Consistent Kings
Five straight seasons of 32 or more wins and five straight appearances in the Turnbull Cup Playoffs have made the Kings one of the most consistent teams in the MJHL over recent history. Last year, the Kings finished 2nd in the MGEU West but were ousted in the first round by their division rival, Wolverines.
It was an interesting case in the regular season of a case of taking two steps forward then a half step back. Teetering between the upper tier and mid-tier, the group was all around solid but at times lacked that big punch. Structurally and defensively, they were right there with anyone and their goaltenders battled.
Kromm takes the throne
Perhaps the biggest storyline in Dauphin this season is the new coaching staff that the Kings have established. Bryan Kromm arrives with experience in player development and a background that includes junior and university hockey. His challenge will be to create his identity and culture while getting a relatively new group to buy into his systems.
“Growing up in Canada and going through junior hockey, Dauphin was always recognized as one of those historical programs with a winning track record. I think what excites me the most is being a part of a true hockey town where you are the biggest ticket every weekend. I’m looking forward to being a part of that community, embracing that small town culture, and giving back to a place that cares about their hockey team” said Kromm in a release on dauphinkings.com
The addition of former Kings forward and MJHL veteran, Kirklan Lycar, as assistant coach, should help make for a good sounding board to Kromm who will help familiarize him with the community and league.
2026-27 Outlook
While the Kings bowed out in the first round last season, there’s something to be said for the organization that has made five straight postseason appearances, which includes a Turnbull Cup in 2021-22 and a game seven triple overtime loss to the Blizzard in the 2024-25 final.
Like a few other teams in the league, roster turnover appears to have hit the Kings which will give Kromm and his staff an opportunity to make his own stamp on the roster and lead the historic franchise in a community where the Kings are a major part of the culture.
The expectation like always in Dauphin will be playoffs or bust and only time will tell if the new faces Kromm has brought in along with the remaining veterans will get the job done and help the Kings back into the postseason once again.
