Sunday 27 September 2015

Kimberley Dynamiters explode with three goals in third to win 5-3 over Golden Rockets

The Dynamiters struggled in Golden last season, and this game appeared to be headed that way, until the Nitro's scored five in a row to down the Rockets, 5-3.

Game Notes

  • Trey Doell played his first game as a Nitro. (Looks like he came down from Drumheller in the AJHL)
  • Mitch Traichevich got the start in net.
  • 95 in attendance (must've been quiet)
1st
Kimberley started the game on the PP because of a warm-up infraction against Golden. However, the Rockets blew out of the gate, scoring on their first shot on goal. The Nitro's fired a lot of shots on net but couldn't beat the goalie, no bounces were going their way. They doubled the Rockets in shots 13-6, but were down 1-0.

2nd
The Rockets did it again, quick out of the gate, scoring just under a minute into the game to take a 2-0 lead. This is where the doubt crept in, the reminders of last season, struggling in Golden. But wait, these are the KIJHL champions, surely with 39 minutes of hockey left, they could make a game out of it. And they did. Shortly after the midway point, Haase scored his first of the season. In the final minute of the period, Meier added the Nitro's second goal, evening the score, two apiece.

3rd
I missed the barrage of goals scored by the Dynamiters as I was skyping with family. But Haase dominated, scoring his 2nd and 3rd goals of the game a mere 17 seconds apart. Catapulting the Dynamiters ahead 4-2. Trevor van Steinburg gave the Nitro's a commanding three goal lead. However, the Rockets were not going anywhere. They pulled their goalie, and with seven seconds left they cut the Nitro lead to two goals.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Kenaan Haase - literally dynamite. Scoring two goals in 17 seconds, and three in 10 minutes of play.

Honorable Mention
Eric Buckley - quietly added three assists to his point tally. Currently sits tops in the league for scoring.
Jordan Busch - 2A
Mitch Traichevich - 19 saves in his first victory as a Nitro.

Extra Reading

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Golden Rockets


Kimberley DynamitersvsGolden Rockets
4-1-0-2Record0-4-0-0
10Points0
1stDivision Standing5th
5th (3.86)Offence (GFA)20th (1.75)
1st (1.71)Defence (GAA)19th (5.00)
0.947Goaltending (SV%)0.887
5th (20.59%)Power Play13th (11.76%)
5th (88.24%)Penalty KillT-11th (84.21%)
N/APower RankingN/A
W1StreakL4
4-1-0-2Last 100-4-0-0
Jason Richter (9G-5A)Top ScorerJake Gudjonson (2G-2A)
Eric Buckley (3G-10A)2nd Top ScorerEmerson Pugh (2G-1A)
Jared Marchi (2G-8A)3rd Top ScorerBrennan Fuoco (1G-0A)
Justin Meier (31)PIM LeaderSean Ripley (17)

Kimberley Dynamiters spoil Revelstoke Grizzlies home opener with 4-3 victory

The Dynamiters continued their lengthy road trip, while Revelstoke Grizzlies were playing in their first home game of the season (that's a late home opener). Even though the Grizzlies played excellent hockey, that Nitro's edged them 4-3.

Game Notes

  • Tyson Brouwer started in goal against Lenko.
  • Zach Morey, in his second game as a Nitro, faced off against his former team.
  • This game marked Jared Marchi's 183rd game, tops of the All-Time Kimberley Dynamiters.
1st
The webcast was delayed, but when it came up, Buckley put the puck in the net on a 5-on-3 to give the Dynamiters a 1-0. The Grizzlies responded, in a rather chaotic and unorthodox manner as Berry (who was very impressive to watch) dodged some checks, but wound up on his knees before leveling the score - which is how the period ended, tied.

It was comical, as you could tell the webcast was a loyal fan to the Grizzlies, but didn't follow the rest of the league when the Grizzlies stopped playing, as he forgot that the Nitro's won the KIJHL Championship last season. - But I get it, different division and conference.

