The Dauphin Kings were looking for a big rebound performance back on Saturday, one night after a 3-1 defeat to open their season against the Neepawa Titans.
Luke Morris scored his second goal in as many games and the newest King, Carson Cherepak put a show on in net. The former Sherwood Park Crusader stopped all 45 shots he faced as Dauphin entered the win column with a 1-0 win. Carson — who won five games last season with the Crusaders — earned first star honours for his performance, one that received a standing ovation from the fans after the game.
The game was Carson’s first as a King and it was certainly one that he won’t forget anytime soon.
“It was an exciting one, that’s for sure. That’s how you want to start a season, especially with a brand new team,” said Cherepak. “I can’t take all of the credit, however. The team did a great job of blocking shots and playing until that final buzzer.”
Cherepak and the Kings are now in the midst of preparing for another home-and-home with Neepawa, with Friday’s game coming at Credit Union Place. From Winnipeg, Cherepak is no stranger to Dauphin as he’s played at Credit Union Place in the past as a member of the Winnipeg Wild of the Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League. He was named Goaltender of the Year in consecutive seasons from 2018-2020 with the Wild. He lost just six regular-season games in the two campaigns combined and he won 47.
Carson learned to skate basically as soon as he could walk. Both his brother and dad played the game so he was introduced to the sport at a very young age and being in net has always been his happy place. Although he started out as a forward, Cherepak often found himself spending time in the defensive zone blocking shots and after some convincing to his parents, Carson fully made the transition and became a goaltender.
Carson has been in Dauphin for just more than a week, he’s staying at Dan Keeping’s family’s home and he’s enjoying every second.
“It’s been great so far. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and I’m really happy to be here,” said Cherepak.
Get to know Cherepak:
Q: What are your favourite teams in the CFL, NFL, MLB, and NHL
A: Winnipeg Blue Bombers, of course. The Arizona Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays and Winnipeg Jets.
Q: Do you have a set pregame meal or do you like to switch it up?
A: Always a bacon and egg wrap, without a doubt.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?
A: I’ll tape my stick, go through my warmup and maybe play some sewer ball.
Q: Favourite cheat meal?
A: Probably a bowl of cereal. I’m a big fan of Frosted Flakes and Fruit Loops.
Q: What are some of your other hobbies?
A: My family has a cabin so I like spending as much time as possible there in the summer. I just love being outdoors, it’s a great place to be.
Carson’s claim to fame outdoors is when he went deep sea fishing with his dad and uncles and they caught a marlin that was more than 6 feet.
You can hear Darnell Duff’s full chat with Carson during the Kings Power Play Show on Friday afternoon.