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For the second week in a row, the Dauphin Kings have dropped in the Canadian Junior Hockey League's Top 20 rankings.

Following a week that saw the Kings beat Norman and lose to Waywayseecappo, the Kings are ranked 15th this week. Dauphin responded after last Tuesday's tough loss against the Wolverines with an impressive 5-4 win over the Blizzard on Wednesday.

Dauphin remains atop the West Division with just one more game before the Christmas break. Sitting 21-7-1, Dauphin is six points ahead of the Blizzard and the Kings have three games in hand. Dauphin will look to end the 2024 portion of their schedule with a win when they head to The Pas on Tuesday to play the Blizzard.

Dauphin has beaten Norman twice this season and remains second in the league, four points of Steinbach.  

You can hear Tuesday's game here on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff beginning with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 6:50. 

Elsewhere in the rankings, Steinbach moved up two spots to sixth while the Winkler Flyers, fuelled by Jayce Legaarden of Grandview, had the biggest leap as they went from 20th to 14th this week. 

CJHL TOP 20 – FUELLED BY GATORADE
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (LAST WEEK)
1. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (1)
2. Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) (4)
3. Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) (3)
4. Edmundston Blizzard (MHL) (2)
5. Leamington Flyers (OJHL) (5)
6. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (8)
7. Rockland Nationals (CCHL) (7)
8. Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) (6)
9. Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) (14)
10. Collingwood Blues (OJHL) (10)
11. Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL) (11)
12. Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL) (12)
13. Condors du Cégep Beauce-Appalaches (LHJAAAQ) (15)
14. Winkler Flyers (MJHL) (20)
15. Dauphin Kings (MJHL) (13)
16. Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) (9)
17. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) (19)
18. Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ) (16)    
19. Navan Grads (CCHL) (17)
20. Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) (HM)

HONOURABLE MENTION: West Kent Steamers (MHL); Canmore Eagles (AJHL); Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL); Milton Menace (OJHL); Soo Eagles (NOJHL).

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 16, 2024 - 10:26 am

The Dauphin Clippers varsity boys basketball team has great length, skill, and players who are committed to working together for one common goal.

That goal is to make a name for themselves while showing the province how strong basketball is in the Parkland. With a great mix of grade 11 and 12 athletes, Steve Hudyma has returned to coach this year's team as their season opened over the weekend following a very competitive set of tryouts.

"The competition level on this team is very high," said Hudyma. "We have a great group of guys that are completely team-orientated and athletic. It is very exciting to see how the rest of this season goes for this group, it should be a fun ride."

Hudyma says the team will continue to work towards finding their identity.

"We do have a lot of length and many skilled players," said Hudyma. "We believe we can keep up with anyone we go up against."

Dauphin's first test was the Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational (BSSI), which took place over the weekend in Brandon. Thirty-two teams, split between Tier 1 and 2, compete for a championship. Dauphin played in Tier 2 and enjoyed great success.

The Clippers won three round-robin games and had little trouble doing so as they pounded Neepawa, Frontier, and Glenboro/Baldur. In a 91-73 win against Frontier, Ronin Mouck led the way with 25 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists while Nick Hudyma had 24 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Gabriel Beaudin also had a monster game with 20 points, six rebounds, and three steals. 

Hudyma scored 23 points and 14 rebounds in a 75-50 win against Neepawa, Mouck had 22 points, 15 rebounds, and five steals, and Jaxon Larocque had 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

Moving forward to a 33-point win over Glenboro/Baldur, Hudyma scored 23 of the team's 66 points and added nine rebounds, six assists, and six steals. Miguel Boncodin had nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists. 

That earned Dauphin a spot in the A-side Tier 2 semi-final, but they came up short in an 85-63 defeat against a Garden Valley team with a centre standing at 6'10". Hudyma had 23 more points, Mouck racked up 19, and Beaudin had 11 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. 

With a chance to finish on the podium playing for third place against Carberry, the Clippers pulled away late in a 76-64 win as Dauphin opened their season with a bronze medal. Hudyma had another monster game with 33 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals while Morgan Fleck had five points and 12 rebounds. 

Steve Hudyma commented on the team's solid start to the season.

"It felt really good. The BSSI is always a very strong tournament, we just ran into a very strong post on that team from Winkler," said Hudyma. "We responded nicely in the third-place match and finished off a great weekend."

Following the tournament, Nick Hudyma was named an all-star. He finished with 126 points, 43 rebounds, 12 assists, and 19 steals. 

