The Niverville Nighthawks are experiencing a season to remember in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and now, they’re inviting fans to be a part of building their future success. From a sold-out gala to a thrilling playoff push, momentum is building both on and off the ice.
A Community Challenge: Funding a New Dressing Room
That momentum is now fueling a major community challenge: raising funds for brand-new, state-of-the-art dressing rooms attached to the Niverville Community Resource and Rec Centre (CRRC). Currently, the team operates out of a small, temporary space that doesn’t meet their long-term needs. However, a generous commitment from founding family, Tom and Barbara Kleysen, has ignited the fundraising push.
During the Nighthawks’ annual fundraising gala on March 14th, the Kleysens pledged a remarkable $250,000, contingent on matching funds. As of today, the team has already secured approximately $350,000 in commitments, bringing them within striking distance of the $500,000 milestone. “We need another $150,000 to trigger that first major donation,” explains team president Clare Braun. “We don’t expect any issue getting there in a short period of time, but this is really where the community can step in and make a difference.”
A Facility to Rival the Best in Canadian Junior Hockey
The planned facility will be approximately 8,000 square feet and will include everything a Junior-A calibre team needs: modern dressing rooms, player lounges, dedicated coaches’ offices, and comprehensive medical and training rooms. “We’re doing this once, and we’re going to do it right. We expect it to be as good as anything in Canadian junior hockey,” Braun asserts. This investment isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about attracting top talent and enhancing the player experience.
“A dressing room is a huge amenity for players,” Braun explains. “We don’t know how many players we may have missed out on over the years because of that, but we do know players talk.”
On-Ice Success & A Winning Culture
Even without the upgraded facilities, the Nighthawks have established a winning culture. The team finished the 2025-2026 season at the top of the MJHL standings with an impressive record of 51 wins, 6 losses, and 1 overtime loss, totaling 103 points. Braun credits this success to the positive environment fostered within the organization. “The experience that players are having here, it’s the gold standard,” he shared, recalling feedback from a parent with extensive hockey experience. “That comes down to how people are treated. The culture doesn’t start on the ice; it starts at the top and filters through the entire organization.”
The Nighthawks have reached the playoffs every year for the past four years, and while they’ve tasted playoff success, winning a series remains a key goal. The team is now focused on achieving three major milestones: winning their first playoff series, capturing the Turnbull Cup, and ultimately competing for a national championship.
Support the Nighthawks & Catch the Playoffs!
As the Nighthawks head into game 3 of round 1 in the MJHL playoffs against the Winkler Flyers, Braun’s message to fans is clear: continue your support and help build the future of the team. “To all the fans and sponsors that have been there for us in these first four years, thank you so much,” he said. “Let’s fill the barn for playoffs this year and see what we can get done.”
Game 3 is tonight at 7:30 pm at the CRRC. Find your game day tickets HERE. The Nighthawks currently lead the series 2 games to none.
Stay up-to-date with the Niverville Nighthawks: MJHL Official Website
