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A new banner is set to be hung up at the DRCSS.

Jackson Delaurier, Boston Karlson, Quinten Fisk, and Cash McCallum teamed up to win a provincial title on the golf course on Friday. 

Going up against the best of the best from across the province in Morden, the Dauphin foursome reigned supreme.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 20, 2024 - 6:12 pm

Unfortunate news for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as they prepare to play the Edmonton Elks.

Star linebacker Adam Bighill announced Thursday that he will undergo season-ending knee surgery. Bighill last played on September 1 when he was injured against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

This is what Bighill had to say on Instagram.

Unfortunately today I’m going in for surgery on my knee that will end my season," Bighill wrote on Instagram. "The support from family, friends, teammates, and fans has been incredible. It sure makes this process easier, as it’s the furthest thing from your expected version of the season. Excited to watch and help my guys finish this season to reach our ultimate goal."

Bighill finishes the season with 48 tackles and one sack across 10 games this season. He's a three-time Grey Cup champion, a three-time CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player and a six-time All-Star.

Heading into Saturday's game against the Elks, Winnipeg sits atop the West Division with a record of 7-6. They are tied in points with BC and Edmonton is just four points back. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 19, 2024 - 4:02 pm

The Dauphin Kings will open their regular season on Friday and ahead of that, the team has announced this year's leadership group.

Ethan Williment will lead the team as the club's captain while Rylan Gage, Cayden Glover and Naaman Hofer will be alternate captains.

For more on Williment, Gage, Glover, and Hofer, head here. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 19, 2024 - 10:59 am

It has been an absolute clinic on the gridiron so far this season for the Dauphin Clippers football team.

Back for a new season in the Rural Manitoba Football League, the Clippers have steamrolled their way to a 2-0 record to begin the campaign. In week one, Dauphin put up 87 points in shutting out the Parkwest Outlaws, and then last week, Dauphin beat the Neelin Spartans, 47-7. 

Robbie Tomkins is the team's defensive coordinator and he's thrilled with how things are going.

"We have a bunch of guys that have played rugby together and other sports together," said Tomkins. "We have leaders that are leading by example and doing an incredible job. Sully Fox for instance,  has stepped up in such a big way for this defence. We are coming together quicker than we have in the past, it's pretty spectacular to watch this."

Dauphin has given up just seven points in the first two games of the season, the fewest in the league.

"These guys are playing smash mouth, punch you in your mouth kind of football and playing as a unit," offered Tomkins. "You can see the defence talking and communicating, they know what the other team is doing. They are becoming students of the game and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Dauphin will look to keep their record perfect as they hit the road for the first time this weekend to play the Moosomin Generals. That game will take place on Saturday afternoon in Saskatchewan. The Generals will enter the game winless after dropping their first two games. 

While they have yet to win, this is a Generals squad that is expected to improve as the season goes on and is coming off two narrow losses. Going up against the powerhouse Swan Valley Tigers to open the season, it was the Parkland club that won by 14, and last week, the Generals lost by five against the Southwest Sabres.

"That's going to be a great test for us, they are fast and well-coached," offered Tomkins. "We are up for the challenge, our goal is to finish this week with three wins. Our defence needs to continue putting pressure on them."

There is no doubt that Dauphin has been dominant on the defensive side of the ball but they have also looked excellent offensively. With 134 points in two games, Dauphin has scored 52 more points than Swan Valley who is second offensively with 81 points. In comparison, Moosomin has tallied 21 points in their first two games.

"Our offence is doing great, they're rolling on all cylinders right now," ended Tomkins. 

Chase Glover has been a driving force on the offensive side of the ball with 133 yards rushing while Ronin Mouck has 137 receiving yards. Jackson Cheater has six tackles and five quarterback sacks while Sully Fox has two tackles, one tackle assist, and two quarterback sacks to go along with a fumble recovery. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 19, 2024 - 10:24 am

There's a buzz in the air. 

Months after losing in game seven, 15 players have returned and are ready to go. The Dauphin Kings will open their 2024-25 campaign on Friday night as they play the Virden Oil Capitals inside Tundra Oil & Gas Place.

