Former Stamp Commits To College

Brenden Saether's junior hockey journey started with the Mission City Outlaws of the Pacific Junior Hockey League where he played 91 games combined from 2016 to 2018. After that, Saether would ultimately earn his way on a team in British Columbia's top junior league, the BCHL.

Saether played 14 regular-season games with the Surrey Eagles in 2017-18 and he also suited up in 13 playoff games. 27 games are all Brenden played with Surrey as he made the near five-hour trek down the Sunshine Coast Highway as he joined the Powell River Kings. After a 45 game tenure with Powell River, Saether went through the biggest change of his young career as he was acquired by the Swan Valley Stampeders.

He scored three goals and added three assists last season with Swan Valley as the team finished fourth in the regular season. The Stampeders were up two games to one in their quarterfinal series when the season was ended because of the novel coronavirus. So back in Swan Valley for his final junior hockey season, Brenden had lots of faith in the team that they had what it took to make a run, however, that isn't the case for any team in the MJHL this year as the season has been cancelled.

Brenden ended up playing 230 junior games from his time in the PIJHL with Mission City to his last game as a Stampeder way back in November of 2020. And although it certainly wasn't a finish anyone was hoping for, Brenden will never forget about his time in Swan Valley.

"It was amazing. We had a really good team and some great guys," said Saether. "The community was extremely welcoming."

College-bound:

Just as it is for so many junior hockey players, the goal is to advance to the next level after finishing out junior and that's exactly what Brenden has achieved. From Abbotsford, Saether will make the move in the coming months to Boston as he's committed to join the men's team at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Wentworth is a Division-3 school that plays in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC). The conference never hit the ice this season as all games were cancelled.

Brenden knows how great of an opportunity he has been presented with, now he plans on making the most of it.

"I'll go in work as hard as I can and always listen to the coaches," ended Saether. "I just want to help the team win games, whatever it takes.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 4, 2021 - 9:45 am

After plenty of conversation, the Dauphin Kings Board of Directors has come up with a solution when it comes to season tickets and flex packs for the 2020-21 season, one that was only a month in when it was paused and ultimately cancelled.

The following options are available for season tickets and flex pack holders.

Option #1 - As a season ticket holder/flex pack holder, I do not expect a refund for the cost of my ticket, for the 2020-2021 season. I look forward to renewing my season ticket/flex pack for the 2021-22 season. I understand the hardships that the Dauphin Kings had to endure, for this season, and look forward to catching them back on the ice, this fall.

Option #2 - As a season ticket holder/flex pack holder, I would like a credit towards my 2021-22 season tickets. I understand that this amount may not cover the entire cost of my ticket, for next season, but am willing to pay that difference.

Christian Laughland says the entire community has been tremendous during these tough times.

"We want to thank the entire community and local businesses," said Laughland. "It's been an extremely challenging year. We're looking forward to taking care of what happened this past season and we will now focus on moving ahead."

All season and flex pack ticket holders are asked to call Christian by 622-5461 or email CLaughland@DauphinKings.com by the end of the week. If you do not, they will be reaching out to you by the end of next week.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 3, 2021 - 12:25 pm

While there won't be any organized games for the rest of this hockey season, teams can still get on the ice for a couple more weeks in Dauphin. Dauphin Rec Services confirmed today that they will be keeping the ice in at Credit Union Place until April 1.

Wes Carnegie says anyone can now book the ice, but the number of slots available may be limited.

"People have already called and pre-booked a lot of ice hoping this would happen," said Carnegie. "It's booking up really fast with everything that is going on."

As of Friday, restrictions have been lessened which will allow for all teams to run practices and drills. Carnegie says although he wishes games could be played, he's just happy that user groups will have the chance to use the facility for a full practice for the first time since November.

"It's going to be nice to see teams back on the ice with more than just one or two players," stated Carnegie. "I know kids will be happy to be back on the ice with their teammates."

You can call 622-3150 today to book your ice session.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 3, 2021 - 11:00 am

Starting this Friday, March 5, 2021, indoor ice rinks will be permitted to open for practices and drills.

Indoor rinks can open at 25 percent total capacity, with public health measures in place including for spectators, common areas and locker rooms.

