TISDALE — Regina’s Parker Dunn headed north to play for the Tisdale Trojans because the team wanted him and he wanted to play for the squad’s fans.
“The Trojans were the first team to offer me a spot and what really got my attention was the unreal fan base that Tisdale brings to every one of the Trojans’ games,” the forward said.
As a 16-year-old rookie, Dunn is an important part of the Trojans’ young core. He has been selected as a member of the team’s leadership group. As well, Dunn has proven his prowess at lighting the lamp.
At the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League’s Christmas break, the Trojans were 3-22-2. The improving squad earned two of those Ws in December. While they have not always gotten the desired results, Tisdale head coach Dennis Kubat said it has been nice to come to the rink and know the team will work hard and wants to get better.
“As a staff, we really appreciate how positive they are, how they want to work, how they want to get better, how they never complain, and how well they get along as a group,” he said.
All six of Dunn’s points this season are goals. He is tied for fourth on the squad in that category. Dunn was a game star when he had a hattrick against Estevan earlier this season.
Kubat praised Dunn’s work ethic, compete level, and skill set. The coach said, “he doesn’t realize how good of an offensive player he can be.”
The Trojans also count on Dunn for leadership. The team did not name a captain for this campaign. Dunn is one of its four assistant captains.
“Parker always has a smile on his face,” Kubat said. “His work ethic is always there. He leads by example. He continues to stay positive and continues to improve.” When asked how he helps lead the team, Dunn said:
“I feel as I lead the Trojans with my play on the ice as I always am giving everything I got in practice and in games. I also believe I lead by an example off the ice as well.”
The rookie has enjoyed life in Tisdale. Dunn and teammate Jared Burnett live with Ethan and Melissa Gosling and their three children: Noah, Peyton and Raylan.
“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is being able to spend every day and all day with my teammates as we practice every day and we all go to the same school,” Dunn said.
The Trojans have three Regina products this season in Dunn, Jaxon Skiftun, and Zach Reeder. Simon Martin hails from nearby Lumsden. Dunn has almost always been a foe of his current teammates growing up. “Now that we are all on the same team, it’s funny listening to all the stories of us playing each other and what we thought of each other when we played,” he said.
The Trojans before the break
Tuesday, Dec. 14 in Tisdale
Saskatoon Contacts 5, Tisdale 4
Trojans Scorers: Madden Wallis (2), Carter Ralston, Parker Dunn
Contacts Scorers: Berkley Catton (2), Zach Moore, Carter Mason, Braden Nienabar
Goalies: Cody Wilson, Tisdale, 36 saves on 41 shots; Chase Wutzke, Saskatoon, 32 on 36
Notes: Wallis and Catton each scored twice in the first period. Tisdale took a 3-2 second period lead but the Contacts scored twice to take a 4-3 lead before the second intermission. Saskatoon made it 5-3 in the third. Dunn scored the game’s final goal. Pavel McKenzie, Ralston and Wallis each had two points. Teagan Kerr, a defenceman, and goalie Dominic Smith were called up from the North East U18 AA team for the game.
Saturday, Dec. 18 in Tisdale
Tisdale 7, Yorkton 0
Trojans Scorers: Matthew Van Blaricom (2), Carter Ralston, Finley Radloff, Ashtyn Shields, Matty Healey, Luc Bourdon
Goalies: Cody Wilson, Tisdale, 43 saves on 43 shots; Frank Chaboyer, Yorkton, 17 on 22; John Macpherson, Yorkton, 5 on 7
Notes: It was Wilson’s first shutout of the U18 AAA shutout. Tisdale led 1-0 and 3-0 at the intermissions before scoring four goals in the third. All goals were at even strength. Van Blaricom, Healey, and Pavel McKenzie each had three points. Kayd Ruedig and Brady Holtvogt from the Humboldt U15 AA team played for the Trojans.
Sunday, Dec. 19 in Tisdale
Swift Current 5, Tisdale 3
Trojans Scorers: Matty Healey, Pavel McKenzie, Kale Margolis
Legionnaires Scorers: Hudson Darby (2), Carter Cormier, Josh Heistad, Theodore McGuire
Goalies: Brady Kashuba, Tisdale, 20 saves on 25 shots; Brayden Schenstead, Swift Current, 41 on 44
Notes: In the first period, Swift Current scored twice on the powerplay to take a 2-0 lead. Tisdale answered in the second with even strength goals to knot the contest at 2-2. The Legionnaires had three third period goals to take a 5-2 lead before Margolis lit the lamp for Tisdale. Teagan Kerr from the North East U18 AA team suited up for Tisdale.
Trojans developing
A young squad, the Tisdale Trojans (3-22-2) continue to make strides. The team earned two of its victories in December.
“You have spectators saying, ‘Hey, you guys are improving, you’re getting better’ and coaches on the other teams are saying ‘You’re improving, you’re getting better, you’re going to be something special in a year’s time,’ that’s what you want to hear,” Tisdale head coach Dennis Kubat said.
As the team kicks off 2022, Kubat said the focus is to continue to develop, continue to make strides as a team, and continue to do the things the staff has preached. The head coach said a year with adversity and challenges is beneficial to players when they face similar things in the real world.
“You really get to see what the boys’ true character is,” Kubat said. “For the most part, it’s been really positive.”
This Week
The Tisdale Trojans (2-22-2) take on the Moose Jaw Warriors (17-10-1) on the road on Saturday. The Trojans are in Wilcox Sunday to play the Notre Dame Hounds (21-6-1). The next home game is Jan. 16 when the Prince Albert Mintos (16-11-1) visit for an afternoon tilt.