"Nick had a strong weekend. With playing some club in Brandon over the past year, he has added some skills to his game and is now a multi-dimensional player," said Steve. 

Mouck also had a monster weekend, scoring 103 points and racking up 43 rebounds to go along with 16 assists and nine steals. 

"Ronin has a huge role on this team, he is a team-first player and will do anything he can to help this team win," ended Hudyma. "It's nice to see him get off to a great start over the weekend."

Dauphin will practice over the holidays before competing in the Big Cat tournament in Sanford from January 10-11. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 16, 2024 - 9:59 am

The Parkland U-18 Rangers picked up four massive points this weekend to move into fifth place in the Manitoba U-18 AAA Hockey League.

Playing a home and home against Pembina Valley, the Rangers scored 10 times in a two-game sweep. On Friday, Quinten Fisk, Ryzlie Nepinak, Forrest Karlson, and Landyn Garton all scored a goal apiece as the Rangers downed the Hawks, 4-2. Piet Mierau was sensational as he made 42 saves.

The team then hit the road for a game in Morden and scored six times in a 6-4 victory. Mierau was once again outstanding as he turned away 50 shots in the victory as Parkland was outshot 54-26.

Quinten Fisk had two goals as did Alex Campbell. Fisk also had an assist and Campbell had two assists. Dayson Martin scored once while adding three assists and Landyn Garton also scored for Parkland.

The four huge points elevates the Rangers ahead of Eastman for fifth place in the league. They'll look to end 2024 on a high note next Sunday when they host Central Plains. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 15, 2024 - 9:47 am

Ethan Carnegie was the hero as the Dauphin Clippers beat the Hamiota Huskies in a thriller.

The grade 12 student from Dauphin netted the winner in a 5-4 victory for Dauphin. Ronin Mouck led the way scoring twice while Noah Hanneson and Layne Wolfenden also scored for the Clippers in the win.

Dauphin heads to Brandon to play Crocus Plains on Sunday at 5:30. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 13, 2024 - 9:41 pm

Dylan Miko grew up in Sandy Lake and moved to Onanole when he was 14.

When the 2019-20 hockey season came around, Dylan made the Yellowhead Chiefs U-15 AAA Hockey Team. Dylan wasn’t sure how things were going to go but when he got a call into the office after the final tryout, he came out with a big smile on his face.

He made the team and played 35 games that season, notching six assists.

“I was a scrawny little kid trying to find a way to get on that team,” said Miko. “I just battled my way. I didn’t get the most points but I played pretty sound defensively and moved pucks up the ice. It meant a lot to make that team.”

That year turned out to be the start of an exciting journey on the ice for Dylan as he made the U-15 team once again the following season but played just seven games because the season was cancelled early on because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was a tough pill to swallow, his days as a U-15 player had come to an end and things would only get harder moving ahead. Just like he has his whole life, Dylan got down to the grind and made sure that he had more opportunities.

He made the U-18 AAA Yellowhead team in the 2021-22 season, playing 43 games that season and then posted nine points in 44 games the following year. At this point, Miko had made a name for himself. He went through a growth spurt and was a towering force on the ice. He had his teammate’s backs and would do whatever he could to help the team.

During the 2022-23 season, while with Yellowhead, Miko also debuted in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) where he played two games with the Winkler Flyers. It was a taste of what was to come for the 18-year-old from Onanole.

Along came Dylan’s final year of AAA hockey last season. There was no doubt that it was his biggest year.

Miko was more focused than ever as he posted a career-high 23 points and played all 44 of the team’s games. He knew what was at stake.

“It was do or die, that’s how I took it. I started pushing myself in ways that I had never in the past,” said Miko. “My coach saw a lot of potential in me and I think that’s a big factor in me being where I am now.”

Between the U-15 and U-18 teams, Dylan played 177 games with the Yellowhead program. It was a five-year stretch that the young man will never forget.

“It’s a huge stepping stone, it’s a way to get to the next level,” said Miko. “Many people don’t see it that way but I always did. I had some great coaches; they helped me advance my game. I loved being a Chief, it was a great five-year run with them.”

For many, playing AAA hockey is the end of the line. It isn’t easy to jump up to junior and many players never do.

That wasn’t the case for Dylan. Miko made the short trip from Onanole to Dauphin for the Kings' training camp, impressed the coaching staff and the rest is history. Five years ago, he was thrilled that he made his U-15 AAA team and five years later, Dylan was over the moon happy to know that he made the Kings roster as his junior journey would begin full-time in the City of Sunshine.

