Submitted by Dauphin Kings
The Dauphin Kings have named Mitch Topinka as their assistant coach for the upcoming 2018-19 season.
Topinka spent last season with the OCN Blizzard and has been looking to increase his roll as an assistant coach.
“I’m really excited to join an organization that’s been around for 50 plus years, get a chance to work with Doug again and bring a winning culture back to Dauphin” says Topinka.
The Whitewood, Saskatchewan product’s hockey career saw him play Junior B in Saskatchewan. He then became a scout with the Blizzard while he coached Junior B in Regina, helping his team to a provincial title and a third place finish at the Keystone Cup (Western Canada).
Topinka has worked with Kings Head Coach & GM Doug Hedley a number of times in the past, including as a Stick Boy with the SJHL’s Nipawin Hawks in the early 2000s.
“I’ve known Doug for years. He’s a very technical type of coach and expects everything out of his players. He’s a crest type guy, play for the crest on the front and not the name on the back, and that’s the way I am too” says Topinka.
“I just think Mitch is in a situation where he wants to get better and learn. Last year working with me in OCN he was the third guy but stepped in when we needed him to and did a very good job. He’s learning the video and the technical part of the game. The biggest thing is his energy level and just the fact that he’s at the arena all the time, loves the game and wants to be around the guys” says Kings Head Coach & GM Doug Hedley.
Kings Camp happens September long weekend with the Annual JoFo Cup Intrasquad game going down on Sunday September 2nd at 2:00pm inside Credit Union Place.
In case you missed it, the Kings exhibition schedule has been released.
Monday Sept 3 vs. Swan Valley – 6:00pm
Tuesday Sept 4 @ Swan Valley – 7:30pm
Saturday Sept 8 vs. Virden – 7:30pm
Monday Sept 10 @ Wayway – 7:30pm
Thursday Sept 13 @ Virden – 7:30pm
Friday Sept 14 vs. Wayway – 7:30pm
If you’re a season ticket holder tickets are expected to be available for pickup starting on Monday September 3rd before the Kings’ first exhibition game against the Swan Valley Stampeders!
