VIRDEN, MB - Kaden Bryant scored three times and Baron Thompson added two as the Dauphin Kings hammered the Oil Capitals in Virden 7-3 Friday night.

Dauphin's first period was solid and Baron Thompson opened the scoring less than a minute in. Notching his 21st of the season to give his team a 1-0 lead going into the second.

The middle frame saw Dauphin continue their strong play. First Baron Thompson (22) made it 2-0 with a floater from the high slot. Then Carter Sawchuk (18) banged home a loose puck to make it 3-0 and that was followed by Kaden Bryant's (4) opening goal of the evening. Virden would score late to make it a 4-1 affair going to the third.

In the final 20 the Oil Capitals played well and made it a 4-2 affair before Bryson Cecconi (2) quieted the crowd and gave the Kings a 5-2 advantage. Virden wouldn't go away though. They'd later score to make it 5-3. Kaden Bryant then took matters into his own hands. Scoring his second and third of the night to put the game away.

Levi Mitchell returned to the net and was solid. Stopping 42 of 45 shots while his team had 35 on the Virden goal.

Dauphin had only three power plays Friday and did not score. Virden had six and scored once.

The victory is a big one for the Kings who improve to 22-20-3-2 on the season. They'll play another huge game Saturday night when they visit the Steelers in Selkirk. Game time is 7:30pm!

#ForTheCrown

  Bryson Cecconi - 1G, 2A

Cole DeKoninck - 4 Assists

Kaden Bryant - 3 Goals