It's the first of 58 regular-season games for Dauphin, which will host its Assiniboine College home opener on Saturday when the same Oil Capitals come to Credit Union Place. 

The team's leading scorer Cayden Glover has returned after posting 48 regular-season points last year in 50 games and six points in seven playoff games. Cole Sheffield, who won 28 regular-season games and was outstanding in round one against the Blizzard, has also returned. 

Of the team's returning core, the 14 skaters combined for 264 points last season.

Here is what Dauphin's roster looks like for opening day.

Cole Sheffield - the now 20-year-old from London won 28 games in net for the Kings during the regular season last year. He continually proved why he was one of the top goaltenders in the league. Then in the playoffs, as Dauphin went up against the Blizzard, Sheffield put on a show.

He made 46 saves in game one, 71 in game six, and another 52 in game seven as Dauphin was one win away from advancing to the second round. Sheffield in the preseason this year finished with one shutout, a 0.62 goals-against average and a .976 save percentage.

Victor Larin - from Upton, Quebec, Larin comes to Dauphin after winning five games with Ulysse Prep Varsity last season. While inexperienced at the junior level, Larin was very impressive during the preseason. The 18-year-old had two wins, a .936 save percentage and a 1.65 goals-against average.

It will be Cole's net to run with this year but Larin has proven that he is very capable of stepping up when Sheffield needs a night off. 

Aiden Murray - back for his second year as a King, Murray took great strides throughout his first season in Dauphin. He was one of the players that benefited greatly from Dauphin going younger at the trade deadline as the 19-year-old from Decker was inserted into the lineup on a more consistent basis. 

When that happened, Murray turned into an excellent junior player and posted 12 regular season points while suiting up in all of Dauphin's seven playoff games, garnering two assists.

Brett Magarrell - Brett played the first 31 games of his junior career with the Portage Terriers before coming to Dauphin. A tireless worker who always pushes himself, Brett is the type of player who will run through a wall for his team. 

While Magarrell has yet to be a consistent offensive producer during his junior days, he has great upside on the back end and this could be the year that he adds more offence to his game.

Dylan Miko - he has great size and will be a player who is excellent at getting under the skin of his opponents. Miko, who comes from just down the road in Onanole, played the last five years within the Yellowhead Chiefs program. Last year, he produced 23 points in 44 games while adding up 58 penalty minutes.

Miko is one of those players that already comes in with great strengths and as he adapts to the junior game, there's no limit to how good he could be.

Naaman Hofer - getting the Winnipeg native back is like a dream come true. He was acquired from the Winnipeg Freeze before last season and Hofer made his first season in Dauphin a memorable one.

Finishing third in scoring among defenceman, the crafty skater finished with six goals and 39 assists in the regular season. Hofer has a great knack for his elusiveness and ability to create space for himself and in turn, his teammates that he feeds to puck to. Hofer's first year with Dauphin was a big one and his second is expected to be even bigger.

Justin Mongeon - with a solid defensive group in place, Mongeon will have to earn every second that he gets on the ice. Luckily for him, he's ready for the challenge and has looked impressive throughout the preseason. 

He proved last year that he has a nice offensive touch with 25 regular season points and seven in just eight playoff games. Mongeon is a mobile skater and it will be exciting for fans to watch how he blossoms throughout the campaign.

Matthew Haun- Dauphin is still relatively young on the back end. Only Haun and Hofer will start the season as 20-year-olds. Like Mongeon, Haun also enjoyed some nice offensive success last year with 41 points in 43 games, 13 of which were goals. 

Haun won't be asked to deliver a ton of offence when he's on the ice but his ability to find the open man and put the puck in the back of the net certainly won't hurt. The 20-year-old from Rochester also stands in at 6'2" and 194 pounds. 

Ty Pratte - his transformation is incredible. After joining Dauphin following a trade with Winkler at last year's trade deadline, Pratte left the city following Dauphin's game-seven loss needing to put on some weight and become more physical.

