Dumba thriving in Indianapolis

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Dumba thriving in Indianapolis

by Mike Wallin
January 13, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)


Back on November 27, Jared Dumba was in the midst of playing in his fourth season with the Central Hockey League's Oklahoma City Blazers. For some reason, the 2002-2003 season was not going well for the Dysart, Saskatchewan native. With just five goals and two assists in the first 15 games of the season, Dumba's playing time was greatly reduced.

"It was a difficult situation," said Dumba. "For some reason, I was in Coach Sauter's doghouse. My ice time was cut to just a couple shifts a period and I was seeing no power-play time."

For Dumba, playing in Oklahoma City was no longer fun. He began his professional career by skating in 9 games at the end of the 1999-2000 season. The next season, Dumba returned to play for Sauter and his career took off. Dumba amassed 75 points (36G, 39A) as Oklahoma City captured the 2001 CHL Championship. For his efforts, Dumba finished second in the CHL Rookie of the Year voting.

"Things were really going great, not just for me, but for the Blazers," said Dumba. "We won the CHL Championship and life was nothing but great in Oklahoma City."

Last season, Dumba was limited to 39 games due to injuries. Even so, Dumba had a successful season as he posted 34 points (20G, 14 A). The Blazers were unable to recapture the CHL title and Sauter promised changes to the Oklahoma City lineup.

"It was obvious that he was going to shake up the roster," said Dumba. "I was asked to come back and I was definitely looking to playing an injury free season and to put up similar numbers to the championship season."

On November 27, 2002, everything changed. Sauter dealt Jared Dumba to the Indianapolis Ice for "future considerations."

"Actually, I figured a trade was in the works," said Dumba. "It became obvious to me that I was no longer part of the Blazers future. I was probably a day away from confronting Coach Sauter and asking to be traded."

Dumba joined the Ice and was placed on the second line with veterans Randy Holmes and Andrew Taylor. Indianapolis Head Coach Ken McRae hoped that Dumba would regain the offensive prowess of years past.

"It took me a few games to adjust to the new surroundings and to Coach McRae's system," said Dumba. "Once we started the eight game road trip I really became comfortable."

During the eight game road trip, the Ice visited Oklahoma City. Dumba would get the opportunity to play against his former team. Indianapolis captured the contest 4-2 paced by none other than Jared Dumba's two goals.

"I was really excited about the game," said Dumba. "I wish nothing bad towards Oklahoma City, I owe Coach Sauter for giving me the opportunity. To return to Oklahoma City and score twice felt really sweet though."

On January 1, the Ice again visited Oklahoma City and again it was Dumba leading the way with a hat-trick in a 6-2 Ice victory. Blazer fans and even Coach Sauter had to question the trading of Jared Dumba.

"To be traded for future considerations just motivates me even more to prove that I can play at this level," said Dumba.

Jared Dumba's success in an Indianapolis Ice sweater has not come against just the Oklahoma City Blazers. Through his first twenty-one games with the Ice, Dumba has accumulated 24 points (12G, 12A). He has also added 5 goals on the power play and 5 game winning scores. No coincidence that Indianapolis won 16 of 21 games since acquiring Dumba.

"I couldn't have asked for anything better," said Dumba. "My career has taken a major turn for the better. It is so easy to play here in Indianapolis for Ken McRae. He is very forward and tells it like it is. You don't have to guess as to what he may or may not be thinking."

As for adjusting to the city of Indianapolis, Dumba's new teammates have made sure he is comfortable. The biggest change for Jared Dumba has been the travel.

"In Oklahoma City, most bus trips are around four hours. Here, wow the trips are long," said Dumba. "It's actually been a good thing though, this team is really close. The guys all get along and we really have a lot of fun together on the road. On most teams, guys go out to dinner in small groups. Here, we all go out together. I love it, I love being one of the guys on the Indianapolis Ice."

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 13, 2003


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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