Miko has now played 14 games with Dauphin and was in the lineup on Wednesday when the Kings downed their West Division rival, Northern Manitoba Blizzard, 5-4.

“I love it, you breathe hockey every day, this is what it’s all about,” continued Miko. “We have a great group of guys here which makes it even more enjoyable to come to the rink. Dauphin is a great little town as well, it’s awesome and I’m very happy to be where I am.”

With their win on Wednesday, Dauphin has a 10-point cushion atop the West Division as of publishing. That could change on Thursday if Neepawa beats Virden which would see the Kings have a nine-point gap over the Titans.

Dauphin has 21 wins and is tied for first place overall with Steinbach, who they beat over the weekend. While Dylan is pleased, he knows the work is far from over.

“We still have to go to work, we have to find a way to win every game and be more consistent,” said Miko. “Cole Sheffield has been having an incredible season and we need to help him out. Our goal is to get into that first spot, we need to keep pushing and dial in.”

The Kings return to the ice on Sunday against the Swan Valley Stampeders at 4:00 p.m. It’s also Tractor Lotto Day when someone will win $100,000 among other amazing cash prizes. You can get your single tickets, 50/50 tickets and supplementary tickets by calling 1-877-585-4647 or heading to TractorLotto.com.

Miko Fun Fact:

Dylan’s family is close friends with the Kings’ bus driver Les. Les has been the team’s driver for a few seasons now and always gets the team to their destination and home safely.

“I bought my first snowmobile from him,” said Miko. “I went out looking for a nice 500 and there he was. As soon as I saw him on the bus, we got to talking. It’s nice to be acquainted with those old friends, Les is a great guy.”

Get to know Miko:

Q: What are some of your other hobbies?
A: I do a lot of skiing and wakeboarding. I’m also big into fishing as well. Anything outdoors if you ask me.

Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: I have a sister who is playing with the Yellowhead women’s team. It’s a pretty competitive dynamic, she is always trying to be better than me. She’s great and I love her.

Q: Are you close with your parents?
A: Extremely. If I could go home every day, I would. I miss them dearly and I love them. They are the whole reason I am here, they have been by my side every day. They’re great; I wouldn’t have anything without them.

Q: Are you a superstitious guy?
A: I would say to a point, you have to be consistent before and after games in the way you prepare and wind down after a game

Q: What is your favourite family memory?
A: I would say Christmas at home in Sandy Lake at our old home. Being together with family is everything to me. You hear so many stories and a whole lot of Ukrainian food which I love. I have so many special Christmas memories.

Q: What about your favourite hockey memory?
A: That year  I made the U-15 Yellowhead team, I will never forget the moment I found out.

Q: If you could have any meal, what would it be?
A: Anything with meat and potatoes.

While Dylan is just focusing on helping the Kings win, he has looked into what his future could look like. He has been a hard worker since day one, which will continue in Dauphin and well into the future.

“My goal is to go to the University of Saskatchewan and take an engineering degree and go from there,” said Miko. “Other than that, I want to live with a nice family, have a nice house and build a family. I just want to continue being happy.”

You can hear Darnell Duff’s full chat with Dylan Miko during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show after the 4:00 p.m. News, Weather and Business on 730CKDM on Friday.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 13, 2024 - 10:00 am

They call him the ICE KING.

Raymond Mekish understands the deep significance of lacing up skates for the members of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation, whether it's for an organized practice, a game, or just a casual game of shinny. From the youngest to the oldest, the community has a wealth of hockey talent, and Raymond is at the heart of it all.

In the late 1980s, Raymond became a certified Level One Ice Technician, marking the beginning of a longstanding commitment. For the past 38 years, seven days a week, he has been dedicated to resurfacing the ice at the Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation Multi-Plex, ensuring the rink is always ready for anyone eager to lace up their skates and take a few shots.

"I love doing what I'm doing," said Mekish. "I had my boys that loved to skate and when they had kids, my grandchildren began skating and now great-grandchildren. It's a family affair and it means so much to me."

Rarely has Raymond missed a day over the past 38 years. When he needs to head to an appointment in Dauphin during the day, he will work the morning shift and then head back to the rink at night to make sure it's ready to go for any players who want to get a late skate in. 

Ray isn’t just a gifted ice maker, he is also a fixture at the arena helping little ones tie their skates, sharpening skates, and spreading joy with his infectious smile and humour.

