On July 10, the Dauphin Kings announced Bryan Kromm as the organization's new head coach and general manager.
Kromm spent the past two seasons with the Trail Smoke Easters of the British Columbia Hockey League. Last year, he was the team's associate coach and assistant general manager.
Bryan arrived in town earlier this month and immediately got to work. He moved into his new office at Credit Union Place and began exploring the community. The 31-year-old is now just days away from opening his first training camp with the team.
He's had the chance to meet many people in Dauphin so far and thanks everyone for the warm welcome.
"Very supportive of me and taking the job," said Kromm. "That's fantastic for me. The facilities are first-class. I don't think many Junior A programs have what we have here in Dauphin. Very fortunate that way as well."
Two weeks following his hiring, the team's coaching staff was set. Kirklan Lycar will serve as an assistant coach this season. Lycar is no stranger to the Dauphin Kings organization. He played for the club from 2014 to 2016. He had 46 goals and 39 assists for 85 points in 116 regular-season games.
He also had five playoff points in four games.
"For me, having someone familiar with Dauphin was huge," said Kromm. "The second thing is his age. He's green and fresh. He's excited to be a coach and work hard. It's been a good relationship so far. He's been answering the call whenever I ask; things have gone well."
Next on the menu is training camp. Ahead of the 2026-27 regular season, Dauphin holds camp this weekend at Credit Union Place. The first practice is on Friday morning at 11:30. Another one hits the ice at 12:30.
The first game is on Friday night at 6:00. Saturday's schedule includes a game from 10:00 to 11:30. The annual JoFo Cup starts at 4:00 on Saturday afternoon. That's followed by another team practice on Sunday morning.
The camp roster is smaller than it has been in the past.
"I'm hoping that with smaller numbers, guys realize that there is a fair shake for them," added Kromm. "They'll have to bring their best to the table. It should be a very competitive camp. I'm really excited about what we have coming in."
Immediately following camp, the Kings' preseason begins. On Monday night at 7:00, they host the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. It's the first of five exhibition contests for the Kings.
They host Waywayseecappo next Friday. Then head to the Arena Complex the following night to play the Wolverines. Neepawa and Dauphin then have a home-and-home to wrap up the preseason. On September 9, the Kings head to Souris to play the Titans.
Two days later, Dauphin hosts Neepawa on September 11.
Kromm expects a high-paced and high-tempo team.
"I think we're going to work hard. We're going to compete. Guys are going to play physical and heavy," offered Kromm. "A brand of hockey that everyone is familiar with. The teams that have success are the ones that play aggressively every night. Not scared to take risks. An exciting style of play to watch."
The regular season begins on Friday, September 18. The Kings are in Selkirk to play the Steelers. You can hear that game right here on 730CKDM. A full broadcast schedule is here.
