Josh Lehto of the Virden Oil Capitals is the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Player of the Month for September and Caps forward Luke MacKenzie is the Rookie of the Month. Heading into October as the MJHL’s leading scorer, Lehto registered at least one point during each game in September, including two, 3-point outings and one, 4-point night during a 7-3 victory over the Neepawa Titans. MacKenzie, who opened the 2023-24 season by announcing his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for Canisius University, scored his first MJHL goal and added two assists in a win over the Titans. MacKenzie would add another goal to his tally with an impressive shot from the top of the circle in an overtime loss to the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.


The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Monday its initial Top 20 Rankings, plus honourable mentions. Two Manitoba Junior Hockey League teams are in the top 20. The Winkler Flyers, who are 4-0 to start the 2023-24 season are ranked fifth in the country while the 3-0-1 Niverville Nighthawks are 12th. 


The Winnipeg Jets dropped a 5-4 decision to the Flames in Calgary. David Gustaffson had a pair of goals for the Jets while singles went to Ville Heinola and Dominic Toninato. Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves. The Jets play their final pre-season game Thursday against the Ottawa Senators at Canada Life Centre. 


The Toronto Raptors open their training camp today in Vancouver. The Raptors went 41-41 and lost to the Chicago Bulls in last season's play-in game. Darko Rajakovic is the NBA teams new head coach replacing Nick Nurse who was hired by the Philadelphia 76'ers.