For the first time since dispatching of the Selkirk Steelers on December 18 to wrap up 2021, the Dauphin Kings will play inside of Credit Union Place.
Dauphin opens their 2022 schedule against the Winkler Flyers who come into the contest in a tie for second in the East Division alongside the Winnipeg Blues.
Dauphin; meanwhile, is in first place in the West Division and has a four-point lead over Waywayseecappo. Both teams returned to practice earlier this week and with the deadline just a few days away, the Flyers have been active.
Earlier this week, they acquired Troy Hamilton from the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He had 13 goals to start the season with Waywayseecappo and had another five with the Red Wings. They also acquired Nick Dobson from Winkler. Dauphin has yet to make a trade but as mentioned, there are still a few days until the deadline is here.
Friday’s game is the first of two between the two clubs this season as they will meet back in Winkler on Sunday afternoon. Two years ago when these two teams met in Winkler, the Flyers goaltender squared off with Avery Smith.
Dauphin enters the game with three wins in their last four contests while Winkler has also won three of their last four games.
“They’re a heavy team and they have some top-end talent,” said Doug Hedley, head coach and general manager. “We’re going to have to be defensively aware and we have to be on our A-game to have success.”
By the numbers:
Dauphin
GA – 118
GA – 66
PP% – 26.4
PK% – 86.9
Home record – 12-3
Leaders – Kaden Bryant 20g, 17a
Colby Jaquet 6g, 28a
Brayden Dube 15g, 12a
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Winkler
GA – 106
GA – 92
PP% – 24.6
PK% – 82.8
Road record – 5-8-1-1
Leaders – Justin Svenson 18g, 26a
Jayden McCarthy 18g, 23a
Trent Sambrook 5g, 27a