The 2025–26 season hasn’t been a smooth ride for the Pembina Valley Hawks — and that’s exactly why February matters so much.
Momentum has swung. Lessons have been learned the hard way. But through the ups and downs, one thing has become clear: when the Hawks are dialed in, they can overwhelm teams in a hurry. Now, with the playoffs looming and a pivotal five-game homestand opening tonight, Pembina Valley has a prime opportunity to turn potential into proof.
This stretch isn’t just about collecting points. It’s about showing they’re built for the grind that’s coming.
Upcoming Schedule
The homestand begins tonight with the Hawks hosting the Kenora Thistles, followed by a heavyweight Sunday matinee against the Brandon Wheat Kings — a measuring-stick game against one of the league’s top teams.
After a brief break, the Hawks return for a demanding three-games-in-three-nights weekend:
Feb. 13 vs. Eastman Selects
Feb. 14 vs. Interlake Lightning
Feb. 15 vs. Winnipeg Bruins
Five games. Little margin for error. Exactly the kind of test a playoff-bound team should want.
Offensive Firepower Sets the Tone
Pembina Valley’s identity starts with offense — fast, skilled, and relentless. The Hawks possess one of the most dangerous forward groups in the league, capable of flipping a game on a single shift.
Leading the charge is the lethal one-two punch of Cole Secord and Carson Hiebert, a duo that demands constant attention from opposing defenses. Both recently surpassed the 100-career-point milestone in the U18 league, and both thrive when the stakes are highest.
Cole Secord — 26 goals, 44 assists (70 points)
Carson Hiebert — 28 goals, 36 assists (64 points)
Give them time and space, and the game can get out of hand quickly.
Depth That Breaks Teams Down
What separates the Hawks from many opponents isn’t just top-end talent — it’s pressure from every line. Pembina Valley doesn’t rely on one group to carry the load. They roll waves.
Caden McMahon — 28 goals, 19 assists (47 points)
Ragnar Gillis — 15 goals, 30 assists (45 points)
Ocean Fehr — 16 goals, 24 assists (40 points)
Ty Pethybridge — 18 goals, 18 assists (36 points)
Nolan Bravo — 6 goals, 13 assists (19 points)
Mason Leite — 8 goals, 7 assists (15 points)
This depth has allowed the Hawks to wear teams down, exploit mismatches, and cash in when opponents start to crack — a formula that becomes even more dangerous in playoff hockey.
Blue Line Brings Bite and Balance
The Hawks’ defense corps combines puck-moving ability with a willingness to compete in the hard areas. They’re physical, engaged, and unafraid to get uncomfortable.
Offensively, the blue line has chipped in consistently:
Parker Henderson — 2 goals, 31 assists (33 points)
Casey Magarrell — 9 goals, 23 assists (32 points)
Paxton White — 9 goals, 15 assists (24 points)
Behind the numbers, Aaron Hiebert, Eli Jones, and Joel Friesen provide the muscle and reliability — killing penalties, winning battles, and making life difficult around the crease when games tighten up.
Goaltending Ready for the Moment
Between the pipes, the Hawks have leaned on a tandem that has weathered adversity and responded when it matters most.
Koen Bleznuk (3.85 GAA, .905 SV%) has shown resilience, settling into games under pressure and finding his rhythm when momentum is on the line.
Brody Peters (3.47 GAA, .901 SV%) has delivered composed, steady performances and will head toward the postseason giving the Hawks confidence in net.
It hasn’t always been perfect — but playoff hockey rarely is.
From the Coaching Staff
Head coach Jeff Andrews believes this stretch is about execution, not reinvention.
“We need to be ourselves throughout each game and play a full 60 minutes,” Andrews said. “If we do that, it gives us the best chance to win every game in the postseason.”
February will reveal a lot about the Pembina Valley Hawks. This homestand is their chance to set the tone, build momentum, and make it clear to the rest of the league: when the playoffs arrive, no one will want to see them on the other side of the rink.