Dauphin's Darrin Chrisp is back in the same place where he started his junior hockey career. The former Parkland Ranger is with the St. James Jr. Canucks of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Darrin started last year with the team before he was traded. Knowing what skill level Darrin provides, the Jr. Canucks went out and made another trade that'll see the Dauphinite suit up for a team that won 29 games last year.
"So far we've got a little bit of a younger team, we lost some guys in the offseason," said Chrisp. "We are a hard-working squad and there is a lot of talent here. Once we get going, I feel we're going to be a strong team."
With the preseason well underway, Chrisp and the Canucks' are off to a tough start. They're 0-2-1. One of their losses came on Sunday night when they put up 54 shots. Knowing full well what the team has to offer, Chrisp believes it's only a matter of time before the wins come.
"Our offensive situation is here, we have the players to score," he continued. "We have to work on our defensive zone but I think every team does. Once we get into our systems, we'll be just fine."
Although the team has struggled to win a game so far, Darrin has been on fire. He's got four points (2G) in the team's three games. His career-high with Parkland was eight points (1G) in the 2017-18 season so it's safe to say that he is well on his way to having a season to remember.
"It's a little bit of a surprise honestly, I've never really been an offensive player," said Chrisp. "I'm just doing what I can in my own end and it's turning into offensive possessions for myself."
After three more preseason games, things get started for real on September 27. That's when the Jr. Canucks head on the road to take on the Ft. Garry /Ft. Rouge Twins. With already four points in his back pocket, the expectation is to rack up several more throughout the winter.
"Based on how I'm playing right now, I want to see myself get to at least the 20 point mark," said Chrisp. "I really don't think that's a stretch."
After travelling across the province while playing with the Rangers', Darrin's furthest trip with St. James is just outside of the city when they play Pembina Valley. Travel lots or minimal travel, Darrin is loving the Jr. lifestyle.
"The whole experience is great. When I left Parkland, I thought that was it for hockey," said Chrisp. "Just seeing the guys every couple of days and playing the sport I love is fantastic."
