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They had 30 shots in the final 40 minutes of their final game before the Christmas break.

Many of those shots were great chances; it just happened that the Dauphin Kings ran into a hot goaltender as they fell 3-1 in their final game of 2024.

Matthew Thomas scored his ninth goal of the season in the defeat.

“I was very happy with the way our guys pushed back, if you take away about six minutes of that game, we were the better team,” said Doug Hedley, the team’s head coach and general manager. “I thought we generated many chances and played with speed; it was a good road game. You have to give credit to their goalie who played very well.”

Despite the loss, it was a fantastic first half of the season for Dauphin. The Kings beat the Blizzard twice in the final three weeks of 2024 and at the very least, will enter the break in a tie for first place in the MGEU West Division. The Blizzard could sweep Neepawa this weekend and tie Dauphin with 43 points, however, the Kings will enter 2025 in the driver’s seat with five games in hand on the Blizzard.

From October 20 to November 2, the Kings won five straight and went 14-4-1 in their final 19 games of 2024.

“Anytime you win 20 or more games before the break, you know you’re having a good season,” said Hedley. “It’s a good chance for the guys to get away from the game, a mental break and enjoy this time. I believe we have a special group here that can make things happen. We have a group that can play with anyone in the league."

Dauphin returns to game action on Saturday, January 4 when the Winnipeg Blues come to town.  They then welcome the Northern Manitoba Blizzard to town on January 5.

By The Numbers:

Goaltending:

Cole Sheffield

18-7-1 / .920 save percentage / 2.45 goals-against average / 2 shutouts
Cole Sheffield continues to be one of the top goalies in the league. After a sensational first-round performance against the Blizzard last year, the 20-year-old continues to give Dauphin a chance to win every night.

While he has struggled at times this year, his great play has far outweighed any struggles. He won five of his last seven starts and seven of eight between October 13 and November 2.

No goalie has played more than Cole this year and in fact, it’s not even close. His 1520 minutes played are 204 more than Jase Wareham who has played the second-most.

“With Cole, you’re in every game and with him, you have a chance to win a championship and that’s why we’re here,” said Hedley. “You look no further than last year in the playoffs and what he has done this year. Cole is a special goalie and we have full trust in him.”

Bryson Yaschyshyn

3-0 / .885 save percentage / 2.55 goals-against average

Since being acquired from Winkler, Bryson has become one of the most likeable players in the dressing room and it appears that fans love him as well.

Bryson had a tough game against Waywayseecappo on December 10 when he gave up four goals in 16 shots. In his previous two games with Dauphin, Yaschyshyn was brilliant as he turned away 40 of the 43 shots he faced.

Playing as a back-up to one of the finest goalies around, Bryson will continue to improve and the future looks bright for the former member of the Pembina Valley Hawks.

“We didn’t get a large sample size of him but we love his work ethic and compete,” continued Hedley. “We’re looking to get him some real good starts here in the second half to get that consistency and give Cole a little bit of a rest down the stretch.”

Defence:

Naaman Hofer – four goals, 32 assists
Matthew Thomas – nine goals, 13 assists
Ty Pratte – one goal, 15 assists
Matthew Haun – one goal, 11 assists
Aiden Murray – one goal, six assists
Daniel Helary – three goals, three assists
Brett Magarrell – three assists
Dylan Miko – 14 games played

Dauphin ranks third in the league with 77 goals against. Only Winkler (55) and Steinbach (61) have allowed fewer. The Kings possess skill, great size and they’re deep on the back end.

The team will also welcome back Aiden Murray to the lineup in the New Year. He’s been out with an upper-body injury for a good portion of the season. Murray’s last game was a one-assist performance on November 10.

“Getting Aiden back early in 2025 is almost like making a trade at the deadline,” said Hedley. “We have been good without him. With that said, he’s a guy who gives us more ability and is great at moving pucks up the ice. He provides us with that much more depth.”

Hedley also commented on the team’s ability to play in a multitude of ways.

“With Miko and Helary on the back end with their size and strength, we can play any game that the opposition wants to in any size arena,” commented Hedley.