2nd
After serving a penalty, Campanella skated from half boards to the top of the circle and fired a shot past an unsuspecting Grizzlies goalie, and by his lack of movement, he didn't see the shot. Then there was this parade to the penalty box as both teams got edgy. Moser alone had 16 PIM this period (18 in the game). In the mix of penalties, Revelstoke tied the game up. Moser added his name to the goal column after racking up the PIM, to give the Dynamiters a 3-2 lead. Then with play winding down, the Dynamiters crashed the net, had a scramble play, and nearly scored before the buzzer. The goal was waved off.

3rd
Very few stoppages this period. To the annoyance of the announcer who wanted to share the 50/50 information, so they did it during game play. Richter and Buckley got together for a nice give and go that gave the Nitro's a 4-2 lead. But as the Grizzlies had done for most of the period, they had a response, and got another goal of their own, nearly mimicking the Dynamiters goal. It was 4-3. The Grizzlies didn't give up, especially during their home opener, they pulled their goalie with 1:08 left, and poured it on. But Kimberley held on and won their first close contest of the season (I knew they could do it).

Kimberley now takes to the road to face off against the Golden Rockets, before returning home in October.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Eric Buckley - 1G 1A - an underrated offensive threat is continuing to contribute.

Honorable Mentions
Austyn Moser - All over the scoresheet with his 1G and 18PIM
Jason Richter - 1G 1A
Zach Morey - held his own playing against his old teammates.

Extra Reading

Saturday 26 September 2015

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Revelstoke Grizzlies


Kimberley DynamitersvsRevelstoke Grizzlies
3-1-0-2Record2-2-0-0
8Points4
1stDivision StandingT-4th
6th (3.83)Offence (GFA)8th (3.50)
1st (1.50)Defence (GAA)T-11th (3.00)
0.954Goaltending (SV%)0.906
6th (18.52%)Power Play5th (19.23%)
4th (88.00%)Penalty Kill6th (86.67%)
N/APower RankingN/A
L1StreakL1
3-1-0-2Last 102-2-0-0
Jason Richter (8G-4A)Top ScorerRyan Hozjan (3G-1A)
Eric Buckley (2G-9A)2nd Top ScorerJosh Pilon (2G-2A)
Jared Marchi (2G-5A)3rd Top ScorerRyan Pereverzoff (1G-2A)
Justin Meier (31)PIM LeaderGriffin Fried (14)

Kimberley Dynamiters lose in OT to the Chase Heat

The Kimberley Dynamiters are on another three-game weekend road trip. Their first stop was in Chase to challenge the Heat.

Game Notes

  • The Dynamiters had two new faces to the lineup this year: Haase and Morey (follow transactions here)
  • Brouwer started in net against Bruyere
  • 225 in attendance.
1st
The period was fast paced. Both teams skating end to end. The game was definitely scrappy, and the Heat were throwing their weight around. The game intensified when a Heat player snowed Brouwer. The ref did a good job to then calm things down (or made things worse) by calling a penalty against just the Heat. Kimberley had three PP chances, but couldn't capitalize.

2nd
The ref controlled the game with 32 PIM this period. Then in the last three minutes of the period, which were penalty free. The Heat and Nitro's exchanged goals. The Heats goal was one of those goals that knuckled past Brouwer, due to a stick in the lane (that would drive Don Cherry crazy). The Dynamiters goal was with 20 seconds left, a nice energy sucking goal.

3rd
Similar to the first, the period flew by with very little stoppages. But with time ticking down, the Nitro's got painted in a corner. Meier was in the box, and then Busch tried clearing the zone. But because the glass is different heights in every arena, his clearing attempt that would have been fine in the Civic Centre, flew over the glass, and the Dynamiters were 5-on-3 with 43 seconds left. They survived to the end of the period, and the game was headed to OT.

OT
The Dynamiters started the period short-handed. But the Dynamiters were hemmed in their end. The Heat had the only shots of the period, including the game winner.

