Chapter 20: Sam Swanton
From the moment he stepped on the ice, he was hooked.
While he couldn't have imagined what would come several years later, he was just happy to be on the ice skating and shooting a puck. As Sam Swanton started playing with Dauphin Minor Hockey, he realized his passion was hockey.
If he wasn't at school in the winter, he was on the ice. If he wasn't on the farm in the summer, he was playing mini-sticks and road hockey. When he was old enough to play AAA hockey, he joined the Parkland U15 Rangers.
Then, when he aged out of that level, he advanced to the next. Sam joined the U18 Rangers in the 2022-23 season and played 44 games. Across three seasons with the team, the hometown star played in 113 regular-season games.
"It was everything. I know many people who have tried getting away from the Rangers and playing for other teams," said Swanton. "I think staying at home, being with your buddies, and playing at a very high level here in the Parkland is something you can never take for granted. I loved my time with the Rangers."
In his second season with the team, during the 2023-24 season, Sam made his MJHL debut playing one regular-season game with the Kings. He then suited up in game one of the Turnbull Cup playoffs against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, and while he had very little junior experience, Sam didn't look out of place at all.
Sam grew up watching the Kings. If he wasn't on the road playing a game, he was inside Credit Union Place watching the Kings play. He practiced with the team all last season while playing 30 games with the U18 Rangers. Swanton battled injuries, but always remained focused and did whatever his body needed to rehab.
He played two games with the Kings. Coming into this year, he wanted to take that next step. He's now played 14 games with his hometown team. Playing with the Kings was once a dream. It's now a reality.
"Yeah, it's an honour to put on the crest every day now," added Swanton. "I love going to the rink and representing my hometown. There's nothing better than that."
In his ninth game of the season, Swanton did it. On January 7 against Portage at Stride Place, Swanton scored his first goal as a King. It was a feeling that the 19-year-old Dauphin product won't forget.
"I was able to find a way to get through the lane and find the back of the net," continued Swanton. "It was nice to get the first one out of the way."
Fast forward just more than a month later, and Swanton broke the ice. In a dominant 6-1 win against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard on Tuesday, with the game tied just more than seven minutes into the contest, Swanton fired a shot from the left point.
It found its way through traffic and beat Nick Kunyk. Sam gave the Kings a spark, and the team never looked back to win their 25th game of the campaign.
For the Kings, it's been a mixed bag as of late. Dating back to a 5-2 loss against Winkler on January 17, the Kings have dropped six of their last 10 games. This is a club, however, that has always shown it can bounce back.
In their last three games, the team has been hot offensively. They've scored 16 times. Dauphin finds itself in second place in the highly competitive MGEU West Division with 51 points. As of publishing, the Kings' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 14.
"We just wanted to put those past few games behind us, and get on a roll here," commented Swanton. "We've been focusing on trying to get net front and drive the paint. It's working out for us. We're looking forward to what the rest of the month brings."
While Sam has not been an everyday player this season, he said he's grateful for the chance to go to the rink every day with 25 guys who he calls brothers. Swanton is often the first one at the rink and the last one to leave. He's a player who always comes to the rink with his work boots.
"I mean, I would like to get in the lineup more. With that said, I believe I'm doing what I can. I'm trying to keep it simple," added Swanton. "It just so happens that I was able to get two goals this year so far. So I'm happy about that."
Sam's parents were in the stands on Tuesday as he scored his second of the season. They also travelled to Winnipeg to watch him last weekend.
"That means the world to me. They try to make it to as many games as they can," said Swanton. "They're the reason I am where I am today."
Sam and the Kings are back in action on Friday when the Winnipeg Monarchs come to town. They head to Manitoba's capital on Saturday to play the Blues. On Louis Riel Day, the Kings make the trip to Waywayseecappo for a crucial game against the Wolverines.
You can hear Sam's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show on Friday afternoon, following news, weather, business, and sports at 4:00.
Get To Know Swanton:
What are some of your hobbies? I love playing golf and hanging out with my friends and family.
Sam admits his golf game isn't incredible, but he has come a long way in recent years. He gives credit to another local star in Boston Karlson, for helping him find his groove on the links.
If you weren't playing hockey, what would you be doing? I would say farming. With that said, I'd like to pursue a degree in physiotherapy.
What's your favourite hockey memory? I would say playing for the Parkland U18 Rangers during Ukrainian Night. Ryan Rauliuk spends a lot of money and time putting together an incredible event.
Do you prefer playing in front of a big or small crowd? You can't go wrong with a packed Credit Union Place. The energy and the vibe, we feed off it. It's pretty special.
If you could earn two points at any MJHL arena, where would it be? Northern Manitoba Blizzard for the past two years. This year, Steinbach. There's nothing better than putting a dagger in them when we can.
What's your favourite childhood memory? Definitely farming with my dad. Being out there and riding on the tractor. Doing whatever I can to help.
How much does your family mean to you? Oh, it means everything. We're all so tight. We love to joke around. Anytime I can support my family, I'm there.
Sam's sister, Sadie, played with Team Manitoba at the U18 national championships this season. She's in her second season with Pilot Hockey Academy.
"Yeah, she's worked very hard to get where she is today," said Swanton. "The sky is the limit for her. If she keeps focusing on what she's doing well, she can achieve anything."