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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

The Parkland U-18 Rangers picked up four massive points this weekend to move into fifth place in the Manitoba U-18 AAA Hockey League.

Playing a home and home against Pembina Valley, the Rangers scored 10 times in a two-game sweep. On Friday, Quinten Fisk, Ryzlie Nepinak, Forrest Karlson, and Landyn Garton all scored a goal apiece as the Rangers downed the Hawks, 4-2. Piet Mierau was sensational as he made 42 saves.

The team then hit the road for a game in Morden and scored six times in a 6-4 victory. Mierau was once again outstanding as he turned away 50 shots in the victory as Parkland was outshot 54-26.

Quinten Fisk had two goals as did Alex Campbell. Fisk also had an assist and Campbell had two assists. Dayson Martin scored once while adding three assists and Landyn Garton also scored for Parkland.

The four huge points elevates the Rangers ahead of Eastman for fifth place in the league. They'll look to end 2024 on a high note next Sunday when they host Central Plains. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 15, 2024 - 9:47 am

Ethan Carnegie was the hero as the Dauphin Clippers beat the Hamiota Huskies in a thriller.

The grade 12 student from Dauphin netted the winner in a 5-4 victory for Dauphin. Ronin Mouck led the way scoring twice while Noah Hanneson and Layne Wolfenden also scored for the Clippers in the win.

Dauphin heads to Brandon to play Crocus Plains on Sunday at 5:30. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 13, 2024 - 9:41 pm

Dylan Miko grew up in Sandy Lake and moved to Onanole when he was 14.

When the 2019-20 hockey season came around, Dylan made the Yellowhead Chiefs U-15 AAA Hockey Team. Dylan wasn’t sure how things were going to go but when he got a call into the office after the final tryout, he came out with a big smile on his face.

He made the team and played 35 games that season, notching six assists.

“I was a scrawny little kid trying to find a way to get on that team,” said Miko. “I just battled my way. I didn’t get the most points but I played pretty sound defensively and moved pucks up the ice. It meant a lot to make that team.”

That year turned out to be the start of an exciting journey on the ice for Dylan as he made the U-15 team once again the following season but played just seven games because the season was cancelled early on because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was a tough pill to swallow, his days as a U-15 player had come to an end and things would only get harder moving ahead. Just like he has his whole life, Dylan got down to the grind and made sure that he had more opportunities.

He made the U-18 AAA Yellowhead team in the 2021-22 season, playing 43 games that season and then posted nine points in 44 games the following year. At this point, Miko had made a name for himself. He went through a growth spurt and was a towering force on the ice. He had his teammate’s backs and would do whatever he could to help the team.

During the 2022-23 season, while with Yellowhead, Miko also debuted in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) where he played two games with the Winkler Flyers. It was a taste of what was to come for the 18-year-old from Onanole.

Along came Dylan’s final year of AAA hockey last season. There was no doubt that it was his biggest year.

Miko was more focused than ever as he posted a career-high 23 points and played all 44 of the team’s games. He knew what was at stake.

“It was do or die, that’s how I took it. I started pushing myself in ways that I had never in the past,” said Miko. “My coach saw a lot of potential in me and I think that’s a big factor in me being where I am now.”

Between the U-15 and U-18 teams, Dylan played 177 games with the Yellowhead program. It was a five-year stretch that the young man will never forget.

“It’s a huge stepping stone, it’s a way to get to the next level,” said Miko. “Many people don’t see it that way but I always did. I had some great coaches; they helped me advance my game. I loved being a Chief, it was a great five-year run with them.”

For many, playing AAA hockey is the end of the line. It isn’t easy to jump up to junior and many players never do.

That wasn’t the case for Dylan. Miko made the short trip from Onanole to Dauphin for the Kings' training camp, impressed the coaching staff and the rest is history. Five years ago, he was thrilled that he made his U-15 AAA team and five years later, Dylan was over the moon happy to know that he made the Kings roster as his junior journey would begin full-time in the City of Sunshine.

Miko has now played 14 games with Dauphin and was in the lineup on Wednesday when the Kings downed their West Division rival, Northern Manitoba Blizzard, 5-4.

“I love it, you breathe hockey every day, this is what it’s all about,” continued Miko. “We have a great group of guys here which makes it even more enjoyable to come to the rink. Dauphin is a great little town as well, it’s awesome and I’m very happy to be where I am.”

With their win on Wednesday, Dauphin has a 10-point cushion atop the West Division as of publishing. That could change on Thursday if Neepawa beats Virden which would see the Kings have a nine-point gap over the Titans.

Dauphin has 21 wins and is tied for first place overall with Steinbach, who they beat over the weekend. While Dylan is pleased, he knows the work is far from over.

“We still have to go to work, we have to find a way to win every game and be more consistent,” said Miko. “Cole Sheffield has been having an incredible season and we need to help him out. Our goal is to get into that first spot, we need to keep pushing and dial in.”

The Kings return to the ice on Sunday against the Swan Valley Stampeders at 4:00 p.m. It’s also Tractor Lotto Day when someone will win $100,000 among other amazing cash prizes. You can get your single tickets, 50/50 tickets and supplementary tickets by calling 1-877-585-4647 or heading to TractorLotto.com.

Miko Fun Fact:

Dylan’s family is close friends with the Kings’ bus driver Les. Les has been the team’s driver for a few seasons now and always gets the team to their destination and home safely.

“I bought my first snowmobile from him,” said Miko. “I went out looking for a nice 500 and there he was. As soon as I saw him on the bus, we got to talking. It’s nice to be acquainted with those old friends, Les is a great guy.”

Get to know Miko:

Q: What are some of your other hobbies?
A: I do a lot of skiing and wakeboarding. I’m also big into fishing as well. Anything outdoors if you ask me.

Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: I have a sister who is playing with the Yellowhead women’s team. It’s a pretty competitive dynamic, she is always trying to be better than me. She’s great and I love her.

Q: Are you close with your parents?
A: Extremely. If I could go home every day, I would. I miss them dearly and I love them. They are the whole reason I am here, they have been by my side every day. They’re great; I wouldn’t have anything without them.

Q: Are you a superstitious guy?
A: I would say to a point, you have to be consistent before and after games in the way you prepare and wind down after a game

Q: What is your favourite family memory?
A: I would say Christmas at home in Sandy Lake at our old home. Being together with family is everything to me. You hear so many stories and a whole lot of Ukrainian food which I love. I have so many special Christmas memories.

Q: What about your favourite hockey memory?
A: That year  I made the U-15 Yellowhead team, I will never forget the moment I found out.

Q: If you could have any meal, what would it be?
A: Anything with meat and potatoes.

While Dylan is just focusing on helping the Kings win, he has looked into what his future could look like. He has been a hard worker since day one, which will continue in Dauphin and well into the future.

“My goal is to go to the University of Saskatchewan and take an engineering degree and go from there,” said Miko. “Other than that, I want to live with a nice family, have a nice house and build a family. I just want to continue being happy.”

You can hear Darnell Duff’s full chat with Dylan Miko during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show after the 4:00 p.m. News, Weather and Business on 730CKDM on Friday.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 13, 2024 - 10:00 am