Sam Swanton made his MJHL debut with the Dauphin Kings in the 2023-24 season.
He played two games. He played another two games the following season. Last year, Sam was a full-time King. He played 18 games. He accumulated three goals and four points. As the curtain rose on the 2026-27 season over the weekend, Sam is back in the Blue and White.
It's his second full season with the club. A year after playing 18 games, Swanton is expected to play a much larger role on the team's back end this year. He said it's great to be back with the Kings, and he's looking forward to seeing what the team can do this year.
Last week, Quinten Fisk said being a King is a privilege. Like Quinten, Sam is from Dauphin. He rose through the ranks and played AAA with the Parkland U18 Rangers. From the Rangers, he signed with the Kings. And just like Quinten, playing with his hometown team means everything to Sam.
"It's an honour to be able to represent the crest and community," said Swanton. "Being from Dauphin, the Kings are a big part of the community. I'm really happy to be a part of it."
Sam had a solid preseason. He had one goal and three points in three games. In two regular-season games so far, Sam went off. He had five assists during Opening Weekend. Four came in the team's overtime loss on Opening Night.
He had one more in the Assiniboine College Home Opener.
Swanton has already surpassed last year's point total. He credits his teammates and is happy with the start.
"When you throw up more points in two games than all of last year, it gives me a decent amount of confidence," said Swanton. "I'm really looking forward to building off the start."
It was a tough opening weekend for the Kings. While there were bright spots, the team earned only one of a possible four points. After Friday's heartbreaker in overtime, their comeback bid came up just short on Saturday.
Swanton says there is a lot of optimism moving forward.
"Yeah, we found a way to answer back. I believe we're going to be really resilient this year," added Swanton. "Whether we're down by one or a few goals, we're going to find a way to cash in and find the back of the net."
The Kings are back in action on Friday. It's the front half of a home-and-home against the Swan Valley Stampeders. Swan Valley started their season with back-to-back wins over the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. It's the first of six games between the divisional rivals.
While Sam knows every game is important, regardless of opponent, there is some added excitement for this weekend's games. Dauphin hosts Swan Valley on Friday.
"Yeah, as a kid, you always dream about those rivalries against Swan Valley," he said. "I'm looking forward to it in that aspect. For the team, we have to focus on the process, and improve our systems. If the outcome is two wins, that would be great."
You can hear Sam's entire chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show. It airs on Friday afternoon at 4:05 on 730CKDM.
Get to know Sam:
Who was your favourite player or sports hero growing up? Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith. Those are two players I grew up watching with Chicago.
What's your favourite memory as a King? The playoff runs. Being able to see those runs and be a part of those was special.
What's the hardest arena to play in? The Roy H. Johnston, home of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. They've got a small barn with great support. If you can squeeze two points out of there, you're happy.
If you weren't playing hockey, what would you be doing? Studying physiotherapy. I've suffered some injuries over the years. I'd love to help athletes get back to doing what they love.
How do you handle pressure? I've realized that if you make a mistake, you have to go back out and make it right. I have to stay confident in my abilities.
What's your favourite post-game meal? Anything that my mom puts in the oven. If there is food on the table, I'm happy.
What does family support mean to you? They've always been by my side. It means everything. My friends as well. They come to the games, and it means a lot. My parents have spent a lot of time and money to help get me where I am today. I'm very thankful.
It was a magical start for Dauphin's Sam Swanton. On Friday, he'll look to keep it going.
