In two separate moves the Dauphin Kings suddenly became a lot tougher team to play against.
In the first move the Kings added former Virden Oil Capital, Lindsay MacLellan from the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL for future considerations. MacLellan from Penticton, BC had 6 goals and 18 points splitting time between the Bruins and the Oil Capitals last season. The 6.02, 205lb forward also had 107 penalty minutes last season in 58 games.
“Lindsay is a big body, that plays the game with some grit and some tenacity.” stated Kings Head Coach/GM Marlin Murray. “Last year with our youth, we felt we got pushed around a bit. This season we want to make sure that doesn’t happen. Adding a player like Lindsay addresses that need. He’s a big body but he can play too and we’re going to put him into situations not only where he’ll be successful, but where he’ll make other players around him more confident and comfortable.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity in Dauphin!” stated MacLellan. “I know the Kings have been a very competitive team in the past and I’m looking forward to contributing any way that I can.”
The Kings second trade came at the MJHL Draft in Neepawa. The Kings re-aquired former captain, Tyler Garrioch from the Steinbach Pistons for prospect Bradley Schoonbaert. The Kings also received the Pistons 5th round pick while giving up their 3rd in this year’s MJHL Bantam Draft.
Last season Garrioch had 19 goals and 39 points in 57 games split between Dauphin and Steinbach.
“We have always thought very highly of Tyler.” stated Kings Assistant Coach Marc Berry. “He brings a lot of different dynamics to our hockey club both on and of the ice. Garry has an exceptional work ethic and that’s contagious. He’ll be one of the top two way players in the league this season. It’s not easy to trade a prospect like Schoonbaert, but at the end of the day, we felt we have a very strong group of 97 forwards and we were able to move him. Bradley will get a chance to develop in Steinbach and will have a successful Junior career. We wish him all the best.”
“As a coaching staff, we constantly talk about being a tough team to play against. It’s part of the past culture and identity that we want to not only maintain from the past but to grow here in Dauphin. Adding these two players makes a tougher team to play against.”
For more on these 2 trades and to hear interviews from Tyler Garrioch and Kings Head Coach/GM Marlin Murray click on the link to the Voice of the Kings, Christian Laughland’s Blog, Dauphins Kingdom