After Thoughts
The Dynamiters still got a point in the game, despite losing. It really seems like teams are bringing their A+ games against the Dynamiters (current KIJHL champions) - we see this in every league, every team wants to beat the reigning the champs. It's interesting to note though, that the three wins have been blowouts, and the three losses have been close.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Jordan Busch - wasn't on the scoresheet, but was on the ice for PP and PK's, and was calm.

Honorable Mentions
Tyson Brouwer - 37 saves; KIJHL Star of the Game

Extra Reading

Friday 25 September 2015

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Chase Heat


Kimberley DynamitersvsChase Heat
3-1-0-1Record2-2-0-0
7Points4
1stDivision StandingT-3rd
3rd (4.40)Offence (GFA)T-9th (3.25)
1st (1.40)Defence (GAA)14th (3.50)
0.956Goaltending (SV%)0.906
4th (25.00%)Power Play8th (16.67%)
T-3rd (90.00%)Penalty Kill18th (73.91%)
N/APower RankingN/A
W1StreakW1
3-1-0-1Last 102-2-0-0
Jason Richter (7G-4A)Top ScorerLogan Mostat (3G-1A)
Eric Buckley (2G-8A)2nd Top ScorerKolten Moore (2G-1A)
Jared Marchi (2G-4A)3rd Top ScorerTravis Beaubin; Tommy Brown (1G-2A)
Justin Meier (29)PIM LeaderLogan Mostat (26)

Monday 21 September 2015

Kimberley Dynamiters finish weekend road trip with 8-0 victory

The Kimberley Dynamiters finished their weekend road trip with a KABOOM! They won 8-0 against the Sicamous Eagles, taking home three of a potential six points on the road.

Game Notes

  • Pagura was not in the lineup.
  • Brouwer started.
1st
The Dynamiters took to the board early, as Chabot scored the first goal of the game. Half a period later, with Purdy in the box, Richter scored a shorthanded break away goal.

2nd
The Nitro's added to their lead, as Marchi scored 19 seconds into the period. Buckley added the 4th goal of the game at the midway point. The Dynamiters than killed three penalties in a row to end the period.

3rd
Despite being outshot 11-7, the Nitro's added four more goals, doubling their lead. Goals were scored by Chabot, Richter, Trevor Van Steinburg, and Moser; the last two were power play goals.

By then end of the afternoon game, Brouwer had stopped all 30 of the shots fired at him, earning his second shutout of the early season (just for perspective, Brouwer had two shutouts all of last season).

The box score/score sheet did not pick a player of the game.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Brouwer - shut out.

Honorable Mentions
The 20 year-old line - Richter, Buckley and Marchi. Combined for nine points.

Extra Reading

Sunday 20 September 2015

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Sicamous Eagles


Kimberley DynamitersvsSicamous Eagles
2-1-0-1Record2-2-0-0
5Points4
1stDivision StandingT-3rd
7th (3.50)Offence (GFA)14th (2.75)
2nd (1.75)Defence (GAA)T-11th (3.25)
0.945Goaltending (SV%)0.906
6th (18.75%)Power Play8th (16.00%)
T-4th (87.50%)Penalty Kill17th (76.00%)
N/APower RankingN/A
L2StreakW1
2-1-0-1Last 102-2-0-0
Jason Richter (5G-3A)Top ScorerNathan Plessis (3G-2A)
Eric Buckley (1G-6A)2nd Top ScorerBradley Whitehead (1G-4A)
Jordan Busch (0G-4A)3rd Top ScorerAlex Astasiewicz (2G-2A)
Justin Meier (29)PIM LeaderCameron Flinton (11)

The Kamloops Storm complete the comeback with a 3-2 double OT win over Kimberley Dynamiters

It's been six months since these two teams faced off in the KIJHL Finals this past March. There was a lot of excitement preceding the game. It proved to be well worth the wait, and met expectations... just didn't have the ending that Nitro's fans wanted.

