Chapter 22: Josh Schmidt
Josh Schmidt joined the Dauphin Kings three years ago in 2023.
He played 38 regular-season games in his debut year, scoring six times with nine points. He was in the lineup for all of Dauphin's seven playoff games. He was the overtime hero on March 24, 2024, when he scored in the team's 5-4 win. The Kings lost that thrilling series in seven games.
Schmidt returned to the organization last year and took his game to the next level. In the regular season, he doubled his production with seven goals and 18 points. As Dauphin advanced to the Turnbull Cup final last year, Schmidt was there every step of the way. He played 16 games, adding one goal and four points.
After last year's heartbreak in game seven, Schmidt returned to Dauphin this year, and he's more determined than ever. Not only is this his final season as a junior hockey player, but he is also more committed to closing the deal.
Schmidt has played 144 regular-season games with Dauphin and 23 more in the playoffs.
"Honestly, representing the Kings' crest means a ton to me," said Schmidt. "It's been such an incredible time in Dauphin. The people are so accepting, the facility is incredible, and we have a great coaching staff. There is nowhere in Canada that I would rather play in than Dauphin."
In his third year as a King, Josh is closing in on a career year. He had 18 points last year. With seven regular-season games left, Josh has 17 points. He's coming off a one-goal, one-assist game and will be looking to continue with that momentum.
"I'm a little disappointed with my play. I find that I've been very inconsistent this year," added Schmidt. "I have played well in stretches. But that consistency as a 20-year-old hasn't really been there. There have been positives at the same time. I've had stretches of really good hockey, so I'm happy about that."
Dauphin is coming off one of their biggest wins of the season. Going into last Saturday's game against Virden, the Kings had dropped all four games against them this season. They were trailing 4-2 in the second. They flipped the script and hit their stride.
The Kings scored three straight goals to take a 5-4 lead and held that lead late until the Oil Capitals' Colten Worthington scored to force overtime. No goals were scored in the sudden-death period, which set the stage for Ethan Stewart.
He made a beautiful move and beat Micky Gross as Dauphin earned its 28th win of the season. Confidence booster achieved.
"Yeah, it was massive. Great goal by Stewart in the shootout. The guys were fully committed to winning that hockey game," said Schmidt. "Our push back after we went down by two goals was unbelievable. It was unfortunate that we couldn't close it out in regulation, but that's part of the learning process. It was extremely exciting in the dressing room after the game. It was a great win for our group."
Dauphin had already clinched a playoff spot when Swan Valley lost its game. In Kings' fashion, however, they qualified with a victory. The Kings have qualified for the playoffs each year that Josh has been on the team.
The goal this year is simple: finish the deal.
"Hopefully, this time, we just get it done. We have to keep working, trust the process, and hopefully, seal the deal," commented Schmidt. "Last year was far too close. All the returning guys are craving it."
Josh's junior career is in the final stages. The team has just seven games left before the playoffs. He'll be back in the lineup on Friday as the Kings head to Neepawa to play the Titans.
"My mindset here is to leave no regrets, put everything I have out on the ice, it'll make for some great memories," offered Schmidt. "If I leave everything out there, I'll enjoy it to the best of my capabilities. Play the game with no regrets."
After Friday's game, Dauphin returns home to host Portage on Sunday afternoon. They're in Selkirk next Tuesday, then heading to Waywayseecappo next Friday and Virden next Saturday. The Kings are in The Pas to play the Blizzard on March 10 and end their regular season at Credit Union Place against the Winnipeg Blues on March 14.
The Turnbull Cup playoffs begin on Friday, March 20. The Kings are currently in a heated battle for home-ice advantage in round one. They're tied with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines for second place in the MGEU West Division with 58 points.
After the Wolverines split two road games earlier this week, the Kings have a game in hand. Dauphin is six points ahead of Neepawa, who occupy the final playoff spot in the division.
As Dauphin gets set for the home stretch, Schmidt believes the team is trending in the right direction at the most important time.
"We're almost there. We have to clean up a couple of things in the defensive zone," ended Schmidt. "All five guys need to be a bit tighter in the defensive zone. When we do that, I think there is a golden chance to win it all."
You can hear Josh's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show. It runs on Friday afternoon after the 4:00 news, weather, business, and sports.
Get To Know Schmidt:
What are some of your hobbies? In the offseason, I play a ton of golf. That's pretty much it.
How is the golf game? Honestly, not where it should be, considering how much I play. I just started getting into it last year.
If you could swap bodies with any athlete for a week, who would it be, and why? Lebron James. He's one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
If your junior hockey career were to end today, what would you miss the most? 100 per cent would be the dressing room. Between the dressing room and having a group of guys outside of the rink, it's a sacred bond that you form when playing with guys for a full season. That's going to be tough to leave.
What's your favourite thing to do if you have no training or team obligations? Madden Murray and I go to Caddie's Golf Simulator & Lounge quite a bit; it's a great spot. Or put on a good TV series, that's always fun.
What's your favourite TV series? Joey Kubas and I just finished watching True Detective, that's great. I watch a lot of Brooklyn 99 and some Family Guy.
Would you rather win a championship, but play poorly, or play the game of your life, and lose? Definitely win a championship. That's what it is all about.
What's the biggest sacrifice you've made for hockey, and was it worth it? I'm 20 years old. I'm in a different province, 20 hours away from my home. That's my biggest sacrifice. It is completely worth it. It's an experience I would never have gotten to do if I just gone to school. I'm forever grateful.
What's one of the most ridiculous or fun moments you've experienced with your team this year? At the start of the season, a bunch of the guys went down to the Clear Lake area and went wake surfing. That was a great time.
Josh Schmidt is ready to swing for the fences as the playoffs loom for the Dauphin Kings.