It's been nothing short of a phenomenal season for Drayson Kruk and the Dauphin Clippers.
The Clippers are currently in top spot in their division with a 16-1 record.
"I feel the reason we're doing so well is because we're in the offensive zone so often," said Kruk. "We're generating a lot of shots, and I think there's only one game this season that we were outshot."
A big reason for the Clippers success is Kruk. The 17-year-old Dauphin native is fourth in league scoring with 36 points, 23 of which are goals. Included in the 23 goals was a five-goal performance on November 12 against Sandy Bay, and then he scored four in the Christmas Classic on December 22. Kruk also has a three-goal game and three other games where he scored two goals.
"I've been playing with Riley Hammond and Alex Iwanchysko, and they've been really helping me," said Kruk. "We've been working great as a line, and we create a lot of scoring chances, which I've been able to benefit from. We really enjoy playing with each other."
The Clippers only blemish in the regular season was against the league favourite, Vincent Massey Vikings which was an 8-4 loss earlier this season.
"I believe we are good enough to beat them for sure," said Kruk. "We've played them a couple times this year, and we had some great chances to score, we just couldn't capitalize. But I think if we bring our best game, and offence, we can beat them."
The Clippers will be off to Dallas later this week, for the Lone Star Invitational, which will feature several top-ranked American teams.
"I'm very excited to play down there, and our whole team is," said Kruk. "We're going to spend a lot of time together as a team, and hopefully playing the American teams, will prepare us for the best here in Manitoba when we return."
When asked what Kruk likes about playing for the Clippers most, the 17-year-old knows exactly what his favourite part is.
"Just being a part of high school sport," said Kruk. "You have the whole school supporting you, and kids from other schools in town. It just feels good to be a part of the Clipper family."
Kruk and the rest of the Clippers will be Dallas bound on Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m.