In the last six full seasons, the Dauphin Kings have won 212 games.
That's an average of 35.3 wins per season. They're one of the most consistent teams in the MJHL.
This year, they won another 33 games. They finished red hot with four straight victories and 14 goals. There are a few certainties in life. Death, taxes, and the Dauphin Kings making the playoffs.
As the Turnbull Cup playoffs open on Friday, the team is once again going dancing, under the guidance of head coach and general manager Doug Hedley.
"Getting off to a good start is always crucial. It gave us a chance to face some adversity in January, and we ended up 10 games above .500," said Hedley. "It wasn't the best second half that we wanted. With that said, we lost some firepower. It's a credit to the guys who stuck around, worked hard, and showed loyalty. Being in the playoffs, finishing second, and having home-ice advantage in the first round are bonuses. Looking forward to another run."
Dauphin won three of four games in September, seven of nine in October, and six of 11 in November. After going 3-3 in December, the team hit a rough patch in January. They won only four of their 11 games.
The Kings got back on track in February with six wins and won four of six in March.
Consistency was a factor throughout the campaign. The team stuck with it and was one of six teams to win 30 games in the regular season. On Friday night, the dance begins—the Kings matchup with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines for the second straight year.
Last year, Dauphin won the series in five games and advanced to the league final.
This year, the Kings are on a redemption tour. They hated how last year ended. This year, they're gunning for more. The road begins at Credit Union Place with the puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
You can tune into the broadcast with Darnell Duff. It begins with a special 30-minute pregame show sponsored by Parkland Source for Sports at 6:30.
Dauphin won four of six meetings against the Wolverines in the regular season. This includes coming from down two goals to win 4-3 in overtime. Heading into Friday, Hedley is confident in his group's ability against the 29-win Wolverines.
"Our depth. We have four or five lines that can play, so our depth is there," said Hedley. "Our back end is more mobile with the addition of Malone. I think he can help on our special teams and move the puck up the ice. Bauer has been playing solidly, and Yaschyshyn is playing better. I like the way our team is right now. Everyone is trusting each other and working hard."
Dauphin will enter the series with 214 games of Junior A playoff experience. This includes 12 players who were on the team during its playoff run last year, which ended in heartbreak.
The Wolverines, meanwhile, enter the series with only 85 games of Junior A playoff experience.
Experience may not be everything, but it could give Dauphin a slight advantage.
"You have to live it to experience it," said Hedley. "To have that experience, you have to go through it. Right now, we have a lot of guys who have been through the wars and battles. Last year was a great learning curve for a lot of our guys. We want that experience to carry over into the playoffs. They know what it takes, how hard they have to work, and how important it is to pay attention to detail. This series is going to be tough; both teams are capable of playing well. It should be an exciting series."
A player that the Kings may end up relying heavily on is Daniel Helary. The second-year King exploded this year with 17 goals. That was the most among defensemen in the league.
He had 31 points.
"Daniel is a difference maker. He can control a game," said Hedley. "At times, he needs to be more aware defensively. You know, carrying pucks up the ice, being a big, strong body, and coming in late, he's been there for us all season."
The Wolverines scored 196 goals in the regular season, three fewer than the Kings. Sebastien Hicks fuels them. He had 33 goals and 77 points, the third-most in the league. Ben Roulette wasn't far behind with 25 goals and 70 points.
Kurt Rookes added 46 assists and 57 points.
On Friday, all the chips are tossed into the middle. Game one of the Turnbull Cup Playoffs is on the menu, and the entree will be served up with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 6:30.
Cole Hunter was a factor against the Kings in their six regular-season matchups. He scored five times. He had 14 all season with 40 points.
"He seems to be on the scoreboard. You don't notice him a lot, but he seems to be there," said Hedley. "He's a very opportunistic player. Cyca on the back end can move pucks. They fly the zone and create offensive chances by being aggressive on the forecheck. We can exploit a couple of weaknesses if we can get to them. It's going to come down to will, who wants it more, executes, and pays attention to detail."
It's going to be an all-out war. These two teams do not like each other.
The Kings have won four straight and are looking to ride that momentum into the big dance.
"We've been ready for this for three weeks," ended Hedley. "The way we've been playing, it's been playoff hockey, and must-win. Everyone is looking forward to this; it's very exciting."
Ethan Stewart enters the series as the hottest King. He has points in 13 straight games.
Dauphin Kings playoff hockey. It doesn't get any better than this. The journey to the Turnbull Cup begins on Friday night at Credit Union Place.