Darnell Duff has been informed that more information will be provided on Wednesday when it comes to the status of hockey in Dauphin.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 2, 2021 - 3:09 pm

A Western Hockey League season like no other is underway as four of the five teams in the Central Division were able to get in two games this past weekend. The U.S. Division will begin to play on Thursday, March 18 when the Portland Winterhawks battle the Tri-City Americans.

Meanwhile, B-C's Health Minister Adrian Dix says a plan has been approved in principle to allow the Western Hockey League to resume operations in the province. Dix says that a "series of variances'' are still required from public health authorities, but he expects the five teams in the league's B-C Division the Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Prince George Cougars, Vancouver Giants and Victoria Royals to play this season.

The two Manitoba teams in the WHL -- the Brandon Wheat Kings and Winnipeg ICE -- will compete in the seven-team East Division which is scheduled to begin play on Friday, March 12 inside the Regina Hub.

And with the new season less than two weeks away, the Brandon Wheat Kings have named their final roster. It includes the likes of captain Braden Schneider, star forward Ridly Greig, and Ben McCartney, just to name a few. Also on the list is a young man that grew up watching the Wheat Kings as Tyson Zimmer prepares for his first WHL campaign.

Tyson says he's ready for the opportunity to become an everyday impact player.

"It means a lot, this is such a great organization and the fact that I'm a part of it, it's an honour," said Zimmer. "I'll take full pride in being a Wheat King and I'll work as hard as I can to help this team win."

After all Wheat King players quarantined in their hometowns, they all made their way to Regina and moved into dorm rooms at the University of Regina this past weekend. When the team's quarantine period ends, they will begin practicing at the Co-operaters Centre -- where all practices will take place -- with games being played at the Brandt Centre, home of the Regina Pats.

Zimmer says he's really looking forward to going through this once-in-a-lifetime experience, just two years after he was drafted by the team sixth overall.

"I believe once we get out of quarantine, guys are really going to enjoy what will happen here," ended Zimmer. "We're all going to be really tight; I think it's going to be a great time."

Tyson was fortunate enough to get into some action before 'Code Red' put the hockey season on pause in Manitoba back in November. In just 10 games, Zimmer scored four times and he added another four assists while being a plus-six for a team that ended the season at 7-3 and atop the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Northwest Division. Tyson knows nothing will be handed to him as he joins the Wheat Kings as one of their top prospects; he plans on earning anything that he gets.

"I have to build on my confidence that I built up in Wayway, I think I showed I can play junior hockey," stated Zimmer. "I just have to continue doing the small things right and the rest will come with it."

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 2, 2021 - 9:50 am

The 5th annual MJHL Prospects Development Camp is a go this summer.

An event which will welcome many Parkland athletes will take place from July 14-18 at the Seven Oaks Complex in Winnipeg.

It is by invite only and is open to players born in 2004 and 2005 who are eligible to play in the MJHL next season.

"This camp provides the next generation of MJHL players with the knowledge and resources to be successful on and off the ice," said Kevin Saurette, Commissioner.

The camp is highly attended (In-Person or Virtually) by scouts from higher levels of hockey including the WHL, USHL, NCAA, U Sports and the NHL, providing an amazing opportunity for players to further showcase their abilities.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 1, 2021 - 9:42 am

The Dauphin Kings continue to provide players with a place to play to finish the season as the MJHL season has come to an end.

The team traded Layne Toder to the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the British Columbia Hockey League. Toder played just one game with Dauphin after he was acquired from the Portage Terriers. The BCHL continues to remain committed to getting back on the ice.

The Kings also loaned Parker Malchuk to the Edmundston Blizzard of the Maritimes Hockey League. Malchuk had six points -- one of which was a goal -- in six games with Dauphin this year.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Feb 27, 2021 - 1:00 pm

When the 2019-20 season came to an end, Braden Schneider was enjoying a career year with the Brandon Wheat Kings as the Prince Albert native tallied seven goals while adding 35 assists.

The Wheat Kings were poised to top the East Division as they were just six points behind the Raiders for the top spot but ultimately, the Wheat Kings didn't get the chance to prove how strong of a team they were and Braden wasn't provided with the chance to continue his career year when the novel coronavirus shut things down in mid-March.