Forwards:

Cayden Glover – 23 goals, 14 assists (his 23 goals are the most in the league, three more than Miguel Bouvier)
Gavin Nemis – seven goals, 18 assists
Rylan Gage – nine goals, eight assists
Madden Murray - (from Dauphin) nine goals, six assists
Gabriel Bugeaud - seven goals, eight assists
Ethan Stewart – three goals, 11 assists
Ethan Williment – nine goals, one assist
Josh Schmidt – four goals, six assists
Havyril Simchuk – 4 goals, five assists
Declan Hoad – five goals, two assists
Joey Kubas – two goals, three assists
Rylan Ringor – one goal, two assists
Sheldon Shyiak – one goal, two assists
Luke Myhre – 10 games played

With their 113 goals, Dauphin has scored the fourth-most in the league heading into 2025. Only Selkirk (116), Winkler (120), and Steinbach (136) have scored more.

When it comes to West Division opponents, Dauphin has 12 more than the Blizzard and Titans.

The Kings scored four goals or more 16 times this season and scored 30 in their final seven contests.

“Gavin Nemis is a guy that we’re relying on. He had some outstanding opportunities in the first half, if he capitalized on half of those, he would be right near Glover,” said Glover. “I believe Bugeaud is going to have an outstanding second half. Getting him back in the New Year will be a big boost for our club.”

Just a few weeks away from the trade deadline, Hedley said the perfect world would see the team add a top-six forward.

“If we could add a top three or top-six forward, that’s certainly something we are looking to achieve,” said Hedley.

As noted above, the Kings return to the friendly confines of Credit Union Place on January 4 and 5. Including a postponed game that will need to be rescheduled on home ice against Swan Valley, Dauphin will play 14 games on home ice in the second half including the team’s season finale on March 15 when Waywayseecappo is in town.

In closing, Hedley is very thankful for Dauphin’s incredible fans.

“The support in town is fantastic. Fans come to the rink wanting to watch a team that works hard and leaves everything on the ice and I believe that’s what our team is about,” offered Hedley. “Our identity is hard work, being an entertaining team and I think fans appreciate that.”

“I want to give a big shoutout to all of our fans, Merry Christmas, safe travels and enjoy the holidays,” he ended.

From 730CKDM’s Voice of the Dauphin Kings Darnell Duff and everyone at the Dauphin Kings Junior A Hockey Club, Merry Christmas and we will see you at the rink on January 4.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 23, 2024 - 12:43 pm

The Parkland U-18 Rangers are heading into 2025 on fire.

Playing their final game before the Christmas break on Sunday, the Rangers filled up the net in a 7-4 win against Central Plains.

Alex Campbell completed a hat-trick in the third to lead the Rangers while Quinten Fisk had four assists. 

Landyn Garton, Cade Legaarden and Dayson Martin also scored for Parkland while Kyle Pelletier earned the win in net. 

The Rangers are tied for fifth and just six points back of fourth after winning 16 games in the first half. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 22, 2024 - 3:36 pm

The Dauphin Clippers hit double digit wins on Friday.

Hosting the Christmas Classic against Neepawa in front of an incredible crowd, Dauphin doubled up the Tigers, 4-2.

Julien Lopez scored twice while Boston Karlson and Jorden Braun also scored in the win.

The Clippers now have 10 wins in 14 games.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 20, 2024 - 4:49 pm

Naaman Hofer played in his hometown three years ago with the Winnipeg Freeze.

After two full seasons with them, Doug Hedley made a trade with the Freeze to acquire the now 20-year-old ahead of the 2023-24 season, and what a decision it was to bring in the smooth-skating defenceman. 

Hofer is well into his second season with the Kings; his first was great. Hofer's 45 points last year were the fourth-most among defenders and he will never forget about one of the longest series in Canadian Junior A history. Dauphin and the Northern Manitoba Blizzard locked horns in an epic seven-game playoff series which ended when Riley See scored the triple overtime winner. Hofer chuckled about game six, a five-overtime affair that was sealed when Cayden Glover scored the winner.