Whatever he did in the off-season, that is exactly what he has done. Pratte has looked fantastic and it is very clear that the soon-to-be 19-year-old put in the work. Pratte comes into the season with something to prove and based on the work he has done over the past few months, he's looking forward to proving it.

Declan Hoad - he comes to the organization fresh off winning a provincial title and being a part of a team that had one of the best seasons in Canadian AAA history. Hoad was a member of the Brandon U18 Wheat Kings as they did not lose a single game in regulation last year in league play with their only loss before the Telus Cup coming in the regionals when they dropped a meaningless game against Thunder Bay.

Drafted in the sixth round by Dauphin in the 2022 draft, Hoad then helped Brandon advance to the national final where they lost to a team from Quebec. It will be interesting to see what Declan does during his rookie season in the City of Sunshine.

Nathan Lenoski - he was just acquired in a trade with Portage earlier this week and Lenoski is already impressing his new coaching staff after reporting to Dauphin. From Winnipeg, the 20-year-old was riddled by the injury bug last year but still managed to post 25 points. 

In the prior season with the Winnipeg Freeze, Lenoski had 20 goals and 41 points in 47 games. Dauphin only had to give up future considerations and a player development fee for Lenoski so it is a win-win for the Kings and now it's up to Lenoski to do the rest.

Jackson Hofer - coming to the Kings from Deloraine, Jackson had 21 points with the Southwest U18 Cougars last season. Hofer comes in with solid size and big strides which makes him a potential threat at the junior level. 

Gabriel Bugeaud - from Terrebonne, QC, Gabriel came out of the gates firing on all cylinders during his rookie season. In his first 14 games with Dauphin last year, the speedy Bugeaud posted 12 points. While Gabriel couldn't keep up with that torrid pace, he still finished sixth in rookie scoring in the league with 34 points.

He has great speed and a big body, huge things are expected from Gabriel.

Ethan Stewart - just like Hoad, Stewart comes to the Kings fresh off a provincial title. As Brandon steamrolled their way through the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, Stewart was instrumental in the team's success in posting 64 regular season points and another 12 playoff points.

Dauphin selected Ethan seventh overall in the 2023 draft and he took part in the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings training camp earlier this month. The sky is the limit for the 17-year-old who won't turn 18 until March. 

Jack Bechard - he can shoot, he can skate, and he can score. Jack Bechard appears to be the full package and after lighting up Prairie Junior Hockey League with the Regina Capitals last year, Bechard has already made a name for himself throughout camp and preseason.

Jack scored twice and finished with three points in three games in the Blue and White. Last year, Bechard had 63 regular season and 32 playoff points as he proved he was a step ahead of his competition. 

Rylan Gage - he won a provincial title with his hometown Hamiota Red Sox senior baseball team this summer and came into camp on a mission. He lost weight and gained more muscle. Gage has made a statement so far over the past three weeks of camp. He has taken over shifts on multiple occasions when he was in the lineup for preseason play and had two points.

Gage, more than anything, wants to be a King. He knows nothing is given and instead, Rylan has worked his tail off and he will be provided with every opportunity to succeed this year and there's no reason he shouldn't. Watch out for Rylan Gage, his transformation is impressive and fans are in for a treat.

Rylan Gibbs - he has yet to be a consistent offensive producer at the junior level but he's hoping his final year as a King will solve that. Heading into this year, Rylan has 14 goals in 104 games as a King.

As captain of the Parkland U18 Rangers in the 2021-22 season, Gibbs scored 21 times so there's no doubt he can score. He has a brilliant shot and will always have the hometown fans cheering him on.

Madden Murray - he's fast and has a great shot. He's also from Dauphin and always has a smile on his face. Madden Murray is a true junior hockey player. He never stops thinking about the game and many times he's the first one at the rink and the last one to leave.

Madden has looked very impressive over the last three weeks and should get plenty of opportunity in the top six to produce this year. Murray is also not afraid of digging deep in the corners for the puck, whatever has to get done to succeed, you can count on the Dauphin star.

Sheldon Shyiak - he will never forget his first goal scored at the Hockey For All Centre last year. Sheldon returns for his second year as a King and after spending the season in and out of the lineup, Shyiak is looking to become a more consistent contributor.

