It's a fundraiser that is key to the team's operation every season.
The 2025 edition of the Dauphin Kings Tractor Lotto ended over the weekend. Brian Nepinak of Dauphin was the big winner. He took home the $100,000 grand prize. Tammy Rank of Ste. Rose won the 50/50 worth $35,130.
Christian Laughland is the Director of Business Operations for the Kings.
"It all worked out very well. It was a successful year for the Tractor Lotto. I think it made like $20,000 more than last year," said Laughland. "The Tractor Lotto is always successful if you look at it from a money making perspective. It's how big of a success it is. You hope it profits no less than $100,000. It was a really good one, and we can't thank everyone enough for the support."
The numbers are in, and wow, what a year. Laughland confirmed on Wednesday morning a profit of just over $135,000 from this year's Tractor Lotto. Many Parkland residents took home prizes this year, including Betty Filipchuk, Steve Ganzcar, Lee Stirling, Darcy and Audrey Dawson, and Corey and Ryan Delaurier.
Verna Smelski and Woodrow Smith both picked up brand new zero-turn riding lawn mowers courtesy of Reit-Syd Equipment in Dauphin.
The furthest winner this year was from Ashern. While Laughland says they're very appreciative of people buying tickets from outside of the Parkland, he's pleased that this year included many winners from the region.
"Just from the city and Parkland standpoint, that money most likely stays inside the economy. I know some of the people that won the big prizes are probably thinking about holidays and what not," added Laughland. "For the most part, when they win in the Parkland, that money will stay in the local economy, which is great for the region."
Tractor Lotto will return in 2026 and next year could be your year. Looking ahead, after Tuesday's postponed game against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, the Kings only have one more game before the Christmas break.
They'll welcome the Waywayseecappo Wolverines to town on Saturday night. It's a special game. Teddy Bear Toss. It's simple, when the Kings score their first goal, you throw your Teddy Bear onto the ice.
All Teddy Bear's will be donated locally.
"The U11 Dauphin Kings will be picking up the Teddy Bear's. The Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy truck will be on the ice," ended Laughland. "Teddy Bear Toss is always an exciting game, and that'll be the case this year."
Dauphin's first game of 2026 will be on January 4. The Neepawa Titans will be in town.