"I want to make sure the kids have clean ice to play on every evening," continued Mekish. "We have had three groups for the past few years which is very exciting for our community."

One of Raymond's most memorable moments over the years includes watching Junior B when the community had a team. 

"We had that team for about three or four years and the arena would always be packed," said Mekish. "That was special, you could feel the excitement in our community and the fans loved it."

Raymond has been going strong for 38 years at the Multi-Plex and while he is 70-years-old, there's no end in sight.

"People ask me when I'm going to retire and I don't know the meaning of that word," ended Mekish with a laugh. "I love what I do and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon."

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 12, 2024 - 10:00 am

Madden Murray scored a goal that dropped the jaws of fans on Wednesday night.

His first of two goals on the night was an absolutely gorgeous one which he tucked a short side shot just under the bar and over the glove of Alex Reedy as the Dauphin Kings held off their West Division rival Northern Manitoba Blizzard, 5-4.

Murray also scored the game-winning goal in the third period as Dauphin got back on track after a tough loss on Tuesday. Matthew Thomas, Daniel Helary and Sheldon Shyiak also scored for Dauphin in the game.

Dauphin (21-7-1) is now 10 points ahead of Norman for first place in the West and they next play Sunday when Swan Valley comes to town. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 11, 2024 - 10:56 pm

His home rink until December 10 was 50 minutes from his McCreary home.

His new rink beginning December 11 is 10 minutes less than that. The Dauphin Kings have traded Ryan Gower to the Neepawa Titans. With a deep back end and Aiden Murray set to return from an upper-body injury in the coming weeks, the playing time that Gower needs just wasn't there.

The 17-year-old from McCreary played 11 games with Dauphin this season, nabbing one assist. He was also called up to the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he played two games, notching one assist.

Gower should be a force on the Titans' back end as they continue their chase down of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard for second place in the West Division. Neepawa is just a single point behind the Blizzard for second while being 10 points up on both Virden and Waywayseecappo. 

Neepawa has five more games before the Christmas break, the first of which is on Thursday night when they're in Virden to play the Oil Capitals. They also play Waywayseecappo (December 13) and the Winnipeg Blues (December 17) before wrapping up their first-half schedule with a pair of home games against the Blizzard (December 20-21). 

In exchange, the Kings acquired the MJHL playing rights of Shea Chornley. An assistant captain with the Winnipeg Bruins U-18 team, Shea has 10 goals and 22 points in 18 games. Dauphin also received a player development fee. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 11, 2024 - 9:20 am

The Parkland Rangers mustered 29 shots in the second period and scored three times to snap their three-game losing streak.

Liam Chartrand scored twice and had one assist as the Rangers beat Yellowhead, 6-4. Nathan Miller had three assists in the win for Dauphin as they won their 13th game and increased their lead over the Thrashers to five points.

Forrest Karlson also had a goal in the game with two assists while Alex Campbell also netted as did Carter Moncrief. Quinten Fisk also scored for the Rangers, his 19th of the season.

Parkland (13-12) also moves into seventh place, ahead of Pembina Valley and they're just a point back of Eastman for sixth. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 10, 2024 - 9:57 pm

The Dauphin Kings made it close late, perhaps closer than it should have been but they still came up short.

The Waywayseecappo Wolverines held on as Griffin Ayotte scored an empty net goal with 30 seconds left as the Wolverines jumped into a tie for fourth place in the MGEU West Division with a gutsy 7-5 win over the division leaders at Credit Union Place.

It was Dauphin's second win against Dauphin this season with Jaxon Grosdidier and Sebastian Hicks leading the way with two goals each for the Wolverines in the victory while Jase Wareham turned away 36 shots in the win. Cam Sarna and Lucas Perry also scored for the Wolverines in the victory.

Dauphin was trailing 6-3 with just more than four minutes left before Gabriel Bugeaud and Cayden Glover scored two goals in quick form to trim the deficit to one. Dauphin continued to push in the final minute but it wasn't mean to be as Ayotte scored his eighth of the season with half a minute left to seal it.

With the loss, the Kings failed to jump into first in the MJHL while Steinbach is favoured to do so on Sunday when they play the Freeze. Dauphin (20-7-1) will need to forget about the loss quickly as they head to The Pas on Wednesday to play the Blizzard.

The Wolverines are tied with Virden for fourth in the West. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 10, 2024 - 10:03 pm