(Story courtesy of Darnell Duff/730CKDM)
Logan Walker has been a huge spark for the Dauphin Kings this season.
Playing his first junior hockey game back in the 2019-20 season with the Nanaimo Buccaneers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, Logan has made stops in Alberni Valley (BCHL), Kerry Park (VIJHL), Victoria (BCHL), and Estevan (SJHL).
He played eight games with the Bruins last year and then Walker packed up his bags as Doug Hedley acquired the then 19-year-old in a trade. Walker went on to play 34 games with Dauphin last year, scoring seven goals and adding six assists and now, the 20-year-old is back and living his best life in Dauphin.
“It’s been absolutely awesome in Dauphin, I love the fans and I love the community,” said Walker. “We have an incredible group and I have a great billet family; I’m loving every second of being in Dauphin and being a part of the Kings organization.”
To start this season, Logan has already surpassed his production from last year and Dauphin still has 30 regular season games left.
His 17 points are tied for third on the team and his 10 goals are tied with Blake Boudreau for the team lead.
Being one of the most versatile players around, Logan has been fantastic 5-on-5, he has been a key piece on the power play and when the team is down a man, Walker will do whatever it takes to help the team kill off a penalty. There is no doubt that Logan is one of the most important pieces on this year’s Kings roster.
“I’m very pleased with my start this year. I always knew I had it in me, I guess I just had to stick with the process and dig a bit deeper,” said Walker. “With that said, I couldn’t do it without my teammates. They are incredible and they push me to succeed every single day.”
One of Walker’s goals came last Friday when the Kings hosted Ag Appreciation Night at Credit Union Place and with it, more than 1700 fans packed the stands. While the result wasn’t what the team was hoping for, Logan said it was still a game that he won’t ever forget.
“It was incredible, I have never experienced something like that before,” said Walker. “It was a very special event to be a part of. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring our best effort, but we’re still a good team.”
Good teams bounce back and that is exactly what Dauphin did as they downed Waywayseecappo, 3-1, on Tuesday night. It was Dauphin’s fourth straight win against the Wolverines to open the season with two more meetings to come.
For Dauphin, it was their 14th win of the season and they are now just two points behind Virden for first place in the West Division and the Kings have a pair of games in hand.
“We’re feeling really good in the room, we have a really tight group and that’s important,” offered Walker. “Something we have to work on is being ready on time and we’re continuing to focus on that. It’s been a great start, we know what we want to get done.”
Walker will be back on the ice Friday when Dauphin opens a two-game weekend trip against the Steinbach Pistons and then on Saturday, Dauphin will be in Niverville to play the Nighthawks.
Steinbach is currently first place overall in the league while the Nighthawks currently hold the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division.
“We know Steinbach will be a very tough test as will Niverville, these are two important games for us,” ended Walker. “We’re looking forward to getting back at it this weekend. It’s also a good opportunity for our group to bond on the road.”
Get to know Walker:
What are your hobbies? I’m a big gamer, I enjoy playing with the guys. With that said, I’m most focused on getting the job done on the ice.
What is your favourite hockey moment? One of them would have to be when I scored two goals earlier this year on two different occasions, it’s always nice to help the team win.
What are your future plans? My goal is to play hockey at the next level, I’ve already started chatting with a few schools which is exciting.
What’s your favourite meal? Steak, mashed potatoes, and Caesar salad.
Who is your favourite sports team? Vancouver Canucks.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Germany.
If you could spend time with any celebrity, who would it be and why? Drake, it would be really cool to see how his music is made.