High stakes hockey starts Saturday.
The Dauphin Kings are hosting the Western Canada Cup with the top two teams advancing to the National Junior ‘A’ Hockey Championship.
"I think it’ll be a good kind of pressure, get our fans into it. I think our team does well under pressure. I think we rise to the challenge. We kind of feed off momentum so hopefully we can get some going," Brandon product and Kings’ captain Mitch Van Teeling told CKLQ’s Tyler Crayston.
The Kings’ organization is back in the spotlight after hosting the RBC Cup in 2010.
Van Teeling soaked in the experience as an AP, and he’s ready to put that knowledge to good use.
"I think just how quickly momentum can turn in a tournament like this," said Van Teeling. "Get off to a good start, or have a good period. Everything is so important. It could mean going to the semifinals or it could mean being done."
Dauphin is facing the Spruce Grove Saints at 7 p.m. in their tournament opener at Credit Union Place on Saturday.
"We’re big underdogs in that one for sure, I think they’re probably favourite to win the whole tournament," said Van Teeling. "If we get off to a good start, squeak out a win or whatever it is, it could really help us out throughout the tournament."
The Yorkton Terriers, Winnipeg Blues and Coquitlam Express are also taking part in the tournament, which concludes May 4th.
For more information on the 2014 Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup, visit www.dauphin2014.com.
