The Dauphin Kings' final game of the regular season is on Saturday night.
It's Rain Check Night. That means if you have any unused season tickets or flex passes, you can use them to get in the game. If you have a ton, give them away to friends, so Credit Union Place is packed for the final game before the playoffs.
It's also Awards Night. Awards will be presented before, during, and after Saturday's game.
Most Popular On and Off The Ice (Ernie Hlady Memorial Award):
Madden Murray: The hometown 20-year-old is set for a regular-season sendoff as he graduates after this season. Murray is fifth in team scoring with 14 goals and 38 points.
Rylan Gage: The captain has missed some action this season, but he's back for the most important time of the year, the playoffs. Gage has 13 goals and 26 points.
Daniel Helary: The Magic Man has been impressive. Perhaps that's an understatement. His 17 goals are the most among defencemen in the league. His eight power-play goals are second.
Most Gentlemanly Player (Steve "Boomer" Hawrysh Award):
Josh Schmidt: He's a wonderful person. Josh always has a smile on his face. He will be missed after graduating following this season. He's hoping to go out as a champion.
Ethan Stewart: The former provincial champion with the Brandon Wheat Kings isn't always vocal, but he leads by example.
Brody Wytinck: The young defenceman has become a favourite in the locker room. He has a bubbly personality.
Most Improved Player (Dave and Velma Snitka Award):
Dylan Miko: The Onanole product has come a long way from last year. You know what you're going to get with him. A hard-nosed shift every time he hits the ice. Has also added 10 points.
Sam Swanton: Doug Hedley called him the ultimate teammate. Sam comes to the rink to work. He hasn't played a ton this year, but he will get plenty of opportunities moving into next year.
Joey Kubas: Great speed and an outstanding work ethic. The Kings have a good one in Joey Kubas. He's sixth in team scoring with 37 points. He had 16 points last year.
Community Involvement (Dave Seeley Memorial Award):
Rylan Gage: The captain takes great pride in going out into the community. He's always up for a chat and has fully embraced the junior lifestyle.
Ty Pratte: The Moose Jaw product is in his final junior season. He's very well-spoken and puts everything on the line every game. He's also a favourite in the community.
Aiden Murray: Aiden has worn the Blue & White with great pride over the past three years. He will be a Purple Eagle at Niagara next year, but he will forever be remembered as a King.
Outstanding Character (Dauphin Herald Award):
Rylan Gage: The captain has missed some action this season, but he's back for the most important time of the year, the playoffs. Gage has 13 goals and 26 points.
Josh Schmidt: He's a wonderful person. Josh always has a smile on his face. He will be missed after graduating following this season. He's hoping to go out as a champion.
Ethan Stewart: The former provincial champion with the Brandon Wheat Kings isn't always vocal, but he leads by example.
Most Inspirational Player (Johnny Kay Award):
Sam Swanton: Doug Hedley called him the ultimate teammate. Sam comes to the rink to work. He hasn't played a ton this year, but he will get plenty of opportunities moving into next year.
Nicholas Zaharias: He will only play one season in Dauphin. It'll go down as one to remember. Nicholas has been a regular on the stat sheet, and he's a great ambassador for the organization.
Ash Mitchelmore: He's starting to hit his stride and is a great human being. He comes from Newfoundland, and the Kings are lucky to have him.
Bill and June Brychka "Atta Boy!" Award (Most Improved voted by the players):
WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED AT GAME
Best Defensive Player (Barry Trotz Award):
Josh Schmidt: A forward who thinks defence. Josh is fantastic inside his end. He's an outstanding penalty killer and has a relentless work ethic.
Nicholas Zaharias: If you've watched Nicholas play, you know what you're getting. One of the best work ethics the team has seen for years. He pushes himself and gives it 110 per cent.
Ash Mitchelmore: He's a smooth skater who has bought into the team's defensive abilities. Ash is becoming a duo threat. He's hitting his stride offensively, and his defence has always been strong.
Rookie of the Year (Dauphin Minor Hockey Award):
Kale Pratte: The younger brother of Ty, Kale has added a nice offensive touch in his rookie year. He has 10 goals and 17 points, ranking 14th on the team.
Quinten Fisk: The Dauphin star has been elevating his play as of late. He's now up to 16 points on the season, and the future is very bright.
Brody Wytinck: Brody scored his first junior goal on November 15 against Selkirk. He scored a goal in two of his next three games played. A solid rookie season from the blueliner. Nine points.
Best Defenseman (Joe Dawson Memorial Award):
Aiden Murray: Aiden has worn the Blue & White with great pride over the past three years. He will be a Purple Eagle at Niagara next year, but he will forever be remembered as a King.
Ty Pratte: The Moose Jaw product is in his final junior season. He's very well-spoken and puts everything on the line every game. He's also a favourite in the community.
Daniel Helary: The Magic Man has been impressive. Perhaps that's an understatement. His 17 goals are the most among defencemen in the league. His eight power-play goals are second.
Most Valuable Player (Cam Alf Award):
Ethan Stewart: Heading into the team's regular-season finale on Saturday, Stewart has points in 13 straight games. He leads the team with 47 points, 19 of which are goals.
Ty Pratte: Pratte is averaging 0.91 points per game. He leads the team with 15 power play assists, and in fact, it's not close. The next closest is Aiden Murray with seven.
Nicholas Zaharias: If you've watched Nicholas play, you know what you're getting. One of the best work ethics the team has seen for years. He pushes himself and gives it 110 per cent.
King Tips:
- Awards Night brings a close to what has been an exciting regular season of Dauphin Kings hockey. With 32 victories, Dauphin has clinched second place in the MGEU West Division.
- Nine players have recorded at least 30 points. Stewart leads the way with 47, while O'Sullivan and Zaharias both have 45.
- Bryson Yaschyshyn's 18 wins are the fifth-most in the league. Hunter Bauer, who was acquired at the deadline, has 15. He's won eight with Dauphin.
- Dauphin has the second-fewest penalty minutes in the league with 721.
- Playoff tickets will be on sale early next week. The Kings open the Turnbull Cup playoffs at Credit Union Place on Friday night.
- You can hear every playoff game, home and away, with Darnell Duff.