Game Notes

  • These two teams have sent four players to the WHL (Roy, Friesen, Patterson, and Shaughnessy); plus nine players to Junior A (Saretsky, Prevost, J. Gordon, Haase, Gordon, Bazian, Robinson, Trott, and soon to join Mullen). - Hope that the Junior Hockey News sees that.
  • Kamloops reportedly have only one returning skater from last seasons roster. So even though it was a Finals rematch, a lot of new faces out there.
  • Mullen and Brouwer squared off in net.

1st
The broadcast was tardy. It was hard for me to justify to my wife that I had to watch the game when I was staring at a black screen. I got back in time to catch Buckley score his first of the season and give the Dynamiters at 1-0 lead in the final minutes of the first.

2nd
Kimberley was dominant for the first half of the game. Campanella, who kept trying to get a jumping start at face-offs, was able to use the same move to get around a defender and give the Dynamiters a 2-0 lead. But then the whistles turned against the Nitro's, and the Taber presence was escorted to the penalty box. Kamloops scored on the PP; adding a second goal, that bounced all over the place, to tie the game two minutes later.

Then tempers boiled. In a strange turn of events, Meier was called for head-butting as the period ended.

3rd
Both teams wanted to win in regulation, but neither would give an edge. There was a moment when Buckley landed on the puck, and as the play-by-play said, they treated him like a pinata, which if it was any other player being treated as such, a penalty would have been called. And then there was this kind of make-up spearing call. All I saw was Chabot collapse from being hit up high with the stick... but the ref had no idea who did it, so they almost by random grabbed a Storm player and put him in the box.

The Dynamiters ended the period on the PP.

OT 4-on-4
With the PP reaching over into the period, Kimberley started 4-on-3. There were several chances, but they just couldn't buy a goal. The Kamloops player that was called by random had a bee in his bonnet and created several chances. Brouwer kept the door closed, and the five minute period concluded with the teams tied.

OT 3-on-3
Lots of space when it is three on three. The teams traded chances, but eventually a break away chance for Kamloops created an opportunity with a rebound that was slide past Brouwer.

After all was said and done, Kimberley directed 27 shots on net. Kamloops though, they peppered Brouwer with 49 shots.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Tyson Brouwer - 46 saves

Honorable Mentions
Eric Buckley - 1G, KIJHL Player of the Game

Extra Reading
Boxscore

Saturday 19 September 2015

It's Game Day! #KIJHL Finals Rematch: Kimberley Dynamiters at Kamloops Storm


Kimberley DynamitersvsKamloops Storm
2-1-0-0Record2-1-0-0
4Points4
T-1stDivision Standing2nd
T-4th (4.00)Offence (GFA)T-4th (4.00)
1st (1.33)Defence (GAA)T-4th (2.50)
0.949Goaltending (SV%)0.898
4th (25.00%)Power Play18th (9.52%)
T-2nd (91.67%)Penalty KillT-9th (81.82%)
N/APower RankingN/A
L1StreakL1
2-1-0-0Last 102-1-0-0
Jason Richter (5G-2A)Top ScorerDario Piva (3G-2A)
Eric Buckley (0G-6A)2nd Top ScorerBrett Watkinson (1G-4A)
Jordan Busch (0G-4A)3rd Top ScorerRobb Johnson (1G-3A)
Eric Buckley (22)PIM LeaderBrendan Lane (12)

Kimberley Dynamiters lose hard fought game to 100 Mile House

The Kimberley Dynamiters made the lengthy trip north, nearly 800 km's, to face off against 100 Mile House Wranglers.

Game Notes
  • Traichevich got the start in net
  • 438, what looked like a full house, in attendance in 100 Mile House
  • Bertoia, Bateman and Hunt's first game.
1st
The two teams showed zero love to each other. There were 31 PIM and three game misconducts in the first period. Meier was ejected from the game for fighting, and the Wranglers were down two defence. The period had it's fair worth of chances as the Nitro's led 12-10 in shots. And just to emphasize the length of this period, it took 47 minutes to complete, primarily because the refs were trying to sort out penalties.

