He was passionate, he gave it his all, he was loved by so many, and was one of the finest around.
Al Gaines moved to Dauphin and began working at 730CKDM on September 28, 2009. Host of the popular Al Morning Show, he celebrated his 10-year anniversary and worked at the station until October 30, 2023.
On top of his contributions at the radio station, Al was fully immersed in the community. He was the public address announcer for the Dauphin Kings for 13-plus seasons.
He was also the PA announcer for the Dauphin Clippers, Parkland U18 Rangers, and minor hockey tournaments throughout the years.
Al suddenly passed away earlier this week. He was 49.
Al made minor hockey players feel like superstars with his goal calls and excitement. The Kings fed off Al's energy and great music playing.
He devoted thousands of hours over the years to the Kings, Clippers, Rangers, and so many minor hockey tournaments.
Since the Dauphin Kings' post on Wednesday night, hundreds of people expressed their condolences.
"Such shocking news! Al was such a wonderful community spirit and a staple at the rink for all of us hockey families. He will be greatly missed."
"Al will always be remembered for his "put the fans first" and for his incredibly kind heart. All the hockey kids will remember him as the legend in the sound booth and his famous phrase, "Dauphinnnnnn Kings Goal."
"On behalf of the Dauphin Rec Hockey Jr., it’s very sad to hear of Als passing. He did many years at our home tournament and was a great voice for the kids to hear."
Christian Laughland, Director of Business Operations for the Kings, and Deputy Mayor spoke on the passing of Al.
He said Al was the voice of Credit Union Place.
"He had been working for the Kings alongside Terry Murray since 2013," said Laughland. "He was the voice of Credit Union Place for so long. He had a really good heart and he wanted everyone to enjoy themselves when at Credit Union Place."
Christian and Al grew a deep bond over the years and he will forever miss him.
And he knows so many others in the community will as well.
"It will be tough to come to the rink without him around to do games," ended Laughland. "He touched a lot of lives in a really good way."
Al Gaines is gone, but will never be forgotten.
