The Neepawa Titans may not have left the ICON Arena with a win, but they earned a crucial point in a gritty showdown against the high-flying Winkler Flyers on Tuesday night.
Mason Hartley came through in the clutch, netting his 12th goal of the season to tie the game at two and force overtime. While Winkler ultimately claimed a 3-2 shootout victory, the Titans' effort kept them firmly in the race for the top two spots in the West Division.
Neepawa’s record now stands at 18-15-1-2, solidifying their hold on third place in the West and maintaining a 13-point cushion over Virden. With the Blizzard and Kings in their sights, the Titans are fighting to close the gap and make their mark as legitimate contenders.
Before the Christmas break, Neepawa had a golden opportunity to leapfrog the Blizzard in the standings. Hosting back-to-back games at the Yellowhead Centre, the Titans fell short, dropping both contests to Norman. Adding to their woes, they suffered a 5-3 loss to Steinbach right out of the holiday break, extending their losing streak to three games.
Tuesday’s clash against Winkler became a must-compete. While they couldn’t secure the full two points, their gritty performance against a championship-calibre team signalled a return to form and renewed hope for the road ahead.
Ken Pearson, the Titans' head coach and general manager, shared his thoughts on the team's journey so far, hinting at the resilience and determination driving this group.
"I like the way that we have had guys step up, we have had some injuries to key personnel," said Pearson. "It's nice to see those younger guys step up and contribute while gaining valuable experience."
Neepawa returns to the ice on Saturday when they host Portage before getting a week off. They will play Steinbach on January 18 before playing Winkler three days later. To end the month, the Titans play the Blues twice and Swan Valley once.
"As a group overall, we're pretty happy with where we are right now, we have been able to compete in every single game," continued Pearson. "We are starting to see some improvement with our special teams after a slow start which is important for us."
Their power play sits at a formidable 23.1%, ranking third in the division, while their penalty kill is 78.7%.
Colton Alexander was key to that success before an early December injury sidelined the 20-year-old star. With 10 goals and 15 assists in just 25 games, Alexander was producing at a point-per-game clip and remains second in team scoring despite his absence. Mason Hartley has stepped up in a big way, leading the Titans with 29 points and ensuring the offence doesn’t miss a beat.
Alexander was notably absent from Tuesday's lineup, and his return remains uncertain. Yet the Titans have refused to let adversity slow them down. Depth has been their secret weapon, with 11 players already hitting the 12-point mark this season. Among them is captain Cooper Kasprick, a steady and reliable leader who has contributed six goals and 13 assists while setting the tone on and off the ice.
Even without their offensive catalyst, Neepawa is finding ways to compete and stay in the hunt. This is a team proving it can adapt, rise to the occasion, and deliver when it matters most.
"It's real nice to have that depth, it's been a long process, getting players here that we want," said Pearson. "Whether it's to be a shutdown role or get the job done offensively type of role, different lines are finding a way to dig in deep. It's something that we haven't had here in recent years so it's nice to see and be a part of."
Pearson also had plenty of praise for Kasprick, who is the team's captain and has played his entire junior career with his hometown team. That's 141 games of Titans strong for Kasprick playing with the team he grew up idolizing.
"We had many conversations in the summer about him becoming captain, we wanted to make sure that he was comfortable with it," said Pearson. "He has taken on the role in a great way. To see him grow as a young player and a young man has been incredible. He has taken great strides and is a great leader for this club."
Between the pipes, the Titans have struck gold with their two-headed goaltending tandem. Mason Lobreau, the 20-year-old Brandon native, has racked up 10 wins with a .907 save percentage and a 3.55 goals-against average. Meanwhile, 19-year-old KC Couckuyt has been equally impressive, boasting eight wins, a stellar .913 save percentage, and a 2.94 goals-against average.
Both netminders have shown they can steal games when it matters most, and Couckuyt was nothing short of sensational on Tuesday. He turned aside 32 shots through regulation and overtime, keeping the Titans in the fight before they ultimately fell in the shootout.
Last season, Neepawa clinched the fourth spot in the Turnbull Cup playoffs and pushed the Virden Oil Capitals to six hard-fought games in the first round. This year, the Titans are aiming even higher. Sitting just six points out of second place, the team has its sights set on home-ice advantage for the opening round — and with plenty of hockey left, that goal is well within reach.
If you’re a hockey fan in the Neepawa area, there’s no better time to get behind this resilient, never-say-die squad. Head down to the Yellowhead Centre and witness a team that’s not only well-coached but also packed with heart, grit, and determination. The Titans are proving they belong in the playoff conversation — and they’re not done yet.
"It certainly is nice when I'm walking down the hallway and you see the smiling faces, guys are joking around and having fun," ended Pearson. "We have a great group of guys that are committed to making a push here down the stretch."
Neepawa's next home game is Saturday at 7:30 against Portage.