(Story courtesy of Darnell Duff/730CKDM)
Mike Glover’s final season as a competitive hockey player was in the 2008-09 season where he scored 10 times in 12 games and had nine assists with the Oak Lake Icemen of the North Central Hockey League.
Nine years prior to that, he played 37 games with the OCN Blizzard, scoring seven times and adding 11 assists. The following season, Mike joined the Dauphin Kings. In 63 games with Dauphin, Glover had 14 goals to go along with 28 assists and 72 penalty minutes. Glover ended that season as Dauphin’s fourth leading scorer.
Now 22 years removed from playing in Dauphin, Mike will be making many trips to the city this year as his son Cayden has joined the Kings. Cayden was reassigned by the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League earlier this week and he’s thrilled to be in Dauphin.
“I’m glad to be here, it’s been an easy transition so far,” said Glover. “I knew a few guys which always makes it easy when joining a new team. The hockey is great, I’m ready to get down to business.”
With a couple of practices under his belt, Glover is impressed with the team’s work ethic.
“Every single person on the team gives it their all every practice,” offered Glover. “It’s also a very tight-knit group, everyone is good buddies. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do here.”
Originally from Brandon, Cayden played 116 regular season games in the WHL and seven more playoff games. He started with the Medicine Hat Tigers after he was drafted 25th overall in the 2019 WHL U15 Draft. Cayden was in math class when he was selected by the Tigers, so he left the classroom to talk with his friends about the big news. Leading up to draft day, Glover highly impressed scouts as he scored 47 times and had 19 assists in the 2018-19 season with the U15 Wheat Kings.
“I was super excited, it was an incredible moment for me,” said Glover. “My friends were all super happy for me, it was pretty cool.”
Later that season, Glover represented Manitoba at the WHL Cup and while they had to settle for bronze after losing to Saskatchewan in the final, Cayden says that was his most enjoyable season to date. Glover would go on to play 30 games with Medicine Hat before he was dealt to Prince George, where he played 82 regular season games and the seven playoff games.
“The WHL was a huge transition from U18 hockey, it took me quite a while to get used to it,” said Glover. “The experiences were great and playing with Medicine Hat and Prince George was great. I was happy then and I’m happy now to be in Dauphin.”
Coming in at 6’1″, Cayden pairs his solid size with a great shot and speed and it will be on display for the first time for Kings fans on Saturday when Dauphin hosts the Neepawa Titans. The Kings downed Neepawa, 6-2, last week and they are now looking for their sixth win of the season.
“It’s going to be super cool skating on the ice for the first time wearing a Dauphin jersey,” offered Glover. “I’ve heard the fans here are incredible and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Get to know Glover:
What are some of your hobbies? I love playing video games, my favourite is NBA 2K24. I also love playing basketball and baseball, overall I’m a big sports guy and I love hanging out with my friends.
What’s your favourite hockey memory? I would say getting drafted by Medicine Hat or getting second place in the WHL Cup with Manitoba.
Are you a music guy? I love music, it’s one of the things I’m very passionate about, I have a playlist that is like 70 hours. Zach Bryan is one of my top listens.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to go somewhere overseas like Dubai or Greece
What is your favourite meal? Definitely steak and mashed potatoes
Do you have any pregame rituals? Nothing really specific, I like to have a nap before and retape my stick every game