Riels Host Surging Canucks in Sunday Afternoon Test

Defensive powerhouse St. Boniface looks to rebound against streaking St. James

The St. Boniface Riels return to Southdale Arena on Sunday afternoon to host the surging St. James Jr. Canucks, with puck drop scheduled for 3:00 PM. The matchup features a battle between one of the league’s most defensively dominant teams and one of its hottest clubs in recent weeks.

The Riels (15-2-2) enter Sunday’s contest in unfamiliar territory — sitting in second place for the first time this season following Friday night’s 2–0 loss to the Transcona Railer Express. The setback was just their second regulation defeat of the year, but it cost them sole possession of first place in the standings. After being shut out for the first time this season, St. Boniface is expected to come out focused, physical, and hungry to reassert its dominance.

Statistically, the Riels remain among the MMJHL’s elite: 6th in goals per game (3.84), 1st in goals against (1.79), 2nd on the power play (22.4%), and 1st on the penalty kill (90.8%). Offensively, however, the Riels know that goal production must improve as the season progresses if they hope to keep pace with Transcona’s league-leading attack. Their balanced scoring core — led by Cole Davis (29 pts), Nathan Burzynski (26 pts), and Reeve Sukut (24 pts) — provides consistency, while goaltenders Owen LaRocque (7-1-0, .958 SV%) and Alex Domenico (9-0-0, .932 SV%) continue to deliver elite-level goaltending.

The visiting Canucks (7-11-1) have turned their season around in recent weeks, riding a three-game winning streak into Sunday’s matchup. St. James ranks 5th in goals per game (3.84) and 3rd in power-play efficiency (22.1%), powered by a rejuvenated offense and improving special teams. Rookie defenceman Cole Warsaba, the MMJHL’s Defenceman of the Month for November, has been outstanding — recording five points (1 G, 4 A) in Thursday’s 7–4 win over Charleswood. Forward Tristen Arnason was also instrumental in that victory, contributing a goal and three assists.

Goaltender Connor Murphy (5-8-0, .910 SV%) has provided steady play during the Canucks’ resurgence, while Nicholas Cullen (21 pts, 7 PPG) and Jayden Ward (20 pts) continue to lead the attack.

This will be the third meeting of the season between the two clubs. St. Boniface has taken both prior matchups — 4–1 at home on October 5 and 5–3 on the road on November 7 — outscoring St. James by a combined 9–4 margin. With the Riels determined to rebound from Friday’s loss and the Canucks looking to extend their three-game winning streak, Sunday’s contest shapes up as a pivotal midseason test for both sides.

The Riels will be collecting non-perishable items for Harvest Manitoba at their home games in December! Most needed items include: canned soup, canned tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, peanut butter, baby formula, baby food, and instant oatmeal. Let's help the Riels lend a helping hand this holiday season.

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