The Central Plains Capitals really turned things around in 2015 in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League.

They finished the 2014-15 season 8-32-4, and have already surpassed last year's point total this season with their 15-8-4 record. Head Coach Darren Durdle says not too much has changed since last year to now.

"You know, every year is different. Last year, a lot of games we played well, we just didn't have quite the goal scoring we're getting this year, and last year our goalie weren't quite as good as they are this year. At the end of the day the kids came and worked hard last year, and they're putting in the same effort this year, and with that kind of effort good things can happen."

Durdle credits a lot of the team's success this season to their positive dressing room, and a strong goaltending tandem.

"Any time you win some games it's fun. As far as goaltending, you can never underestimate how much a goaltender means to a team. There's no championship team that ever wins without great goaltending. We're getting 2 good goalies playing good night in and night out -- and as far as our forwards go -- they're committed, they're working hard, and they're doing the little things right. I think the biggest thing is that they're really having fun with each other."

He adds they're not done yet, and are looking forward to 2016.

"Like I said earlier in the year, our goal is to hopefully make the playoffs this year. It'll be a lot of fun for the kids that have been here for 3 years and we haven't been in the playoffs since they went to that 8 team rule for the playoffs. I also want to do a little shout out to my two Assistant Coaches, they've done a heck of a job over the past couple of years. They put a lot of time and effort into it and I know the kids have a lot of fun with those guys too"

The Caps' first match of 2016 is today against Southwest in Souris at 8 p.m.