While the Dauphin Kings have struggled as of late and were swept over the weekend on a two-game road trip, they are still recognized by the Canadian Junior Hockey League.
In another week of Top 20 rankings done by the CJHL, the Kings are honourable mentions this week With wins in 15 of their 23 games, Dauphin still is just five points back of Virden for first place in the West Division and the Kings have two games in hand. Dauphin will play Virden in two massive games on Tuesday and Sunday of this week. The Kings have given up just 59 goals this year which is the third-fewest across the MJHL.
Dauphin also hosts Teddy Bear Toss night on Saturday when the Winnipeg Blues come to town.
Around the MJHL, the Steinbach Pistons, Winkler Flyers, and Virden Oil Capitals are all ranked inside the Top 20.
#4 - Steinbach Pistons - 20-3-1
Despite losing for the first time in more than a month, Steinbach still ranks right up near the top of Canada. From October 25 to December 2, Steinbach rallied off 11 straight wins. Sitting with 20 wins on the campaign in their first 24 games, the Pistons are on top of the East Division by two points over the Terriers and the Pistons also have four games in hand.
Steinbach did fall to Portage on Sunday evening. Steinbach has been outstanding defensively this year giving up just 47 goals and offensively, they are the most efficient team across the league with 104 goals. Seven different Pistons have recorded at least 20 points this season, led by Kirk Mullen with his 31, and Leo Chambers is just behind with 29. 20-year-old goalie Cole Plowman has also been incredible between the pipes with 14 wins in 17 games started. Plowman has a .936 save percentage to go along with a superb 1.81 goals-against average.
Many are saying this year's Steinbach team is better than last year's club which won the MJHL championship and competed in the Centennial Cup. While there is still plenty of season left, there is no doubt that this year's Pistons roster are championship contenders and at this point in the season with their offensive talent and excellent defensive play, they could be league favourites.
What's next: December 07 @ Virdedn, December 08 vs Portage, December 10 @ Neepawa, December 13 vs Niverville, December 15 vs Freeze
#6 - Winkler Flyers - 17-3-1-1
As good as Steinbach has been defensively this year, Winkler has been better. Across 22 games, the Flyers have allowed just 40 goals. The duo of hometown star Malachi Klassen and Liam Ernst of White City has helped Winkler become one of the best defensive teams in recent years in the league.
One of the best stories surrounding Winkler, at least locally, is the play of Jayce Legaarden. Just a few years removed from scoring 46 goals with the Parkland U18 Rangers, Jayce has made a smooth transition to the junior lifestyle as the Grandview star is fourth in team scoring with nine goals and 11 assists. Jayce leads Winkler with six power-play goals. Winkler has four 20-point scorers led by Trent Penner with his 11 goals and 16 assists. This year's Flyers team could be the best roster in many years, which begs the question... is this the year?
One of the oldest cliches in the book is 'defence wins championships'. Sitting five points back of Steinbach for first in the East Division, the Flyers have been close over the years, but they have never been able to get over the hump. If this is the year for Winkler, no one will be surprised. But based on previous playoff appearances, likely not many people will be surprised if they can't get over the hump to win a league championship.
What's next: December 06 @ Waywayseecappo, December 08 vs Blizzard, December 10 vs Swan Valley, December 15 @ Niverville, December 16 vs Dauphin
#13 - Virden Oil Capitals - 16-5-2-2
The Virden Oil Capitals got the best of the Blizzard Junior A Hockey Club in the first round of the Turnbull Cup playoffs last year as they sent the Blizz home packing in six games. If it weren't for the Blizzard over the past week, the Oil Capitals would have likely entered the top 10.
The Blizzard beat Virden twice of the past seven days including on Sunday in a 2-1 shootout victory against their West Division rivals. Nonetheless, Virden still has a comfortable lead in the West Division and their offence has scored the second-most goals in the league with 99, only behind Steinbach's 104. A big addition to the team recently was Grady Lane as the 20-year-old former WHLer brings a great physical presence to the team's roster and he is a great team guy.
Virden is another one of those teams that has people wondering if this is the year. They lost in the league final last year against Portage, they lost in the league final in 2018 and in between, they have never been able to get over the hump. Also just like Winkler, this could be one of the best Virden rosters in many years. They faced the heartbreak of losing in the finals last year and they have brought back many pieces from that roster including Josh Lehto, who leads the league with 31 points. When the dust settles, Virden will be an extremely tough out and it'll be interesting to keep an eye on what's happening in Oil Country.
What's next: December 05 @ Dauphin, December 07 vs Steinbach, December 08 @ Selkirk, December 10 @ Dauphin, December 15 vs Swan Valley
