Chapter 4: Week Off Update
They blew a three-goal lead to open the season in a defeat against the Swan Valley Stampeders.
Since the Dauphin Kings have hit their stride, with wins in three straight games and a 10-day break in between games, the team has been on the ice this week, preparing for their next contest. That's on Tuesday night when they head to Swan River to play the Stampeders.
How Did They Get Here?
Last Friday, Dauphin made their first trip to the Yellowhead Centre to play the Neepawa Titans. The Kings scored two goals in the first period and one each in the second and third. A highlight was Kale Pratte scoring his second goal in as many games. Bryson Yaschyshyn made 22 saves for his second straight win. Ash Mitchelmore scored his first as a King, and Nicholas Zaharias potted his second.
It's never easy to go into the Yellowhead Centre and win a game. The Kings improved their record to 2-1 with a 4-1 win.
"I really liked the way we started the game. We were on our toes, had energy, and urgency," said Doug Hedley, head coach and general manager. "We played well away from the puck and controlled their speed through the neutral zone. Yash was very good. It was a solid night for everyone."
On Saturday, the two teams returned to Credit Union Place to wrap up a weekend home-and-home. It was the Titans' Addison McIntosh who scored his first of the season to give Neepawa its first lead over the Kings this season. That lasted only 13 minutes as captain Rylan Gage continued his red-hot start to the campaign with his third goal with just more than three minutes left in the second.
That set the stage for the tremendous trio of Kale Pratte, Luke Myhre, and Quinten Fisk. Quinten won't turn 18 until April. Luke is 18, and Kale just turned 18 in March. Together, they've been giving opponents fits. On this night, Fisk delivered the knockout punch as he scored on a rebound to give Dauphin a 2-1 lead, and they never looked back.
"They've figured out how hard they need to work. They're very smart and are playing a full 200-foot game," continued Hedley. "They're establishing a forecheck and are forcing turnovers by competing. It's great to see, they're big boys, and are a heavy line. They have skill and speed."
Now, when you only score twice, you often need good goaltending to win a hockey game. Justin Perreault was playing only his second game of his junior career, and his first with the Kings. He was acquired in a trade from the Winkler Flyers earlier this season. The 18-year-old put on a show for the fans at Credit Union Place. Perreault turned away 30 shots, many of which came from high-scoring areas, as he earned his first win as a King.
He was named the first star of the game and skated off the ice to fans applauding the young netminder. Perreault comes to Dauphin after an incredible season with the Winnipeg Wild of the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League. He went 25-4-1 in the regular season last year with eight shutouts.
He then led the Wild to a league title by winning eight of 10 playoff games, with one shutout. He was named the league's most valuable player, had the best goals-against average and save percentage, was a first-team all-star, and the goaltender of the year. Justin also represented Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games in the past.
"He was solid. Very good down low on the ice and controlled rebounds," said Hedley. "There were a few scrums where he could have lost the puck, but he kept it out. He was the difference in a few situations, which could have resulted in a different outcome. He was very solid and really liked what I saw."
(PEDERSON PHOTOGRAPHIC)
First Period Lockdown:
Dauphin has been nothing short of fantastic in the first period this season. In fact, they've been perfect. In four first periods this season, Dauphin has found success offensively with seven goals.
At that same time, Dauphin has not allowed a goal against in the opening frame. Dauphin has allowed 10 or fewer shots in two of their opening periods, while they gave up 13 in another and 12 in the other. The Kings have 44 shots in the first this year, two more than they have given up.
"That goes back to the grey line, Josh Schmidt, Sheldon Shyiak, and Rylan Gage, they've started all four games for us. They establish that good forecheck off the hop, and it gets contagious for everyone," continued Hedley. "Kudos to that line for doing their job and allowing the rest of the guys to follow."
Leaders By The Numbers:
Ethan Stewart - two goals, three assists (1.67 points per game)
Nicholas Zaharias - two goals, three assists (1.25 points per game)
Luke Myhre - four assists (1.33 points per game)
Bryson Yaschyshyn - two wins, .940 save percentage, 2.00 goals-against average
Justin Perreault - one win, .968 save percentage, 1.00 goals-against average
What's Next?
The Kings head to Swan River on Tuesday to play the Stampeders. You can hear that game here on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff, starting at 6:50 with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show.
The team then heads to Manitoba's capital next Saturday to play the Winnipeg Monarchs at the Hockey for All Centre. Then on Sunday, they're in Niverville to play a very good Nighthawks team. You can also hear that game here on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff, 2:50 Parkland Source for Sports pregame show.
Dauphin's next home action is on Saturday, October 18, when the Monarchs pay a visit to Credit Union Place.
Gone But Never Forgotten:
In talking with Doug this week, he also shared some words about Gary Sydor. Sydor, a longtime Kings fan and cornerstone for the Tractor Lotto and AG Project, passed away last Friday.
"He's been around the organization for many years. He was instrumental in getting the Tractor Lotto going, which has been huge for the organization," ended Hedley. "Then the AG project and all the work he does for that. Our players all know what he was about. Gary and Rae Csversko are in our players' lounge. They're a big part of our history. Gary will be missed."
Earlier this week, the team said goodbye to Gary.
Don't forget to tune into the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show on Friday afternoons at 4:00 for in-depth interviews with players, the coaches' show, and everything Dauphin Kings.