"I don't remember a few of the periods, I had never been a part of anything close to that in the past," said Hofer. 

Naaman has played all 30 of Dauphin's games this season and is an early candidate for Defenseman of the Year as he leads all defenders with 36 points. He's eighth in league scoring and second on the Kings, only behind Glover who has 37.

Hofer has a knack for getting out of jams and is a brilliant skater who is heavily relied upon on the back end.

"It's been great so far, the team is rolling, excited to get the second half going in a couple of weeks," commented Hofer. "I'm pretty confident. I don't try to do anything too crazy, just trying to help the team win."

Hofer had some high praise for Hedley.

"He's a great coach and an incredible leader for us," said Hofer. "He's someone everyone looks up to in the room and the community, very happy to be playing for him."

Naaman, who is in his last year of eligibility, is also an assistant captain this year.

"That means a lot to me, Doug has put a lot of hope into me and I take being an assistant captain very seriously," continued Hofer.  

Hofer is back in Winnipeg enjoying some time with his family as the Christmas break rolls on for Dauphin. The Kings will enter 2025 at 21-8-1 which currently has them atop the MGEU West Division, with games in hand on the Blizzard and Neepawa.

For the next few months, his only focus is helping Dauphin win a championship, which he believes is possible with the special group that has been assembled.

"No doubt, we have a ton of skill, compete and we have a room full of great guys," said Hofer. "We all gel together and everyone is playing for one another, it's a special group to be a part of."

When it comes to Hofer's future, he's heading to Alaska. After a three-week process of speaking to the University of Alaska Anchorage, Hofer announced his commitment to the NCAA Division 1 school. 

Hofer has taken incredible strides over the past few years and is well deserving of this opportunity. 

"I was kind of shellshocked when I found it, it's a dream come true, something I have been pushing so hard towards," ended Hofer. "I was shaking a bit when I found out, it's so exciting. Looking forward to that but focusing on Dauphin for now."

From everyone at 730CKDM and the Dauphin Kings, congratulations to Naaman Hofer for committing to the NCAA Division 1 University of Alaska Anchorage.

Get To Know Hofer:

Q: What is one of your greatest hockey memories?
A: I would say that the first-round series last year against the Blizzard, was just wild to be a part of. 

Q: What are some of your hobbies?  
A: I like hanging out with my friends and playing video games, also love spending time outside and going for walks.

Q: What's your go-to video game?
A: I would say Call of Duty, big COD guy.

Q: If someone asked you what restaurant you wanted to go to in Winnipeg, where would it be?
A: I like going to Rae's Bistro, one of my favourites.

You can hear Naaman's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Kings Power Play Show on 730CKDM at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 20, 2024 - 9:53 am

For the second time this season, Quinten Fisk of the Parkland U-18 Rangers was named the CCM Player of the Week in the Manitoba AAA U-18 Hockey League.

Fisk put together another great week with four goals and two assists, two of his goals were shorthanded. The Rangers went 3-0 last week with a win against Yellowhead and two key victories over the Pembina Valley Hawks.

Fisk has been outstanding this season with 22 goals and 14 assists, ranking him 10th in league scoring and leading the Rangers.

Parkland is fifth in the league standings ahead of their 2024 finale on Sunday afternoon when Len Dupasquier and the Central Plains Capitals come to town. That game is at 1:30. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 18, 2024 - 10:06 am

During the 2021-22 season, Rylan spent the season as captain for the Parkland U-18 Rangers and had a great year with 63 regular-season points in 44 games and six more playoff points in seven games. Rylan was full of confidence and made his hometown junior team the following season where he scored seven times and had 13 points in 52 games.

Rylan returned to Dauphin's lineup last season and increased his point total to 18 points in 44 games. He also notched an assist in four of the team's playoff games against the Blizzard. Returning as a 20-year-old this season, Gibbs played three games before he was dealt to the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL). 

Although the season didn’t start as Rylan had hoped, he remains incredibly grateful for the opportunity he had in Dauphin and will always treasure his time as a King.