2nd
This period was over in the blink of an eye. Very little stoppages in play as both teams exchanged chances. Traichevich was looking great, and Busch had many moments of brilliance as he carried the puck. Hunt was showing off his speed. The 20 year old line (Buckley, Marchi, and Richter) had several chances but couldn't beat the Wranglers goalie (who was just released from a Jr. A team).

3rd
Despite being down two defenders, the Wranglers showed resilience, and with the support of their massive crowd, they capitalized on a PP chance. Somehow the #BecauseItsBuckley calls followed him there. The Wranglers directed a lot of rubber towards Traichevich, and they were able to score another goal as the period closed down. The Dynamiters, usually a team that has had the better endurance during 60-minutes of play, were outshot 13-3 in the period. The Wranglers delivered several heavy hits, and just felt bigger.

It was frustrating the webcast ended with 30 seconds left. It has been explained that this is due to the buffering delay, the stream was 90-120 seconds behind real-time play (amazing technology when you think about it), and when the webcast program is closed, the stream ends regardless of the "lag".

Dynamite Player of the Game
Mitch Traichevich - Stopped 28 shots, often in unreal fashion, to give the Nitro's a fighting chance.

Honorable Mentions
Jordan Busch - I can remember an end to end moment, showed excellent finesse and puck control. A calming force on the back end.

Extra Reading

Friday 18 September 2015

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at 100 Mile House Wranglers


Kimberley Dynamitersvs100 Mile House Wranglers
2-0-0-0Record1-0-0-1
4Points3
T-1stDivision Standing2nd
1st (6.00)Offence (GFA)T-6th (3.00)
1st (1.00)Defence (GAA)T-4th (2.50)
0.959Goaltending (SV%)0.918
3rd (33.33%)Power Play16th (11.11%)
T-1st (100.00%)Penalty Kill16th (78.57%)
N/APower RankingN/A
W2StreakW1
2-0-0-0Last 101-0-0-1
Jason Richter (5G-2A)Top ScorerJustin Bond (1G-1A)
Eric Buckley (0G-6A)2nd Top ScorerStephen Egan (1G-1A)
Jordan Busch (0G-4A)3rd Top ScorerTavis Roch (1G-1A)
Justin Meier; Eric Buckley (4)PIM LeaderJustin Bond; Jaydon Gilding (14)

Sunday 13 September 2015

Kimberley Dynamiters win home opener against the Golden Rockets

The Dynamiters celebrated their home-opener with a 6-2 victory over the Golden Rockets.

Game Notes

  • The first 500 fans in the Civic Centre received a rally towel, an unfortunate 103 fans did not get one (603 in attendance).
  • Tyson Brouwer started the game for Kimberley, and Becica for Golden
  • The Prier's, billets for the Dynamiters for 20+ years, dropped the puck for a ceremonial face-off
  • With two van Steinburgs and a van Tetering; I will refer to them most likely by their first name to differentiate them. So there is Tyler (D) and Trevor (last years OT hero) van Steinburg, and Justin van Tetering.
1st
The Dynamiters capitalized on their first PP of the game, as Richter scored from Busch and Marchi. - it was a goal that I missed as my son's potty breaks once again correlate with Nitro goals. A couple of minutes later Moser scored his first as a Dynamiter, and ensured that it went in the net as he too ended up behind the goal line. Buckley was called for tripping with just over four minutes to play. The Dynamiters killed the penalty, but 20 seconds after Buckley got back on the ice, he was crunched into the boards, and the Rockets player went off for boarding. The Rockets killed it off as the period ended, but the Dynamiters were up 2-0.

2nd
KABOOM! Thirty seconds into the period and Marchi scored a vintage backhand goal (one of those that you love to score on NHL 15), Richter and Buckley had the helpers. Wallace then followed up with his own goal from Trevor. Golden then switched goalies to Billinghurst. During the middle of the period, Campanella took an ugly highstick (thank goodness for the Kimberley Dental sponsorship!), and Golden was penalized with a game and 10. Pagura then wired in a PP goal to give the Dynamiters a 5-0 lead.

