This year's Dauphin Kings roster is very deep.
With outstanding talent from the top to the bottom, the Kings find themselves in first place in the MGEU West Division ahead of their game on Friday night against Steinbach. When a roster is deep, tough decisions have to be made and that was the case this year.
In three separate trades, the Kings dealt three Dauphinites.
The first player traded was Carter Zalischuk as he was sent to the Swan Valley Stampeders.
Zalischuk joined his hometown junior team in the 2022-23 season, playing 44 games with five goals and five assists. He returned to the team last year, playing 47 regular season games and all seven of the team's playoff contests. Zalischuk is a relentless worker and was fantastic on the penalty kill.
Doug Hedley wants to thank Carter for his contributions.
"From the Dauphin Kings organization from the coaching staff up to the board of directors, we want to thank Carter for his hard work and effort with our organization," said Hedley. "It's very tough on a coaching staff to make those types of decisions. I know he is going to do great things in Swan Valley, he's a good teammate and works hard."
Dauphin then completed a trade with the Oil Capitals as Dauphin sent Kyan Grouette to Virden. The Dauphinite joined the Kings later last year after starting his junior career in the Western Hockey League with the Everett Silvertips.
Grouette played 18 games with Dauphin, scoring three times and adding three assists in the regular season before playing two playoff games with the team. He has since played 12 games with Virden.
"He's a kid that came in here, worked hard and had a very good summer in the gym training," continued Hedley. "Although he's not playing in Dauphin, we found him a home. He can continue to improve and enjoy the Junior A hockey experience. We thank Kyan and wish him all the best."
In one final transaction, Dauphin sent Rylan Gibbs to the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. Rylan played 99 regular-season and eight playoff games in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), all of which came with the Kings.
During this time, Gibbs scored 14 times and had 19 assists. He has since scored once and had one assist in three games with his new team in Blind River.
"We're very appreciative of his effort, time and dedication to the crest," ended Hedley. "He is a great kid and a good player. We felt he needed more minutes and puck touches, he needs to be the go-to guy. I believe he could play Division 3 if he chooses that path. I want to wish him all the best and we appreciate the time he put in."
Dauphin returns to the ice Friday when the Steinbach Pistons come to town.