Piet Mierau's goal was to make the Dauphin Kings this season.
After playing the past three years with the Pilot Mound Academy program and becoming one of the Kings' top prospects, Mierau was ready to come in and earn his spot.
While he didn't make it, Piet was presented with a great opportunity. Stay in Dauphin and play with the Parkland U-18 Rangers and while doing so, practice with the Kings during the week. It was an offer that was too good to pass up for Piet and now, he's thrilled to be a Parkland Ranger while practicing with the Kings upwards of four times per week.
"It's great being a Ranger. We have sponsorships from so many places in town and it seems like everyone who likes hockey knows who the Rangers are," said Mierau. "I know this is only my first year with the program but I'm enjoying it and I love the decision I made."
When practicing with the Kings, Mierau gets top-notch coaching from Dan Keeping and gets to work alongside one of the best goalies in the league Cole Sheffield while also working alongside Bryson Yaschyshyn.
"Being able to be on the ice with Dan Keeping every day alongside Cole and Bryson is an incredible opportunity for me," continued Mierau. "I get to practice against top junior players every day, I can take my game to the next level."
With the Rangers, Piet is guiding the team as they're in an epic playoff race. Sitting in seventh at 18-15-1, the Rangers are two points ahead of Interlake who are in eighth, yet the Rangers are just two points behind Eastman who are in fifth.
The push to make it to the final eight will be a thrilling ride as the Rangers look to make their return to the playoffs after missing last year.
"We have a great group of guys and my billeting situation is absolutely incredible," said Mierau. "Everyone is excited about this chase. Every practice and game, guys are coming prepared. We're treating every game as if it's do or die at this point, it's about being ready to compete every day."
Mierau has been a workhorse in the net for the Rangers this year. He's played 26 games and his 1500 minutes played is nearly 200 more than Dylan McFadyen of the Lightning. While fatigue could be a factor for some who play as often as Mierau, he wouldn't change it for anything.
"It's great, I love playing," said Mierau. "When I'm playing consistently, I feel like I can build my confidence. Whenever my number gets called, I'll be ready to go."
Mierau has come to play with 13 wins. He has a .901 save percentage and he's made 40 or more saves 10 times this season. He's coming off an incredible 49-save performance in the team's overtime win against Interlake and posted 50 saves in the team's win over Pembina Valley on December 14.
Mierau is a gamer and if the Rangers are to make the playoffs, he will be a major reason.
"I'm feeling great about my game. I believe I have been getting better every game," ended Mierau. "I love being a Ranger and I'm pushing myself to be the best goalie that I can be."
Mierau and the crew are back in action twice this weekend against the Winnipeg Bruins. On Saturday, they'll lock horns at 7:30 before hitting the ice again on Sunday at 1:30, both games are at Credit Union Place.