NEEPAWA, MB - Another strong effort by the Dauphin Kings, but goaltending proved to be the difference in a 3-2 loss to the Neepawa Natives Wednesday night.

Neepawa did have an excellent start to the game, after outshooting the Kings 5-1 in the opening three minutes they went up 1-0. After that, however, it was all Dauphin.

The opening period saw the Kings rebound after giving up the first goal, but they couldn't score, going down 1-0 after 20. The Kings led the shots 13-11 through one.

In the middle frame it was more of the same. The Kings controlled things but the Natives would go ahead 2-0 just before the eight minute mark of the frame. Dauphin would respond when Kolby Johnson went hard to the net, pushing home a rebound and making it 2-1 Neepawa before the 10 minute mark. The Kings out shot Neepawa 21-8 in the second period.

The third period was filled with infractions and it was Neepawa who gained the advantage on a late power play after Dauphin tied things up early on. For the second straight contest the opposing team was given a late man advantage and scored on it, this time with just over five minutes to play.

The Kings made a big push in the final period but couldn't get the equalizer.

Final shots were 44-35 for the Kings. Ethan Slobodzian suffered the loss between the pipes while both teams had two goals on the man advantage Wednesday.

The loss puts Dauphin at 17-15-4 on the season. They'll get a day off before returning to action Friday in Wayway against the Wolverines. The Kings will then close out 2018 on home ice against the Virden Oil Capitals on Saturday. Opening face off both nights is 7:30pm.

#RiseAgain

  Riley Buller - 1 Goal

  Kolby Johnson - 1 Goal

 Riley Shamray - 2 Assists