A blow, without a doubt, but Braden stayed positive knowing things would turn around and he would eventually get back on the ice with his Wheat Kings teammates. Before that, NHL draft day arrived and the Wheat King defender was selected 19th overall by the New York Rangers. Following the virtual draft -- something that no one has experienced before, Braden entered the Team Canada bubble to go through yet another experience that so many have never and will never get the chance to go through.

One year after being a snub of the Canadian junior hockey team, Schneider was given his chance to play in the annual IIHF World Junior Championships as he made Team Canada.

After serving a suspension early in the tournament, he went on to score once and add two assists in six tournament games as Team Canada finished in second, behind their American rivals.

"It was a ton of fun, we had a great team and a great group of guys," said Schneider. "We were very fortunate to be able to play and it was a lot of fun. It was an experience that we all will benefit from."

The life of a professional:

Known as a defender that is as steady as it comes, Braden was given the opportunity to make the jump up to the American Hockey League as he joined the Hartford Wolf Pack to begin the season, the AHL affiliate of the Rangers.

Braden got into two games with the team and he racked up one assist. That assist came back on February 11 in a 4-0 win against the Providence Bruins. Schneider was also a +1 over his two games.

"That league is so different, it was boys to men for me," said Schneider. "I was a sponge, I just wanted to soak in as much as possible during my time with the team. I'm really looking forward to the future with the Rangers organization."

Wheat City leader:

With two games under his belt, Braden is now quarantining as he prepares to head to Regina with his Wheat Kings teammates ahead of the start of the WHL season on March 12. Brandon's first game this season will mark a big milestone for Braden as he has played in 199 games (including playoffs) with the Wheat Kings. He needs to play 15 to reach the 200 games regular-season mark with the only WHL team he has played for.

And when the Wheat Kings do hit the ice in game action next month, Schneider will wear the 'C' as he's been named this year's captain. This after he served as an assistant captain for the past two seasons.

"I was ecstatic to know that I was named the captain," stated Schneider. "We have a lot of great players and leaders on our team so to be named captain means that much more. It's a tremendous honour for me and I'll wear it proud."

Braden says the most important thing for the team is staying positive when entering the bubble after he experienced the Team Canada bubble.

"This is such a great opportunity for us to get super close as a team and if we make the most of it, it will be a ton of fun," ended Schneider.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Feb 26, 2021 - 10:45 am

The Grand Plains Minor Hockey Association was only a few weeks into the season in November when Manitoba went into 'Code Red' which shut rinks across the province and with that, the season was put on pause.

Manitobans had hoped hockey would be able to resume earlier this month; however, that wasn't the case and on February 11, the association officially ended its season. And although the season was much shorter than anyone would have hoped, it was still a season for the books for Grand Plains.

"We probably had record amounts of teams out here in Grand Plains, so that's really exciting," said Scott Crowe, President. "Everyone came into the season so excited to play so it's just unfortunate that we didn't get that opportunity."

In some other exciting Grand Plains Minor Hockey news, they were able to secure boards that split up the rink in two halves and they will be used at both the GACC and at the rink in Gilbert Plains. The boards will be used for all competitions involving U7 and U9 teams.

The boards were made possible thanks to dozens of donations including ones from Ryan Pulock, Kent and Leanne Topham, Tom and Lisa White, and the Gilbert Plains Municipality, just to name a few.

Crowe says the boards are an extreme upgrade from the mats they were previously using.

"It's really exciting for our two communities," said Crowe. "To raise all of the money, that's incredible. The boards were around $16,000 so we can't thank all of the donors enough."

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Crowe says preparations are already underway for the 2021-22 season and everyone can't wait to get back on the ice.

"A ton of work was put in to make this season even possible," ended Crowe. "The ice was in for just about a month and now everyone is looking forward to next season."

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Feb 25, 2021 - 9:35 am

The Brandon Wheat Kings ended the 2018-19 season on Saturday, March 18 on home ice against the Regina Pats. In front of nearly 5000 fans, Luka Burzan scored the shootout winner as Brandon nipped Regina, 5-4.

