After playing junior hockey, players have options if they want to advance to the next level, if they're good enough that is, and Ex-Dauphin King Brandon Holtby can say he is.
The netminder played for the Kings from 2015-2017 and appeared in 68 games for the Kings in which he won 21 games.
Now, the 21-year-old will be spending this season with the University of Regina Cougars.
"It mean's a lot," said Holtby. "For most guys, they just play senior or something, but for me to be able to play hockey and do the thing I love is amazing."
Dauphin was one of many stops that Holtby made in his junior career, which included stints in Humboldt, Estevan, and Waywayseecappo.
"Whether it was at the rink, or just working, Dauphin helped me grow as a person and a hockey player," said Holtby. "Dauphin is a great place for any player to go to.
Holtby notes the hardest thing about going to University is being in school full-time, as well as playing competitive hockey.
So far, Holtby and the Cougars have played four preseason games and will head to Minnesota this weekend, before kicking off their regular season on October 6 at home against Saskatchewan.
"It's going good so far," said Holtby. "I played in two of the preseason games, and they went really well, and we have a great group of guys here."
The Cougars then head to Saskatoon to cap off their opening weekend set against the Huskies.
