Kimberley Dynamiters complete the comeback with a 3-2 OT win, hold 3-2 series lead

Photo by MHolloway.ca

I rambled on and on about why the Kimberley Dynamiters were ready to bounce back after losing the past two. Kamloops however was primed to win Game 5, because that would give them the opportunity to win on home ice.

Game Notes

• Tyson Brouwer started against Jacob Mullen
• Injuries/Scratches: Mallard, Wallace, Hunt, Pagura
• There was 1,358 in attendance
• I was not at the game due to a family commitment... :(

1st
Fast and furious energy, both teams wanting to win, but neither wanting to give the other the edge. The period was pretty even, with shots remaining tied for the first 15 minutes, 6-6. In the five minutes Kimberley outshot Kamloops 6-2, finishing the period 12-8 in shots. The game was knotted at zero. It was noted early, that Roy & Revie were playing with intent.

2nd
Fifty-five seconds into the period Kamloops took the lead, as they banged home a rebound. The Dynamiters tried to even the game, but the door was closed at the other end. Kamloops took their 1-0 lead into the intermission, with an 8-7 lead in shots.

3rd
I began increasing the rate I was refreshing the Kimberley Dynamiters twitter feed. It was quiet... nothing updating, and then a series of penalties. Followed by a goal by the top playoff scorer, Saretsky - I did a mini-dance. When I sat down to refresh again, Kamloops had already scored, 22 seconds later to restore their lead. The nervous refreshing coincided with the nervousness in the arena. Two minutes, Brouwer in the net. Ninety seconds left, Brouwer was still in the net. 1:05 and Brouwer was on the bench. I tightly gripped my phone... waiting for something, I will admit hope was fading as nothing was appearing... then HAASE tied the game with 10 seconds left! Nothing like raising your arms in the air to celebrate... and everyone else looks at you strangely (forgot I wasn't at home). Kimberley led in shots this period, 12-3.

OT1
The two teams skated out a 10-minute period. Kimberley controlled the play, getting several good chances. Brouwer kept the door closed on his end. Nothing was solved though. So the zamboni was brought out, and this game was going to double OT.

OT2
The refreshing was happening at a steady pace... Brouwer makes a huge save... Kamloops ices the puck, takes a timeout... refresh, refresh... #KABOOM! Nitro's Win!!!! I screamed! Everyone looked at me where I was, and I calmly said "Kimberley just won." Van Steinburg just scored the biggest goal of the series, and potentially the biggest of his junior hockey career so far. Revie, who was noted as earlier for playing his heart out, was in on the goal as he poked it in the offensive zone and fed the puck to van Steinburg who was crashing towards the net and directed the puck in.

Kimberley now heads to Kamloops with a 3-2 series lead. This is the first time this playoff run that the Storm have faced elimination. However, neither team has won a game on the road this series.

I also have to say, this playoff run hasn't just been great for the players, who are really enjoying the atmosphere in the arena, but it has been great for the community. The Kimberley Dynamiters are coming up in many conversations, and there are signs, jerseys, and other paraphernalia seen around the community. Heck, supporters are even changing their profile pictures. It is just great to see.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Trevor van Steinburg - OT heroics. Currently Who's Hot in the KI.

Honorable Mentions
Brady Revie - Setting up the winner. KIJHL Player of the game
Keenan Haase - Scoring the tying goal.
Jason Richter - had 2A in the game.

Further Reading
Boxscore
Taylor Rocca write up
Adam Williams write up