This won't always be by putting up points, Shyiak plays with an edge and is not afraid to lay the body on his opponents. 

Ashton Paul - he has one of the best shots you will see. After starting last season in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) with the Flin Flon Bombers, Paul came over to Dauphin at the deadline and put up 32 points in 25 games. 

He's only two years removed from scoring 26 goals with his hometown Blizzard during the 2022-23 season. He had every opportunity to succeed that year and that will once again be the case this year. If you're the one scoring them, goals are loved and Paul is hoping to add many of them this year. He scored seven with Dauphin last year across 32 games. 

Joshua Schmidt - his biggest goal as a King was scored in overtime of game two against the Blizzard last year. Josh is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, there's no doubt about that. He's also very passionate about representing the Kings' crest.

It's also evident that Josh put in a lot of work on himself in the off-season as he looks a step quicker and with a smile on his face, he will say a big season is ahead. Schmidt finished with two playoff goals last year after posting nine points across 38 regular season games. 

Gavin Nemis - the 18-year-old is another player who put in a lot of work over the summer months. He has come into camp bigger, stronger, and faster. Gavin showed signs of brilliance last year with 14 points across 37 games and also faced some growing pains adapting to the junior game.

He will get an extended opportunity to showcase his skills this year and fans should look forward to watching the Winnipeg forward.

Devun Olfert - he is likely ecstatic to be on a team that will contend this year. Devun played for the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) last year and they won just 10 regular season games before losing in the play-in series.  

Olfert comes to Dauphin with some good size standing at 6'2" and has already shown that he is ready for the MJHL challenge after scoring a hat-trick against Swan Valley in the preseason. You can tell that Devun plays with intensity and he should fit in very well with the Kings. 

Lucas Durham - Kings fans will have to wait a little longer to see Lucas make his regular season debut as he's out for a few more weeks with an upper-body injury sustained in a preseason game against Swan Valley.

When he eventually hits the ice, it will be very easy to notice the 18-year-old from Oshawa. At 6'4", Durham provides a towering presence and he showed in the preseason that he has an offensive touch with two points in as many games and several other chances. Another great addition to the team.

Joey Kubas - From Bloomington, MN, Joey comes in with something to prove. Some American skaters have struggled in years past to adapt to the Canadian game and how physical the MJHL is. If you ask Joey; however, he isn't worried about that. 

While Joey isn't a towering force, he has no problem going into a scrum and battling for a puck which is something that he will have to continue doing if he hopes to enjoy success. You know you will get 100 percent commitment and he will never take a shift off. In his final year of high school last year, Kubas had nine goals and 12 assists. Fun fact, Joey's dad, Andy is the team's assistant general manager and director of USA scouting.

Cayden Glover - a special player with a rocket of a shot. Last year's leading scorer is back as Cayden Glover returned to the City of Sunshine for his 20-year-old season. Cayden led the team last year with 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points in 50 games. He then put forth six playoff points in seven games. 

Cayden has no trouble sticking with the biggest players in the league and will never shy away from some rough stuff. If he has the puck in the slot with some open space, good luck to other goalies. Glover is ready to get his season going on Friday just down the road from his hometown in Virden.

"This year is going to be very exciting, we have a great group of guys and we're ready to go on a run," said Glover. "When it came down to it, it was an easy decision to return. From Haley as our trainer to the coaching staff to our amazing fans, Dauphin is an incredible place to be. I'm happy to be a King for another season."

Ethan Williment - he is the lone member of Dauphin's championship team in 2022 that is still here. He loves being a King and would do anything for this organization. Ethan hopes to have his biggest year yet as the team's season opens on Friday.

Williment was well on his way to posting a career-high in points last year but the injury bug hit him as he finished with 18 points, four shy of the previous year when he had 22 points. If the Winnipeg native can stay healthy this year, an exciting season should be on the way for the 20-year-old who began his junior career in Dauphin and will end it here.

