Flyers in the first round.
After a rough Game One, Winnipeg won the next two games. Things were looking good, but a loss in double overtime in Game Four gave Winkler life, and they won the next two games in tight contests to end the Blues season.
Keys to the Offseason
- Say Goodbye
Eight players are graduating from the MJHL and Winnipeg this season.
Brayden Foreman, Josiah Vanderhooft, Joe Kraus, Duncan Jowett, Eric Fawkes, Dawson Green, Ryan Ostermann, and Jake Dale will all move on with their lives and hockey careers after their time with the Blues.
Every one of them was an important part in building the tight group that made coming to the rink every day a joy.
The Winnipeg Blues are grateful for the time they all spent with the team and wish them the best of luck going forward.
- Get Training
For the guys who will be back in a Blues jersey next year, it won’t be long until they’re back to work.
With playoff experience, those players can tailor their training so they can be ready to push for a title next season.
The graduating players are leaving behind high expectations and big holes to fill – for the current Blues to carry on their legacy, they will need to come back in top shape.
- Scout Around
The Winnipeg Blues have a lot of open spots to fill, which means fresh faces will be on the squad next year.
The Blues coaching staff will spend a lot of time this summer looking across the province and country for players who fit the Blues identity on and off the ice.
Whether it’s trades or signing players, it’s likely the new faces the Blues brass can bring in will determine how successful Winnipeg is next season.