"I grew up watching the team for as long as I can remember, I enjoyed my time immensely in Dauphin," said Gibbs. "I made some of my best friends today playing with that organization. I spent two good years with the team and wish them the best moving forward."

Upon arriving in Blind River, Rylan quickly assumed a leadership position. With 107 games of Junior A experience, all earned with Dauphin, he was appointed assistant captain for the remainder of the season with Blind River.

"I was extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity. I believe my presence was felt when I got here based on my experience," continued Gibbs. "The coaching staff believed I was a good fit to help lead the team."

Since joining his new team, Rylan has been a steady presence on the scoresheet. In 15 games, he has recorded two goals and 12 points, averaging 0.80 points per game, which ranks fifth on the team.

His first goal with Blind River came in his first game in the Red & White as he let go of a beautiful wrister in a game against Greater Sudbury on October 24. It was a part of a two-point night as the Dauphin star got off to a great start with the Beavers.

"Everything that was in my game in Dauphin has translated here with a bit more," offered Gibbs. "I have been able to use my speed and playmaking ability to my benefit. I'm trying to do anything I can to help this team, things have been going very well."

Gibbs' performance has been instrumental in propelling the team to the upper ranks of the standings. With three consecutive victories and a strong record of seven wins in their last 10 games, the Beavers have climbed to a tie for third place with the Soo Eagles.

They are now only five points behind Hearst, who hold second place, positioning the team within striking distance of even higher success.

"We went through a couple of rough patches when I first got here but that's what can pull a team together," ended Gibbs. "We're starting to come together as a group and finding ways to win. When you're winning, you're having a good time and getting closer to the guys. Everyone is feeling great right now and we're looking to keep the good times going."

The team will conclude the first half of their season on Friday, facing the Soo Thunderbirds at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 18, 2024 - 10:00 am

The Dauphin Kings peppered Taye Timmerman with 43 shots, several of which were high-calibre opportunities.

Timmerman, who is only 17, shut the door as he made 42 saves in pushing the Blizzard to a 3-1 win over the Kings on Tuesday night. It was Northern Manitoba's first win against Dauphin this season after the Kings won the first two meetings in The Pas. 

Matthew Thomas (9) opened the scoring 2:51 into the game as Dauphin dominated most of the game but it was the Blizzard that scored three straight and Timmerman did the rest.

Despite the loss, Dauphin (21-8-1) remains on top of the West Division by four points over the Blizzard and five over the Titans. After the Blizzard play against Neepawa this weekend, the Kings will have five games in hand on them and four on the Titans.

The Kings will return to the ice on January 4 when the Winnipeg Blues come to town.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 17, 2024 - 8:05 pm

They finished second after the round-robin and came up short in the finals.

The Dauphin U-11 Kings lost the final of their home tournament against the Russell Rams on Sunday afternoon, 8-3. In three round-robin games, Russell scored 36 goals while allowing 13, Dauphin, meanwhile, had 19 goals and 10 against.

The two battled in the final and while it was close late, Russell pulled away to win the title. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 16, 2024 - 11:10 am

For the second week in a row, the Dauphin Kings have dropped in the Canadian Junior Hockey League's Top 20 rankings.

Following a week that saw the Kings beat Norman and lose to Waywayseecappo, the Kings are ranked 15th this week. Dauphin responded after last Tuesday's tough loss against the Wolverines with an impressive 5-4 win over the Blizzard on Wednesday.

Dauphin remains atop the West Division with just one more game before the Christmas break. Sitting 21-7-1, Dauphin is six points ahead of the Blizzard and the Kings have three games in hand. Dauphin will look to end the 2024 portion of their schedule with a win when they head to The Pas on Tuesday to play the Blizzard.

Dauphin has beaten Norman twice this season and remains second in the league, four points of Steinbach.  

You can hear Tuesday's game here on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff beginning with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 6:50. 

Elsewhere in the rankings, Steinbach moved up two spots to sixth while the Winkler Flyers, fuelled by Jayce Legaarden of Grandview, had the biggest leap as they went from 20th to 14th this week. 

