His favourite moment last year with the Dauphin Kings was travelling with the team to Steinbach for game seven of the Turnbull Cup final. He will never forget Carson Cherepak making a huge glove save down the stretch and the team winning the league title.
For Mitchell Rauliuk, being around the Kings is a lot of fun but it's also about getting down to business. His dad, Ryan used to be a trainer for the team and now Mitchell is carrying on with the family tradition as he's back as the team's assistant equipment manager.
From setting up the pucks prior to warmup to getting the towels ready and everything in between, Rauliuk does whatever he can to help the team as they look to defend their championship.
"It feels great to be back. I always miss being around the rink during the golf season but it's nice to be back," said Rauliuk. "I get the chance to meet some new faces and help the club out, it's a great thing."
Mitchell says he loves doing what he does with the Kings to give back to the community. This season has already brought forward a few extra long days for Rauliuk as he was playing with the Dauphin Clippers football team. They had a great season that came to an end with a loss against the Interlake Thunder.
"We'll be back on the field right after the snow melts, we have unfinished business," said Rauliuk.
On several occasions, Rauliuk would take his pads off after a game and head right to the rink to get things ready ahead of a Kings game. It's something that the young man from Dauphin has become passionate about and he's looking forward to an exciting remainder of the season which is set to continue on Saturday night when Dauphin welcomes the Virden Oil Capitals to town.
Rauliuk is also enjoying working alongside Ty Hassel this year and moving back to last year with Hudson Yaremko.
"Both guys have been amazing, it's pretty great to learn new things," said Rauliuk. "It's a great group and I'm happy to be a part of it."
