For the most part, it`s getting cooler during the day and especially at night. The days are becoming shorter, and the leaves are turning colour. And, when all of that happens, it means hockey season is right around the corner, and that corner for the Dauphin Kings is within reach.
The Kings are set to embark on their 51st season when they begin their Training Camp tomorrow at Credit Union Place with registration from 10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
From there, on-ice sessions begin at 1:00 p.m. and scrimmages take centre ice at 5:00 p.m.
"Getting camp going is definitely a really exciting thing," said HC/GM for the Kings Doug Hedley. "We're definitely looking forward to getting started. We already have 30+ guys here that are doing strength testing and getting some reps on the ice."
"I think there's a lot of players here that really committed in the summer time to get better," added Hedley. "I'm really looking forward to the attitude, the commitment level. Camp really should be outstanding."
For Doug, this season will be a homecoming of sorts. He's spent many years coaching in the Parkland between the Rangers and Kings. After spending the past two seasons with the OCN Blizzard, Hedley was hired by the Kings on April 23 to become the team's new HC & GM.
"I'm just thankful to the board that they gave me another opportunity to come back here," added Hedley. "It's nice to be back in Dauphin and the surrounding areas. The people here are great, and it's definitely a comfortable feeling. It's been great for me."
30+ players are already in town prepping for camp, but dozens more are expected to arrive in town later today and into tomorrow morning. Overall, nearly 60 players are expected to suit up as they look to make the Kings.
With that many players, Doug could have some tough decisions on what players he'll keep and which ones he'll let go, and that's something he not only expects, but he's also okay with it.
"I really think we have some great battles shaping up here," said Hedley. "We have some depth in every position right now. Obviously, they have to prove themselves, but as it is right now, it's going to be a battle for the players to make this team."
"We also have several veterans here at camp so that's a good thing," added Hedley. "It really seems they want to put the work in to get better each and every day. So, that's what we're focusing on right now."
Some of those veterans include Riley Shamray, George King, and Brennan Kitchen.
Before being traded to OCN at the deadline last year, Shamray was among the team's best players defensively and offensively. King, who played last season with Doug in OCN has quite the resume. Playing in the MJHL he's proved to be a near point-per-game player.
Kitchen last year was basically the team's human highlight reel. Numerous games he was tasked with making 35+ saves, and perhaps the game of his season came in a 3-2 overtime win against the Steinbach Pistons when he made 50+ saves.
What else is going on this weekend:
Fan's won't have to wait long to see the Kings in real game action. After Sunday's JoFo Cup at 2:00 p.m., the Kings will welcome the Swan Valley Stampeders to town on Monday night for their first preseason game at 6:00 p.m.
"Our goal is to put a work-ethic in every night," said Hedley. "Of course results are important, but if we work hard every night they will come. We're going to be a team that's coming to the rink every day to get better. I think fans are going to like what they see."
Tomorrow's scrimmages start at 5:00 p.m. and are once again free.
Photo Credit - Dauphin Kings.
