By Katie Brickman via Hockey Canada

Dakota Boutin would love to be the hero once again this year.

The 18-year-old from Moosomin, Sask., scored the game-winning goal last year in triple overtime, ending the longest game in the history of Canada’s National Midget Championship and helping the Prince Albert Mintos win the TELUS Cup in Moose Jaw, Sask.

The thought of winning back-to-back national titles has Boutin excited to hit the ice at the 2015 RBC Cup this week with the Melfort Mustangs.

“It feels pretty great to be going back to a national championship,” said Boutin. “To go this far in the season and to be part of the national championship, it feels pretty awesome.”

Although the Mustangs don't have any RBC Cup experience on their roster, three players were part of that TELUS Cup-winning Mintos last year. Boutin, along with teammates Teal Sobkowicz and Braxx George, were crowned champions last April.

“This feels so good,” said Sobkowicz. “Almost like a Cinderella story to be back here. This is just such a cool experience.”

Boutin was known as a skilled goal scorer in Midget AAA, but as a rookie with the Mustangs in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, he has had to transform his game to become a more rounded player.

The mean streak that was seen at points throughout his time in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League was exemplified this year; he finished sixth in penalty minutes in the SJHL with the Mustangs.

“My role on this team wasn't the same as it was last year (with Prince Albert),” said Boutin. “I think I still provide some scoring to the team, but not being on the top two lines, it has made me focus on my defensive play and be a 200-foot player this year.”

Sobkowicz's role has also went through a transformation as a rookie with the Mustangs. As the captain of the Mintos, he was also a goal scorer and leader last year.

“I felt pretty good coming in as a rookie and I was able to show them what I got,” said Sobkowicz. “The guys are a lot bigger and skilled than at the TELUS Cup, but the transition period only took a month and I feel like I am strong going into this week.”

Both feel the experience they gained last year, especially playing in the longest game in TELUS Cup history, will help them through this tournament.

“Last year, going that far into a game, it was a battle and you learn to just block out the nerves and just focus on playing the game and your strengths,” said Boutin. “I think that helped me through this year and will help going into the tournament.”

As the RBC Cup got closer, Boutin, Sobkowicz and George reminisced daily about their time last year during the national championship.

“The three of us went through it all last year. To be able to go through it with them again is pretty awesome. We talk about it quite a bit more and are really excited to go for another title,” said Boutin. “For anyone just to make the national championship once is pretty special, but to go back-to-back years in different leagues, that is pretty amazing.”

Despite the trio being rookies with the Mustangs, Melfort head coach Trevor Blevins will be relying on them to provide some leadership during the RBC Cup.

“They have been through it and down that road. They understand the tournament format and they understand what it takes to win in this setting,” said Blevins. “Although they are first-year players, they have experience and they play like veteran players on our hockey club. That is a big reason why – they play like champions. They have done it before and we are not only looking for them to contribute but be leaders for this year.”

Boutin is confident that the Mustangs can go all the way. He has even dreamt about scoring another title-clinching goal.

“I think about that every day,” said Boutin. “It would be pretty special, but I really just want to win again, no matter if I score or not.”