Dylan Miko grew up in Sandy Lake and moved to Onanole when he was 14.
When the 2019-20 hockey season came around, Dylan made the Yellowhead Chiefs U-15 AAA Hockey Team. Dylan wasn’t sure how things were going to go but when he got a call into the office after the final tryout, he came out with a big smile on his face.
He made the team and played 35 games that season, notching six assists.
“I was a scrawny little kid trying to find a way to get on that team,” said Miko. “I just battled my way. I didn’t get the most points but I played pretty sound defensively and moved pucks up the ice. It meant a lot to make that team.”
That year turned out to be the start of an exciting journey on the ice for Dylan as he made the U-15 team once again the following season but played just seven games because the season was cancelled early on because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It was a tough pill to swallow, his days as a U-15 player had come to an end and things would only get harder moving ahead. Just like he has his whole life, Dylan got down to the grind and made sure that he had more opportunities.
He made the U-18 AAA Yellowhead team in the 2021-22 season, playing 43 games that season and then posted nine points in 44 games the following year. At this point, Miko had made a name for himself. He went through a growth spurt and was a towering force on the ice. He had his teammate’s backs and would do whatever he could to help the team.
During the 2022-23 season, while with Yellowhead, Miko also debuted in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) where he played two games with the Winkler Flyers. It was a taste of what was to come for the 18-year-old from Onanole.
Along came Dylan’s final year of AAA hockey last season. There was no doubt that it was his biggest year.
Miko was more focused than ever as he posted a career-high 23 points and played all 44 of the team’s games. He knew what was at stake.
“It was do or die, that’s how I took it. I started pushing myself in ways that I had never in the past,” said Miko. “My coach saw a lot of potential in me and I think that’s a big factor in me being where I am now.”
Between the U-15 and U-18 teams, Dylan played 177 games with the Yellowhead program. It was a five-year stretch that the young man will never forget.
“It’s a huge stepping stone, it’s a way to get to the next level,” said Miko. “Many people don’t see it that way but I always did. I had some great coaches; they helped me advance my game. I loved being a Chief, it was a great five-year run with them.”
For many, playing AAA hockey is the end of the line. It isn’t easy to jump up to junior and many players never do.
That wasn’t the case for Dylan. Miko made the short trip from Onanole to Dauphin for the Kings' training camp, impressed the coaching staff and the rest is history. Five years ago, he was thrilled that he made his U-15 AAA team and five years later, Dylan was over the moon happy to know that he made the Kings roster as his junior journey would begin full-time in the City of Sunshine.
Miko has now played 14 games with Dauphin and was in the lineup on Wednesday when the Kings downed their West Division rival, Northern Manitoba Blizzard, 5-4.
“I love it, you breathe hockey every day, this is what it’s all about,” continued Miko. “We have a great group of guys here which makes it even more enjoyable to come to the rink. Dauphin is a great little town as well, it’s awesome and I’m very happy to be where I am.”
With their win on Wednesday, Dauphin has a 10-point cushion atop the West Division as of publishing. That could change on Thursday if Neepawa beats Virden which would see the Kings have a nine-point gap over the Titans.
Dauphin has 21 wins and is tied for first place overall with Steinbach, who they beat over the weekend. While Dylan is pleased, he knows the work is far from over.
“We still have to go to work, we have to find a way to win every game and be more consistent,” said Miko. “Cole Sheffield has been having an incredible season and we need to help him out. Our goal is to get into that first spot, we need to keep pushing and dial in.”
The Kings return to the ice on Sunday against the Swan Valley Stampeders at 4:00 p.m. It’s also Tractor Lotto Day when someone will win $100,000 among other amazing cash prizes. You can get your single tickets, 50/50 tickets and supplementary tickets by calling 1-877-585-4647 or heading to TractorLotto.com.
Miko Fun Fact:
Dylan’s family is close friends with the Kings’ bus driver Les. Les has been the team’s driver for a few seasons now and always gets the team to their destination and home safely.
“I bought my first snowmobile from him,” said Miko. “I went out looking for a nice 500 and there he was. As soon as I saw him on the bus, we got to talking. It’s nice to be acquainted with those old friends, Les is a great guy.”
Get to know Miko:
Q: What are some of your other hobbies?
A: I do a lot of skiing and wakeboarding. I’m also big into fishing as well. Anything outdoors if you ask me.
Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: I have a sister who is playing with the Yellowhead women’s team. It’s a pretty competitive dynamic, she is always trying to be better than me. She’s great and I love her.
Q: Are you close with your parents?
A: Extremely. If I could go home every day, I would. I miss them dearly and I love them. They are the whole reason I am here, they have been by my side every day. They’re great; I wouldn’t have anything without them.
Q: Are you a superstitious guy?
A: I would say to a point, you have to be consistent before and after games in the way you prepare and wind down after a game
Q: What is your favourite family memory?
A: I would say Christmas at home in Sandy Lake at our old home. Being together with family is everything to me. You hear so many stories and a whole lot of Ukrainian food which I love. I have so many special Christmas memories.
Q: What about your favourite hockey memory?
A: That year I made the U-15 Yellowhead team, I will never forget the moment I found out.
Q: If you could have any meal, what would it be?
A: Anything with meat and potatoes.
While Dylan is just focusing on helping the Kings win, he has looked into what his future could look like. He has been a hard worker since day one, which will continue in Dauphin and well into the future.
“My goal is to go to the University of Saskatchewan and take an engineering degree and go from there,” said Miko. “Other than that, I want to live with a nice family, have a nice house and build a family. I just want to continue being happy.”
You can hear Darnell Duff’s full chat with Dylan Miko during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show after the 4:00 p.m. News, Weather and Business on 730CKDM on Friday.