A veteran and a rookie. A forward and a goalie.
Graeme Hore and Dalton Dosch might appear very different at first glance, but both have joined the Virden Oil Capitals this season and contributed in important roles.
The 20-year-old Hore was brought in to provide depth up front and has responded with the highest points production of his career. The 18-year-old Dosch came in partway through this season to give the Oil Caps a backup netminder they can count on.
Their contributions have helped the team be successful this season.
What’s been the most enjoyable part?
“Just being a part of a special group like this all year has been awesome,” Hore said. “I’ve never been on a winning team before and to come to the rink everyday excited about the team is awesome.”
After going 3-0 last week, the Oil Capitals have already equaled the 37 wins they posted in 2015-2016, which was their best record since moving to Virden in 2012.
With a 37-17-2-0 record, Virden sat second in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League standings as of Sunday. The Oil Caps were one point ahead of second-place Portage.
“Every line contributing”
“We are getting solid contributions from everybody. Every line is contributing,” Virden head coach Troy Leslie said. “I think a key to getting some momentum is having seven shifts in a row that are solid. We have been able to do that lately.”
In three games last week, the Oil Capitals had two shutouts and only allowed two goals. Leslie said the team has had solid goaltending and has been good in its own end. He also pointed to its success at the other end of the ice.
“I think the key to our success is getting pucks deep and spending as much time in their defensive zone as possible,” said Leslie, who praised his team’s puck possession, puck movement, and ability to limit its turnovers.
The Oil Capitals are on the road this Saturday in Winkler. The team hosted the Winnipeg Blues on Thursday after the Empire-Advance deadline.
Dosch
A product of Willowbunch, Sask., Dosch played the last three seasons in prep schools in Calgary.
He was with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Whitecourt Wolverines before coming to the Oil Capitals. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound goalie is 13-5 this season with a 3.02 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
“When we have asked him to play, he has played very well,” Leslie said.
Dosch said he has enjoyed being able to “play on a top tier team with a great bunch of guys.”
Hore
A former Southwest Cougars midget AAA player, Hore played his first three junior seasons with the Dauphin Kings. With games left to play this season, Hore has already accumulated 13 goals and 33 points to surpass his previous career highs of nine and 21 respectively.
He has formed a strong line with Jeran Knorr and Kyle Salaway, which Leslie said was the team’s most productive during the middle part of the season. But Hore brings more than just offence to the Oil Caps.
What has impressed Leslie the most?
“Just his ability to kill penalties and obviously to contribute offensively. He is a guy who can play anywhere in your lineup,” the head coach said.
Now in his final junior season, Hore has made plenty of memories in junior hockey. What will he remember the most?
“Just all the friends and people I've met throughout my four years has been amazing. I've had amazing billets and teammates that I'll be friends with forever.”
Kirkup Honoured
Hometown product Tyler Kirkup was named the Recycle Everywhere MJHL Player of the Week. He had six points, including three goals, in three victories. As of Sunday, Kirkup was sixth in the league with 69 points. (see Kirkup player profile.)
Oil Caps 5, Wolverines 0
Virden netminder Riley McVeigh stopped all 20 shots he faced to post his second shutout of the season in a 5-0 victory over Waywayseecappo on Feb. 13.
After a scoreless first period, the Oil Capitals got rolling on the road. They scored twice in the second period and three times in the third. Virden outshot the Wolverines 38-20. Waywayseecappo goalie Isaac Labelle had 33 saves.
Ben Dalke led the way for Virden with three points, including two goals. Also scoring for Virden were Salaway, Josh Belcher, and Rylee Zimmer.
Oil Caps 5, Flyers 2
With a three-goal first period, the Oil Capitals grabbed control at home on Feb. 16 to beat Winkler, 5-2, in front of 763. After the first period, both teams scored a goal in each of the following periods.
Dylan Thiessen helped Virden get rolling with a goal and an assist in the first period. He finished with a team-high three points. Kirkup had two goals. Knorr and Zimmer also scored for Virden.
McVeigh allowed two goals on 32 shots. Troy Martyniuk started for Winkler and made eight saves on 11 shots in the first period. He was relieved by Aaron Brunn, who made 23 saves.
Oil Caps 3, Steelers 0
Dosch had 20 saves to record Virden’s second shutout of the week as the host Oil Capitals beat Selkirk with 725 fans looking on. It was also the rookie’s second shutout of the season.
Virden led 2-0 after the first period. Neither team scored in the second session. Kirkup had a goal and three points. Salaway and Landyn Cochrane also lit the lamp. Selkirk goalie Zachary Bennett made 32 saves.