Luke Myhre -  the 17-year-old just joined the team earlier this week after returning from the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In his lone year of AAA hockey in Manitoba with the U18 Rangers, Myhre had 32 points, 16 of which were goals. He then made his way to Prairie Hockey Academy last year where he scored 12 times in 29 games and had 10 assists. That was followed up by a four-point performance across three playoff games.

Standing at 6'2", Myhre brings great size back to his hometown junior team and moves very well. It will be interesting to see what Myhre can do in his first year as a junior. 

There is a ton of excitment heading into the new season. Expectations are high for the Kings and with the group that Doug Hedley has assembled, they should be. Nothing will be handed to this team, they will have to earn everything and their first chance to earn two points will be on Friday when they play the Oil Capitals.

Darnell Duff will have the broadcast of that game beginning with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 7:20. Dauphin then hosts the Oil Capitals on Saturday for their Assiniboine College home opener. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 18, 2024 - 4:25 pm

There were many unknowns when the Dauphin Kings season ended on April 3, 2024.

Only Alex Senf and Logan Walker were not eligible to return this year as they ran out of eligibility and have since begun their collegiate careers south of the border. The remaining 23 players from last year were able to return and throughout the summer months, there were rumblings that some key members of the team were not going to return.

As the 2024-25 season continues to inch closer, the Kings have welcomed back many of the main pieces from last year including Cole Sheffield between the pipes while Naaman Hofer and Ashton Paul are also back.

18 players from last year's team that pushed the Blizzard to game seven in the first round are back and the list includes a sniper from Brandon as Cayden Glover was thrilled to commit to the Kings for the upcoming season. Glover had 48 points in 50 regular season games with the Kings last year after coming to Dauphin following a four-game stint with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) to begin the season. Glover also had six points in seven playoff games.

"This year is going to be very exciting, we have a great group of guys and we're ready to go on a run," said Glover. "When it came down to it, it was an easy decision to return. From Haley as our trainer to the coaching staff to our amazing fans, Dauphin is an incredible place to be. I'm happy to be a King for another season."

Cayden reported to Dauphin ahead of training camp at the start of the month which was followed by a busy six-game preseason schedule. Across three preseason games, Glover scored twice while adding one assist as he tied Jack Bechard and Devun Olfert for the team lead in preseason scoring.

Dauphin's exhibition schedule wrapped up with a 1-0 shootout win against Virden over the weekend and come this Friday night, Glover will be at Tundra Oil & Gas Place as the Kings open up their 2024-25 campaign against the same Oil Capitals. Cayden grew up in Brandon which is just a short drive away from Virden so he knows he will have plenty of fan support come game time on Friday.

"That's huge, I'll have my grandparents, family and friends in the stands," offered Glover. "It's the final regular season opener of my junior career so I want to soak in the atmosphere, Virden is always a good rink to play in. I'm looking forward to it."

Glover also admits that some extra emotions will come with Friday's game. With it being the final season opener of his junior career, Cayden wants to make it a season to remember.

"I've been through my last first preseason game and last training camp of my junior career," commented Glover. "All of those experiences are bittersweet and it shows how fast time flies. This is my fifth year of junior hockey, I just want to stay in the moment this year and enjoy everything a little bit more."

Glover's junior career began in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers where he played 30 games, recording three goals and three assists. He then went to Prince George where the Brandon star played 93 more games. 

With 180 combined games of Major Junior and Junior A experience under his belt, Glover has learned a lot about himself over the years. He's gone from being a rookie to now being a veteran and should the Kings have the season they are hoping for, the second-year King will have to be front and centre. Glover has also become a fan favourite and will play his final home opener on Saturday when the Kings welcome the Oil Capitals to town for the Assiniboine College home opener at Credit Union Place.

"I think the biggest thing from year one to last year was confidence, I lacked that at the start, I was scared to make a mistake in my early days of junior hockey," said Glover. "When I came to Dauphin, I put that to the side and just played my game. The biggest thing for me this year is staying positive and confident in my head. I know I can make the plays, that's my mentality."