3rd
The period started off with a Dynamiters implosion, which the Rockets took advantage of and started to close the lead. All I remember seeing is Brouwer and Busch both on the ice in disbelief as the Rockets scored two goals within two minutes. Ending Brouwers shut out streak (which may have been jinxed). Richter took matters into his hands and helped rebuild the lead, as he scored from Buckley and Meier.

Final score was 6-2 for Kimberley. Shots were 45-15 for Kimberley.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Jason Richter - Two goals, one assist

Honorable Mentions
Eric Buckley - 2A
Jared Marchi - 1G 1A and blocked several shots on the PK.
Treveor van Steinburg - 2A and a lot of energy.

Extra Time Reading

Saturday 12 September 2015

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Golden Rockets


Kimberley DynamitersvsGolden Rockets
1-0-0-0Record0-1-0-0
2Points0
T-1stDivision StandingT-3rd
6.00Offence (GFA)2.00
0.00Defence (GAA)4.00
1.000Goaltending (SV%)0.906
20.00%Power Play14.29%
100.00%Penalty Kill100.00%
N/APower RankingN/A
W1StreakL1
1-0-0-0Last 100-1-0-0
Jason Richter (3G-1A)Top ScorerJake Gudjonson (1G-1A)
Eric Buckley (0G-3A)2nd Top ScorerJorden Reid-Whyte (1G-0A)
Lucas Purdy (1G-1A)3rd Top ScorerDarion Nordick (0G-1A)
Justin Meier (4)PIM LeaderSean Ripley (8)

Kimberley Dynamiters win season opener 6-0

The Kimberley Dynamiters, a team that did not play any exhibition games, opened the 2015/16 season with a KABOOM, as they beat the Columbia Valley Rockies 6-0.

1st Period
Within the first minute of the period, the 20 year-old line: Buckley, Richeter & Marchi; scored the first goal of the season. It was quick and it was a surprise. Both teams then buckled in and played a solid 15 minutes of solid, heavy hitting, and fast paced hockey. Then the Rockies crumbled in the last five minutes of the period. Wallace scored his first of the season from Rota. Richter was originally credited with the 3rd goal of the game, but boxscore indicates Buckley got it. And then to finish the period off, Richter scored again! The Nitro's were up 4-0, and the Rockies swapped their goalie out. In a scary moment, that I didn't catch, Busch left the ice in a lot of pain.

2nd
Busch returned for the second period. Buckley, IMO, got called for a pretty lame penalty, but the league has this perspective on him that they just can't shift - despite him being an offensive threat as well. Mid-period the Rockies had another weak moment and in a span of 90 seconds, the Nitro's scored their 5th and 6th goals by Chabot and Purdy. It was 6-0, and the Dynamiters had a solid lead as they capitalized on their chances, the Rockies struggled to beat Brouwer.

3rd
The Dynamiters held the fort, kept their lead, and didn't give up on their lead. This isn't to say the Rockies didn't try, by the end of the game they had fired 34 shots at Brouwer.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Jason Richter - He was explosive and led the teams offensive charge. 3G 1A

Honorable Mentions
Tyson Brouwer - 34 saves for the shutout.
Eric Buckley - 3A
Justin Meier - 2A 4PIM

Extra Time Reading
Boxscore

Friday 11 September 2015

2015/16 Eddie Mountain Predictions

It's that time of year for predictions! This is my third year being a fan blogger and if there is one thing I have learned is that Jr. B is unpredictable because there is such a turn over during the off-season. For example, this year each of the Eddie Mountain division teams has 10-13 rookies on their team, which is half the roster.

Plus this year it seems each team in the division (because Kimberley is the defending KIJHL Champions) have beefed up their roster.

I have also noticed a correlation between goaltending and success. Each team this year boasts a good goaltender.