Brandon's last game during the 2019-20 season was a 4-2 defeat against the Prince Albert Raiders and more than a year after that loss, the Wheat Kings will hit the ice once again. In a normal year, the Western Hockey League's regular-season would finish in the middle of March. As we all know, times are certainly not normal as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back on February 12, 2020, the WHL was granted approval by public health officials from the Government of Saskatchewan to play in a Hub Center located in Regina. This means the East Division's seven teams will open a new season on Friday, March 12.

Brandon will be joined by Winnipeg, the host Pats, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Swift Current, and Prince Albert as the teams will come together for a 24 game development season with all games being played at the Brandt Centre.

Don MacGillivray, Head Coach for the Wheat Kings is thrilled that the team will get going in Regina very soon.

"I think everyone's excited to be playing. We all understand it's going to be different than normal, and everyone is ready to commit to things they may not have to in a normal season," offered MacGillivray. "We're extremely happy that owners made a commitment that will get our guys on the ice."

Being placed in a bubble will without a doubt give all teams a great opportunity to bond together as a team. MacGillivray says that will not only benefit the team off the ice but on the ice as well.

"It's a great opportunity to grow this group and become a real tight group," he stated. "In a normal season you would spend up to two weeks on the road, now we're spending upwards of two months."

All members of the Wheat Kings are now self-quarantining before reporting to Regina on February 27, where they will undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival followed by an additional quarantine period.

Schneider Effect:

After starting the season in the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack, it's been announced that Braden Schneider will return to the Wheat Kings as they enter the East Division Bubble. It's very likely that some young Wheat Kings prospects get an extended opportunity to hit the ice during this developmental season and the organization has put their full trust in Schneider to lead this group.

The Prince Albert native who played with Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships has been named Captian of the team. Darnell Duff will catch up with Braden later this week to get his thoughts on the season and his time in the AHL.

Braden has played the past three full seasons with Brandon and the New York Rangers draft pick without a doubt has a great future in store and if there was ever a time to learn how to be a great leader, living with your teammates for two months and spending countless hours with them -- as will happen this season -- could be the best way to achieve this.

Prospect time?

Nate Danielson, Tyson Zimmer, and Rylen Roersma went fifth, sixth, and 16th overall to the Wheat Kings in the 2019 draft. Roersma had three points in five games to start the season with the Lethbridge U18 Hurricanes while Danielson averaged two points per game during his five games. Zimmer; meanwhile, playing with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) scored four times and added four assists.

During my conversation with MacGillivray, he had many great things to say about all three prospects, but he keyed in on Zimmer who grew up just two hours away from Brandon in Russell, Manitoba.

"He's going to have the benefit of playing some junior games and I think that's huge for him," said MacGillivray. "Just like every young player, he's going to have to find his way. There is going to be a lot of young players around the league."

Don expects to have eight guys in his lineup that have never played a Western Hockey League game before and many teams are expected to be in the same position as the season rolls on.

"Our young guys will battle for spots on a nightly basis, they will have to earn it," ended MacGillivray.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Feb 24, 2021 - 10:29 am

The Dauphin Kings completed two trades today with the 2020-21 MJHL season now in the past.

The first deal saw the team send Colby Jaquet to the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. With the AJHL set to resume a developmental season early next month, Jaquet will get the chance to finish out his 19-year-old season. Jaquet will return to Dauphin next season as his trade to Lloydminster is done on a loan basis.

"We asked the 19-year-old players if they wanted to finish their season and Colby wanted to," said Doug Hedley. "We'll get him back here in time for next season."

The second deal brings the end to Vincent Nardone's time as a King. The 20-year-old was sent to the Carleton Place Canadians of the Central Canada Hockey League. This move gives Nardone a place to finish his junior hockey career.

"He's closer to home now as well," said Hedley. "It will do us some favours next year and he gets the chance to finish out his junior career so we're happy about that."

Nardone became a fan favourite in Dauphin with his speed and great hands. In six games, Vincent recorded seven assists playing on the first line alongside Grady Hobbs. Although it was a short stint in Dauphin for Nardone, Hedley says he made an impact.