It will soon be decision-making time for the Dauphin Kings coaching staff as the 2024-25 Manitoba Junior Hockey League season draws near.

The Kings played three preseason games, last week, beginning with a 3-2 shootout loss to the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, Sept. 3, followed by a 4-3 overtime victory over the Neepawa Titans, Thursday, a game Neepawa led 3-0, 5:14 into the third period.

On Sunday, the Titans gained a measure of revenge with a 3-2 win, netting the winner with 3:56 remaining.

The first two games featured rookie lineups, which Kings head coach and general manager Doug Hedley felt played better as the games went along.

“The fact that we were down 2-0 to Neepawa after two in the rookie game and came back and won in overtime. (Jack) Bechard (who scored the overtime winner) played really well,” he said.

“(Declan) Hoad. (Ethan) Stewart with a big goal. I was real happy with the young guys. They’re going to be pushing for spots. There’s some real good talent here.”

Read the full story in this week’s Dauphin Herald.