When the Dauphin Kings signed Austin Seibel ahead of the current season, they knew they were getting a great man off the ice and on the ice, Seibel has made a great name for himself.
Back in the 2019-20 season, Seibel was named the Most Valuable Player on the Vernon Vipers U15 team and he was also named Vernon Vipers Minor Hockey Goalie of the Year. Seibel, who was born in Salmon Arm, B.C., and grew up in Coldstream, then went the prep hockey route as he played two seasons with the Prairie Hockey Academy U16 and U17 programs.
That led Seibel to the North Okanagan Knights of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League last year and Seibel put together an impressive year. In 29 regular season games, Seibel posted 16 wins, a 2.95 goals-against average to go along with a .926 save percentage. For his efforts, Seibel was named the league's Rookie of the Year.
Just one season is all Austin spent with the Knights as he joined the Kings for this season.
"Everything has been great here, I'm loving the guys, and I'm loving the organization," said Seibel. "I'm pushing myself and I'm getting better every day, things are going great."
Playing as a backup to second-team all-star Cole Sheffield, Austin has embraced his role with the team as they enter their final weekend of the regular season.
"That's a part of growth, I'm here for a reason and that's to get better," offered Seibel. "I head to the rink every day with a positive attitude, I think that's the most important thing."
Before Wednesday's game against the Blizzard, one that Seibel dazzled in, he had eight wins in his first 13 starts as a King.
"I think I have done pretty well, I'm always striving to be perfect," said Seibel. "I'm glad with how I am doing and I'm also glad that I am starting to see more success with all of the work that I am putting in."
On Wednesday, Austin put on a show as he turned away all 39 shots he faced as Dauphin shutout the Blizzard, 2-0. It was Dauphin's second straight win and it was Austin's first shutout in his Junior A career. His goaltending partner Sheffield grabbed the game puck and it was one that Seibel will always keep and cherish.
The win brought Dauphin within three points of the Blizzard for second in the West and that means the Kings still have a chance of earning home-ice advantage for the first round of the Turnbull Cup playoffs.
"It felt amazing, I'm super happy for myself and the entire group," offered Seibel. "We knew we could build momentum by winning that game. We all came together for a team win, I was super happy and proud of our group."
Dauphin now heads out on their final road trip of the season as they play the Blues at the Hockey for All Centre on Friday and the team's regular season ends on Saturday in Selkirk against the Steelers.
With 36 wins on the campaign, Dauphin has already surpassed last year's win total when they secured 32 wins, and they will now push to finish out the regular season strong ahead of the playoffs which open up next Friday against the Blizzard.
"We're getting excited, this is when the real work starts and the real good times," ended Seibel. "We're really focusing on becoming more consistent these next two games and hopefully, that leads us in a good way into the playoffs."
Get to know Seibel:
What are some of your hobbies? I like fishing, hiking, and going to the beach. I'm also a pretty big golfer and enjoy camping, being outside with friends is always great.
Tell us about your childhood: I went to school in Coldstream and that's where all my memories are from. I started playing hockey there and eventually moved to Saskatchewan for a couple of years and now I'm in Dauphin.
Was there one defining moment that pushed you to play hockey or multiple? I would say multiple. I grew up with my dad being a goalie and many of my friends were, making me want to become a goalie. I have loved the game ever since. I'm just trying to be the best I can be and have some fun with it.
Who has been by your side every step along the way? Both of my parents are both extremely supportive, and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
Do you try and craft your game around any other goaltender? I would say Devon Levi who is now playing in the American Hockey League and Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks are two guys.
You can hear Austin Seibel's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play show on Friday afternoon following news, weather, business, and sports at 4:10 p.m.