CJHL TOP 20 – FUELLED BY GATORADE
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (LAST WEEK)
1. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (1)
2. Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) (4)
3. Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) (3)
4. Edmundston Blizzard (MHL) (2)
5. Leamington Flyers (OJHL) (5)
6. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (8)
7. Rockland Nationals (CCHL) (7)
8. Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) (6)
9. Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) (14)
10. Collingwood Blues (OJHL) (10)
11. Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL) (11)
12. Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL) (12)
13. Condors du Cégep Beauce-Appalaches (LHJAAAQ) (15)
14. Winkler Flyers (MJHL) (20)
15. Dauphin Kings (MJHL) (13)
16. Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) (9)
17. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) (19)
18. Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ) (16)    
19. Navan Grads (CCHL) (17)
20. Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) (HM)

HONOURABLE MENTION: West Kent Steamers (MHL); Canmore Eagles (AJHL); Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL); Milton Menace (OJHL); Soo Eagles (NOJHL).

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 16, 2024 - 10:26 am

The Dauphin Clippers varsity boys basketball team has great length, skill, and players who are committed to working together for one common goal.

That goal is to make a name for themselves while showing the province how strong basketball is in the Parkland. With a great mix of grade 11 and 12 athletes, Steve Hudyma has returned to coach this year's team as their season opened over the weekend following a very competitive set of tryouts.

"The competition level on this team is very high," said Hudyma. "We have a great group of guys that are completely team-orientated and athletic. It is very exciting to see how the rest of this season goes for this group, it should be a fun ride."

Hudyma says the team will continue to work towards finding their identity.

"We do have a lot of length and many skilled players," said Hudyma. "We believe we can keep up with anyone we go up against."

Dauphin's first test was the Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational (BSSI), which took place over the weekend in Brandon. Thirty-two teams, split between Tier 1 and 2, compete for a championship. Dauphin played in Tier 2 and enjoyed great success.

The Clippers won three round-robin games and had little trouble doing so as they pounded Neepawa, Frontier, and Glenboro/Baldur. In a 91-73 win against Frontier, Ronin Mouck led the way with 25 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists while Nick Hudyma had 24 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Gabriel Beaudin also had a monster game with 20 points, six rebounds, and three steals. 

Hudyma scored 23 points and 14 rebounds in a 75-50 win against Neepawa, Mouck had 22 points, 15 rebounds, and five steals, and Jaxon Larocque had 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

Moving forward to a 33-point win over Glenboro/Baldur, Hudyma scored 23 of the team's 66 points and added nine rebounds, six assists, and six steals. Miguel Boncodin had nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists. 

That earned Dauphin a spot in the A-side Tier 2 semi-final, but they came up short in an 85-63 defeat against a Garden Valley team with a centre standing at 6'10". Hudyma had 23 more points, Mouck racked up 19, and Beaudin had 11 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. 

With a chance to finish on the podium playing for third place against Carberry, the Clippers pulled away late in a 76-64 win as Dauphin opened their season with a bronze medal. Hudyma had another monster game with 33 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals while Morgan Fleck had five points and 12 rebounds. 

Steve Hudyma commented on the team's solid start to the season.

"It felt really good. The BSSI is always a very strong tournament, we just ran into a very strong post on that team from Winkler," said Hudyma. "We responded nicely in the third-place match and finished off a great weekend."

Following the tournament, Nick Hudyma was named an all-star. He finished with 126 points, 43 rebounds, 12 assists, and 19 steals. 

"Nick had a strong weekend. With playing some club in Brandon over the past year, he has added some skills to his game and is now a multi-dimensional player," said Steve. 

Mouck also had a monster weekend, scoring 103 points and racking up 43 rebounds to go along with 16 assists and nine steals. 

"Ronin has a huge role on this team, he is a team-first player and will do anything he can to help this team win," ended Hudyma. "It's nice to see him get off to a great start over the weekend."

Dauphin will practice over the holidays before competing in the Big Cat tournament in Sanford from January 10-11. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 16, 2024 - 9:59 am