It's the start of a busy and tough week for the Dauphin Kings. They play three big games, all on the road. Tonight's tilt in Virden is one they'll want to win if they want to stay atop the West Division. As mentioned, the Oil Capitals are one point back, and regardless of tonight's result they'll still have three games in hand on Dauphin.

A handful of players could make their debut with the Kings tonight including goalie Hunter Bauer (06) and forward Matthew O'Sullivan (06) who were both acquired at the Trade Deadline along with forwards Wyatt Dyck (08) and Kurtis Kinoshita (06). Stay tuned for the Atiken's Jewellers Projected Lineup posted later today.

Dauphin's Special Teams must improve over the next few months if the team wants to have success in the post season. Their Power Play is now ranked 9th in the MJHL at 21.3% while their Penalty Kill is 7th at 79.2%.

With nine goals and 25 assists Nicholas Zaharias leads the Kings in scoring coming into tonight with 34.

The Virden Oil Capitals are coming off a big 5-0 win over the visiting Portage Terriers on Sunday night. Virden has won three of their first four games in 2026 and picked up seven of a possible eight points to kick off the calendar year.

It's a pretty home heavy month as the Oil Capitals look to move up the MJHL Standings. Virden is currently on a stretch where they play seven of nine games at Tundra Oil & Gas Place. They've played four less home games than the Kings with 15 done so far. So they have just under half their home games remaining this season. Dauphin meanwhile, has just 10 games left at Credit Union Place.

Virden's Special Teams are a mixed bag. Their Power Play is very good, sitting 4th in the MJHL at 24.8%. Their Penalty Kill, however, is not doing well. It's 11th at 73.5%. The good news for the Oil Capitals is they are the least penalized team in the MJHL coming into tonight.

Bryce Bryant (18G, 26A) is atop the Oil Capitals in points with 44.