They've cemented their place as one of the premier defensive pairings in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
Naaman Hofer and Matthew Haun are two standout 20-year-olds who have become indispensable on both ends of the ice for Dauphin. Hofer, now in his second season with the team, has established himself as an offensive powerhouse from the blue line, leading all defensemen in scoring with an impressive five goals and 43 points.
On the other hand, Haun brings a bruising physical presence to the game, setting the tone with his hard-hitting style. Lately, he's finding his groove offensively as well, adding another dimension to his game and proving he's a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
This duo’s blend of reliability, grit, and offensive skills makes them critical to Dauphin’s success.
"It's great playing with Naaman, he's super easy to play with," said Haun. "We've been together since early in the season and work well together."
Matthew is tied for ninth in team scoring with three goals and 20 points. Eight of his points have come in the past seven games with his best offensive performance coming in a 13-3 win against the Freeze earlier this month, when Haun notched a goal and three assists.
Haun takes great pride in locking down opponents, but also enjoys helping this team offensively.
"It's been great that I've been putting up some points," said Haun. "Always nice to help the group, so quite pleased about that."
Haun and the rest of his teammates have hit their stride as of late. Sitting on top of the MGEU West Division at 26-9-1, Dauphin has a six-point lead over Northern Manitoba with a game in hand. That will rise to two games in hand after Friday when the Blizzard is in Winkler to play the Flyers.
Dauphin has won four straight games and scored 29 goals in the process. Dating back to November 23, Dauphin has earned points in 11 of their 14 games with two more games left in January.
"The boys are doing very well right now, a lot of positive attitudes in the dressing room," continued Haun. "We're excited to keep winning and moving forward. We have an incredible group."
Haun says the team's winning culture all starts at practice.
"It's great to have a group of guys that come to compete every day and improve," said Haun. "Our practices are intense and they prepare us for any team that we come up against."
Matthew, who came to the Kings by the recommendation of the team's assistant general manager and Northern USA scout Andy Kubas, also praised the entire coaching staff, including Doug Hedley who returned from an eight-game suspension last Saturday when the Kings hammered the Blues, 7-1.
"When Doug got back, the intensity and the attitude in the room shifted," continued Haun. "He brought a lot of energy after the suspension. We're all very happy to have him back. We have a great coaching staff, they all believe in us and it fuels us to bring everything we have to the rink every day."
Next up for Dauphin is a night that no one will forget. The Kings have partnered with Canada's National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF) as Dauphin will host Ukrainian Night on Saturday at Credit Union Place when the Virden Oil Capitals come to town. With entertainment, great food, and a great crowd, Haun knows how special the night will be.
"All the boys who have been here in the past have been talking about this game all season," commented Haun. "I've seen pictures from previous years, I'm really excited to embrace the culture and play in front of a rowdy crowd in the stands."
Matthew Haun is all in. He's ready to do whatever it takes to help Dauphin make a long run. He's also recently had some pressure lifted off his shoulders. With aspirations of playing at the next level following his graduation from Junior A, he began talking to NCAA schools this past summer. He visited the College of St. Scholastica and one thing led to another.
"They've been reaching out all season, it was between them and a couple of other schools," said Haun. "It was the best fit for me. The coaches are great and the campus is beautiful. It was a pretty easy decision to make."
The College of St. Scholastica Saints plays out of the Mars Lakeview Arena in Duluth, Minnesota, located about three hours north of Haun's hometown. Led by head coach, Dave Williams, the Saints have won two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics championships in 1975 and 1977.
The Saints are a NCAA Division 3 program and Haun can't wait to become a Saint next season.
"I'm really excited. I have been stressing about it all season, so to make my decision, I feel like there's less weight on my shoulders," ended Haun. "I'm excited to go on a run with the Kings this year and then hit the ground running when I go back to school next year."
Doug Hedley also commented on Haun committing to the Saints hockey team.
"It's great to see that he's getting this opportunity to play at the next level," said Hedley. "Very happy for him and he's very deserving of it. That's two now committed on the back end and we're hoping for more moving forward."
Don't forget to head to the south ticket office at Credit Union Place to get your tickets for Ukrainian Night for $5. That's when you can see Haun and the rest of the Kings in action as they go for their 27th win of the season against the Oil Capitals. Festivities on Saturday get underway at 6.
Head to Haun's journey to hear his entire chat with Darnell Duff.