Owen Wareham was instrumental in helping the Dauphin Kings win the Turnbull Cup two seasons ago.
From Rivers, Owen made his debut with the Kings when he played one game in the 2019-20 season and then he played another six contests in the following season which was cut very short because of the pandemic.
His first full season with the team was the 2021-22 campaign and it ended up going down as one that Wareham will never forget. Wareham suited up in 52 of the team's 54 regular season games playing alongside Parker Malchuk, the team's captain.
Wareham then played 18 playoff games, chipping in two goals and six assists as Dauphin eventually beat Steinbach in seven games to claim the Manitoba Junior Hockey League championship. While there has since been an entire season since the MJHL title came back to Dauphin, Owen still remembers it as if it were yesterday.
"It's one of those moments that I will never forget, it was so special to be a part of," said Wareham. "We battled through a lot of adversity, we had a great group of guys and we all came together to get it done."
That win against Steinbach advanced Dauphin to the Centennial Cup where they would finish atop their preliminary pool before coming up just short against Pickering in the national semi-final. This all happened while Owen was 19 years old and when he returned to the team this past season, he was named the club's captain.
"It was definitely an honour, spending three years in Dauphin with the organization," offered Wareham. "Dauphin was an incredible spot to be and I'm grateful for every opportunity that there was."
In late January of 2023, Owen then played his 100th game with Dauphin and it resulted in a 2-1 victory against OCN. Owen played 141 games with Dauphin in all now that his junior career has come to an end with 117 of those coming in the regular season.
One of Owen's most impressive traits was how durable he was throughout his time with the Kings. In their championship season, he played in 52 of the team's 54 regular season games and all 18 playoff games.
Then this past season, Wareham played in all 58 regular season games and despite suffering a lower-body injury in the playoffs, he still played all six games against Swan Valley. The type of player that comes to the rink every day with his work boots on, Owen was an incredible leader on and off the ice and he wants to thank Dauphin for the past few years.
"The fans were amazing, they were always cheering us on and they were so passionate," said Wareham. "It was three of the best years of my life and I will cherish every moment."
Following the season, several teams showed interest in bringing Wareham onto their club and now months after a first-round loss, Wareham is staying in Manitoba as the Rivers native has committed to play with the University of Manitoba Bisons. A member of U Sports and playing in the Canada West Conference, the Bisons play their home games at the Wayne Fleming Arena and for Owen, it was the right fit.
"It's close to home, they run a really strong program and play in a really strong league," said Wareham. "I know a couple of guys on the team and guys that are also joining the team, it's perfect for me."
Owen will also be reuniting with Parker Malchuk as he recently wrapped up his first year with the Bisons. Just like he did with Dauphin, Owen will have to earn every single second of ice time when he hits the ice with the Bisons and he's looking forward to that challenge and ultimately making his debut with his soon-to-be new team.
"I'm definitely nervous, I think you're always nervous going into something new," ended Wareham. "I need to go in, get my feet wet and I'll be alright."
While their schedule hasn't been released for next year, the Bisons typically open their pre-season in the middle of September and conference play opens in early October.