Heading into this season, Cayden also has some extra motivation to succeed. He will never forget how the team's season ended last year when Riley See scored the game-winning goal in triple overtime in game seven as Dauphin saw their season end in The Pas. Previous to that, it was all smiles for Glover after Dauphin forced game seven with a thrilling five-overtime win in game six.

"That feeling is still with us, it's stuck with it, we know that feeling and how much it sucks," said Glover. "I will do anything in my power to make sure we don't have to go through that feeling again."

He spent the summer on the golf course, visited his old billets from his WHL days out west and experienced Craven which featured Luke Combs and Nickleback this year. All while spending plenty of time in the gym, Cayden is ready for the season. 

"Everyone is fired up, we're all ready to go," said Glover. "We know that we have the team to make it far this year. Friday can't come quick enough."

You can hear Darnell Duff's full chat with Cayden during the first Kings Powerplay Show of the season on Friday after the 4:00 p.m. CKDM NewsNow Afternoon Update. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 18, 2024 - 10:00 am

As the Dauphin Kings continue to prepare for the new season which begins on Friday night in Virden, they have added some firepower.

In a trade with the Portage Terriers, Dauphin acquired Nathan Lenoski. Nathan, of Winnipeg, had nine goals and 25 points in 43 regular season games with Portage last year. He posted 41 points in 47 games with the Winnipeg Freeze during the 2022-23 season.

Lenoski was on the ice with his new team on Tuesday and is slated to make his debut when Dauphin opens the campaign on Friday in Virden. 

Dauphin sent future considerations and a player development fee to Portage to complete the trade. 

King Tips:

• Cayden Glover will join 730CKDM on Wednesday, he led Dauphin with 48 points in the regular season last year;
• The Dauphin Kings Powerplay Show returns on Friday afternoon after NewsNow at 4; and
• 730CKDM is once again the official radio station of the Dauphin Kings, beginning with Friday night's broadcast from Virden. The Parkland Source for Sports pregame show is at 7:20. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 17, 2024 - 4:40 pm

The future of hockey in the Parkland is in great hands as the Parkland U15 Rangers get set to begin their season.

Featuring players from all across the region, the U15 club presents an opportunity for players to get their first taste of AAA hockey. It's a significant leap up for first-year players and while many experience growing pains, it's an incredible chance to develop and grow your skills playing elite competition.

This year's group is led by a man who runs the Swan River Golf & Country Club during the summer and come wintertime, he trades his wedge for a stick. Clint Weir has been named the team's head coach this year. Weir has been coaching minor hockey for years and is excited about the new challenge.

"I am excited and scared at the same time, it's a big jump up from coaching minor hockey, there will be a learning curve," said Weir. "Our goal is to develop the team and aim for success. We will be a hardworking group."

Joining Weir will be Byron Billett of the Neepawa Titans, Ryan Gardner of Dauphin, and a man who achieved great success with the Dauphin Kings. He coached at two Royal Bank Cups and led the Kings to multiple first-place finishes in the then-Sherwood Division in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

He coached in multiple MJHL all-star games and led the Kings to an MJHL title in 2010 when they won 12 of their 13 playoff games.

He's a local legend and will lead developmental sessions for the team as Marlin Murray is back in the fold. 

"That is super exciting. I told my child that having him coach you at this age and develop you guys as a team is huge," offered Weir. "With his experience and knowledge, you don't usually get that kind of coaching at the U15 level."

Team Roster:

Already having played two preseason games, the U15 club will be back on the ice for two more tune-up games on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, they'll play at 6:00 p.m. against the Northeast Wolfpack of Saskatchewan before the two teams battle again on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Both games will be at the Centennial Arena in Swan River. 

"We're looking strong, it's going to be a quick learning curve for the group," ended Weir. "It's a great group of kids and they're great to be around, it's going to be a great winter at the rink for all involved."

Following this weekend's games, the team will open their regular season on Saturday, September 28 as they welcome the Yellowhead Chiefs to town for a 3:30 puck drop at Credit Union Place.

The Rangers will then play six games in October, eight in November, four in December, six in January, and seven in February.

