The Dauphin Kings have a new face behind the bench in recently hired assistant coach Kirkland Lycar.
Lycar is no stranger to the organization, having played for the club from 2014 to 2016 putting up 46 goals and 39 assists for 85 points in 116 regular season games.
The Elma, Man., product spent last season as an assistant coach with the Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League’s Eastman Selects, the team he played with earlier in his hockey career.
And now, the 29 year old is excited to rejoin the Kings for the upcoming season.
“Dauphin is an organization with a long history of success and respect not only in Manitoba, but across the country,” Lycar said.
“Having played for the team myself, I know how special it is to wear the Kings crest. I’m looking forward to helping build on that culture and doing everything I can to contribute to the continued success of the Dauphin Kings.”
The former forward is much aligned with the philosophy of the Kings new head coach and general manager Bryan Kromm. Lycar wants players to come to Dauphin not only to play for the Kings, but to become better people in the process.
“I want players to leave here, first and foremost, as their best versions of themselves,” he said.
“Obviously helping them reach their hockey goals and move on to higher levels, but it’s as important they leave here better teammates, better leaders, better people.”
Lycar and Kromm also look for the same qualities when it comes to the on ice product.
“A team that plays fast, competes, and is known as a hard group to play against. Overall a team that represents Dauphin and takes pride in wearing the Kings crest night in and night out is what we want to see,” Lycar said.
Lycar believes his addition to the coaching staff is a bit different than any other assistant coach, as he spent time with the Kings as a player.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a full circle moment for me. Since my playing days have ended, I’ve dedicated myself to coaching,” he said.
“I started my junior career as a player in Dauphin and now getting this opportunity as a coach is something I’m really proud of and don’t take lightly. I know what this organization meant to me as a player and now having the opportunity to help create those same experiences, again, is something I don’t take lightly. Overall just very excited to get to work.”
The Kings are looking forward to seeing Lycar in action when the season gets rolling in September.