It was an epic series, one that will be remembered for years by fans of both teams.
Unfortunately for the Dauphin Kings and their fans, they will think of what could have been after the Blizzard Jr. A Hockey Club won the Manitoba Junior Hockey League best-of-seven quarterfinal series in seven games.
Game seven in The Pas went to triple overtime before Blizzard forward Riley See scored off a rebound to send the Blizzard to the semifinals, with a 2-1 victory.
“When one shot ends your season, it’s really tough. And it could have been either way,” said Kings head coach and general manager Doug Hedley.
“I think the games were back and forth. We hit the post a couple times, had a couple empty nets in second and third OTs.”
The double overtime loss in game four was especially tough as the Kings could have gone up three-games-to-one.
“If we go up 3-1, the series probably goes the other way. But that’s how close the teams were. Both goaltenders were outstanding. The effort that we had from our backend and the forwards, the work ethic and the battle and the competing was something we wanted to see,” Hedley said.
“We found out we have some will in that room. We found out we have some character in the room. The guys care and they stuck together. It’s disappointing at the same time, but you have to live it to learn it. And they’ve gone through a great experience here.”
Going through almost 10 games worth of playing time in seven playoff games is an invaluable learning experience.
“I think they’re set on coming back. We knew we had a solid group coming back. We have 23 out of 25 guys. We’re looking forward to some big things next year,” Hedley said.
Hedley said everyone is on the same page following the team’s exit meetings.
“They know they’re going to have a special group here next year. What we do in the summertime now, from May to August, is going to define what we do in the fall. Bigger, faster, stronger is our main goal and if we do that, we’re going to be a tough out, that’s for sure,” he said.
With so many players eligible to return, Hedley is still going to recruit players in an effort to make the club better.
“We have guys that are set to come in. Bottom line is it’s based on performance,” he said.
Athletic therapist and equipment manager Haley Choma will be with the team full time in the summer and will monitor the player’s summer workouts.
“They’re going to be on a team builder app where we can see their workouts. They put them in daily. The good thing about this is that we can be real selective with work ethic, competing, with character, with off ice, just basically the general characteristics you want in an organization,” Hedley said.
“We have a whole bunch of guys that can come back and fill that role for us and make us proud of wearing the crest. I think it bodes well for the next couple years with the players we have in here and where we’re looking at going.”
Hedley wishes to thank the fans for their support throughout the season and especially in the playoffs.
“The noise was really welcomed at the games. The atmosphere was outstanding and the guys can’t wait to see them again next year. So thank you,” he said.