The team's regular-season finale is Sunday, February 23. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 17, 2024 - 11:03 am

It was a great weekend on the pebbled ice for Team Dundas

Cassidy Dundas of Onanole is skipping her team this year and it includes Tessa Terrick of McCreary as well as Lauren Evason and Eryn Czirfusz.

The foursome played in the Cargill Curling Training Centre Manitoba Junior Curling Tour fall spiel over the weekend and finished as finalists after a tremendous run. The foursome won their first four games, outscoring their opponents in the process, 36-8.

Up against Team Miura of Japan in the final, the Japanese foursome scored two in the seventh and held on for a tight 6-5 victory. Next up for the team is the Mother Club Classic in Winnipeg. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 16, 2024 - 3:11 pm

He posted two wins with a .942 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average in the playoffs last year. 

This after his save percentage was .911 in the regular season. He's a top prospect of the Dauphin Kings and has been practicing with the team since the start of training camp, impressing Doug Hedley and his coaching staff along the way.

Piet Mierau has been with the Pilot Mound Academy prep team for the past three seasons and now as the 2024-25 season nears in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, Mierau is now a Parkland Ranger.

Mierau's transfer was completed and after practicing at the Junior A level, Piet was on the ice with his new team for the first time last Thursday.

"It's always nice to have someone of his calibre in the net," said Josh Tripp, the team's head coach. "I saw him last week and he looked excellent. I've heard he's done very well with the Kings as well, so we're pleased to welcome him to the fold."

Mierau is joined by Kyle Pelletier and Ethan Myhre. Myhre was a member of last year's team while Pelletier had a great season with the U15 Rangers.

On the back end, the team's group will include Sam Swanton, Ryder Garnder, Nathan Miller, Carter Moncrief, Joey Hall, Colton Knox, and Jordan Height.

The team's forward group consists of Quinten Fisk, Liam Chartrand, Dayson Martin, Forrest Karlson, Cade Legaarden, Noah Smigelsky, Ryzlie Nepinak, Landyn Garton, Alex Campbell, Ben Poole, Brayden Budolowski, Cash McCallum, and Sam Lacasse.

This after cuts were made following the team's two preseason games over the weekend in Souris. They lost 8-4 against Interlake on Friday and 6-3 to Southwest on Saturday. In the team's first game, Legaarden scored a pair of goals while Chartrand and Garton netted a goal apiece. During Saturday's game, Smigelsky, Nepinak and McCallum found the back of the net.

The Rangers led 3-1 on Saturday against Southwest before coming up short.

"I thought we played quite well, we had a chance to win both games," said Tripp. "We had some breakdowns in the defensive zone and they capitalized on their opportunities. We had chances, just couldn't find the back of the net as often as needed. We played very well against Southwest, much better than the first game. We ran into penalty trouble in the second game and the Cougars did a good job capitalizing."

The team's short preseason has ended as they prepare for the regular season which opens on Saturday, September 28 against Central Plains at Stride Place before playing Pembina Valley the following afternoon.

The Rangers finished second-last in goals for last year with just 116. Heading into this year, Tripp says offence shouldn't be an issue.

"We have a ton of skill, that's not going to be an issue for us, we're super skilled," commented Tripp. "I want our guys playing more of a grind-it-out type of game, the harder we work getting in on the forecheck and being hard on pucks, the better we will be. We have to play the right way, pair our offensive firepower with a solid defensive game."

Parkland's home opener is Saturday, October 5 when the Eastman Selects come to town for a pair of games at Credit Union Place. Darnell Duff will be joined by Jeff Henson as the duo will broadcast the team's home opener. 

The Rangers are just a few years removed from making the second round of the playoffs for the first time in more than 20 years while last year, they missed the post-season by 12 points after a 13-win campaign. The Rangers also lost their last nine games of last year.

This year, Tripp is looking for much more and as he says, fans should expect more as well.

"Our forward group is very deep, I know we are going to score," ended Tripp. "Once we start firing on all cylinders, this is going to be an extremely exciting team to watch. I believe this team has the firepower to surprise some of the other teams, I'm excited to lead this group."

To view Parkland's entire schedule for the upcoming campaign, head here. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 16, 2024 - 10:51 am