It looks as though Joe Caligiuri is having the time of his life.

Wheat Kings fans would remember Caligiuri as the netminder that helped backstop the club to 30 regular season wins in 2007-2008. The Winnipeg native would later be dealt to the Prince George Cougars where he wound up sitting on the bench more often than not.

This season however, the 20-year old goaltender, now a member of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Dauphin Kings, has posted a 27-6-1 record, a 2.68 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage (as of Feb. 11) and is a big component of a team that will be hosting the RBC Cup National Junior A Championship in May. Although he’s not the full-time starter, Caligiuri is playing the majority of the games and is proving his worth. He also has helped the Kings break a franchise record in regular season wins (43) recently.

“It has been a real successful season so far,” said Caligiuri. “I have enjoyed playing here. The city really supports us and it’s definitely one of the top places to play in the MJHL.”

Caligiuri says being part of a team loaded with this many weapons is exciting and knows that he has to continue to take advantage of his starts in net considering his teammate Brett Willows is also having a solid season between the pipes. Willows has posted 19 wins and a 2.58 average so far and has a .912 save percentage (as of Feb. 11).

“I think down the stretch I just need to continue to play well and that stuff will take care of itself,” said Caligiuri. “I'm confident that I can provide the goaltending needed for our team to be successful.”

Caligiuri says he keeps tabs on his former team (Wheat Kings) and wishes them well come playoff time. He says he keeps in touch with former teammates Matt Calvert and Colby Robak as well as Jordan Hale whom he lived with for a season.

“I check out how they’re doing almost weekly,” said Caligiuri. “Looks like they’re playing well. I was good friends with them when I played there and it’s nice to see them do well.”

With this being his last season in junior hockey, Caligiuri has plans of attending university and playing at the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) level next year.

“I will see what my options are at the end of the season but I definitely want to play at that level next year,” concludes Caligiuri.