DAUPHIN, MB - For the first time in four years the Dauphin Kings will head back to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Playoffs following another 2-1 victory over the Steinbach Pistons Saturday night.

It was another close and exciting game for the fans with the opening period not seeing any goals on both sides.

In the second period the Kings played excellent and scored two goals to go ahead 2-0. Riley Shamray (11) notched his second in as many nights and Avery Smith (11) mix in his own about five minutes later. Steinbach would score late in the second to make it a 2-1 affair.

In the third period Ethan Slobodzian stood tall and the Kings killed off a key Pistons man advantage midway through the frame.

In total Slobodzian turned aside 24 of 25 shots while his team fired 42 on the Steinbach goal. Dominating the shot category for the second straight evening.

Both teams tallied once on the man advantage. Steinbach finished 1 for 2 while Dauphin was 1 for 6.

The win coupled with a Winkler loss secures Dauphin a playoff spot for the first time in four years. The Kings did make the MJHL survivor series back in 2015 & 2016, but those series were just three games.

The Kings' record improves to 27-23-6 on the season. The club will now get a handful of days off before returning to action on Wednesday when the visit the Wayway Wolverines. Now Dauphin must focus on winning games for playoff positioning. After Saturday's win the Kings do remain 6th, but Winnipeg sits just two points behind them with three games in hand. After that Wayway is 8th, eight back of Dauphin.

#RiseAgain

  Avery Smith - GWG

  Ethan Slobodzian - 24SV on 25SH

 Riley Shamray - 1 Goal & 1 Assist