In less than a month, the Dauphin Kings staff and scouts will have their work cut out for them at this year’s Main Camp. The Dauphin Kings are looking to rebound this season after an “average” year last season. Kings Gm and Head coach comments on a busy summer, “We were fairly active. A couple of trades, a lot of recruitment and we are happy with the additions we have added. It should be a very competitive camp.”
The Kings recent additions see the Kings add more size to their lineup. “Last year we were easy to play against most nights. In many nights we were the less aggressive and undersized hockey club and it’s tough to win in the MJHL when you get off the bus and realize it’s an uphill battle right from the start. Size is one thing, but you have to be able to play the game as well”, comments Murray.
The Kings have recruited 6’5, 190 pound forward Dominik Lavergne from Ottawa, Ont. Lavergne will bring a team oriented attitude to the Kings as well as his big frame. “Dom is an interesting piece for an eighteen year old. He wants to win and get better daily. For a big kid he has good hands and will put the puck in the net as well”, Murray. Lavergne spent most of last season playing Junior B as a seventeen year old and also had a couple of call ups from the power house Carleton Place Canadians who have finished runner up at the RBC Cup in back to back seasons.
Also on the recruitment list is twenty year old Dejon Marsh. Marsh, a 5’9, 185 pound forward will be admired by his work ethic and hard to play against demeanour .Last year he played for the Connecticut Oilers who won a Championship in the EHL. Marsh is a versatile forward that can play all three positions but prefers right wing being a right handed shot. The Thornton, Colorado native is known for his work ethic and two way style. “Dejon can play in a lot of situations. He looks after his own end very well and attacks on the offense side with his excellent shot”, states Murray.
Also, the Kings acquired Defenceman Jackson Robinson from the Kirkland Lake Miners for future considerations. Robinson, 20, will be no stranger to the MJHL. Robinson spent time with the Steinbach Pistons last season before being moved to Kirkland Lake because of an abundance of talent on the Pistons blue line. The 6’3 202 pound right defenceman will give the Kings some depth on the back end. “I reached out to Paul Dyck (GM and HC of the Steinbach Pistons) and asked about him. Paul said he was a very good kid, committed, and extremely hard working. We feel he will give us size back there and help kill penalties.” – Murray.
The Kings have another “significant move” to announce later today or tomorrow. After that move Murray states he doesn’t see the team making any more moves before camp, “As of now, we are happy where we are at and the additions that we have made. We feel we added some speed, size and skill over the summer months. The character and commitment of these players will be big for us. You mix that into the equation with the young local talent we have upcoming and it’s an exciting time for our club. We’ll see how it all plays out!”
Dauphin Kings Main camp will be held at the Credit Union Place Sept 3-6. The JOFO Cup intra-squad game will be Sunday Sept 6th at 7:00 pm.