So with those things in mind, I make my predictions:
  1. Kimberley Dynamiters - defending champions have a strong returning core. Richter, the KIJHL leading scorer last season, and captain, leads the core. In net is the teams Playoff MVP Brouwer. They have the top division d-man Busch returning as well. The players to watch are on the blueline, Bertoia and Pagura.
  2. Creston Valley Thunder Cats - Proved to be a versatile team last year, they could play full throttle offense, or suffocating defense. Cartwright will lead the offense, and Lefebvre is back between the pipes. Plus they have back end players that can lead the rush: Steger, Podgorenko, and Lynes.
  3. Fernie Ghostriders - Won the Eddie Mountain division last year in the regular season. They have the Division goalie of the year, Orser back. They have leading team scorers Keebler and Peers returning. But it will interesting to watch Bender and Sincennes this season.
  4. Columbia Valley Rockies - A young developing roster with 12 rookies on it. The two 20 year olds are Raven and Marchand and will lead the young core. Young and Davies will push the attack with St. Jean quarter-backing the back end. Goaltenders are all new to the KIJHL, the probable starter Baillie joins them from the PJHL.
  5. Golden Rockets - The coaching change will be the biggest factor to watch, plus they have 13 rookies on their roster. They have a nice one-two offensive punch in Desrosier and McKechney. Goalie import Becica is between the pipes.
And... I will probably be wrong in most of these.

Now, let's enjoy the KIJHL 2015/16 season.

Wednesday 9 September 2015

The Righton Family Tradition; 40 years as Nitro fan

The following was published in the Kimberley Bulletin on September 8, 2015



The first time that I went to a Kimberley Dynamiters game, I met some of the long-time season ticket holders. Oblivious to the Civic Centre Arena customs, I was sitting in a reserved seat, marked so eloquently by an ‘R’ with a lit stick of dynamite in it. They told me that they had been sitting in those same seats for over 30 years. I gladly changed spots not wanting to mess with tradition.

Afterward I learned that one of those longtime season ticket holders, after working with their spouse and son in different capacities, was David Righton. He has supported the Kimberley Dynamiters for well over 35 years.

David attended his first Dynamiter game with his dad, attending only once, which was enough to motivate him to become a Dynamiters season ticket holder and create his own tradition. Part of his tradition was taking his son, Jonathan, to Kimberley Dynamiter games.  The first game that Jonathan went to was when he was seven years old, in 1991. This father-son duo attended many, if not all, the Dynamiters home games together.

During that time Jonathan began taking photographs at games. Some of his pictures have appeared on the front page of the Kimberley Daily Bulletin newspaper. While many of his game day pictures are shared on the Dynamiters Facebook page for family, parents, and fans to see.

Unfortunately, David Righton passed away in the summer of 2014. For 23 years the two attended games together. So this past season, 2014-15, was Jonathan’s first season without his father in attendance. It was a difficult and an emotional time for Jonathan, as the Dynamiters were one of the top teams in the KIJHL, as they won their division in the regular season. The Dynamiters then proceeded to win the Eddie Mountain Division, Kootenay Conference, and eventually the League Title, first since winning the league title in 1979-80, before going on to win silver at the Cyclone Taylor Cup.

With all that emotion, Jonathan announced at the conclusion of the season that he was dedicating his whole season’s photography work to his dad, David Righton. An honor he felt his dad deserved knowing how much his dad supported him in photography and the Dynamiters.

Jonathan now continues carrying the torch of the family tradition that will soon be reaching 40 plus years of the Righton family supporting the Kimberley Dynamiter’s.

Monday 7 September 2015

Kimberley Dynamiters Franchise All-Time Stats Could Be Broken

There ar players approaching tops in All-Time Franchise categories this season (According to eliteprospects.com). History could be made. (click on the Record Watch tab above for recent information)

All-Time Points (active players in bold)

#PLAYERGPGATP
1.  Ken Ireland (F)1845155200
2.  Richard Hubscher (F)12862121183
3.  Mike Whitequills (F)1248293175
4.  Tommy Latouche-Gauvin (F)1268683169
5.  Norm Larson (F)1086882150
6.  Leo Keefer (F)1825099149
7.  Jared Marchi (F)1766979148
8.  Jason Richter (F)1467572147
9.  Senate Patton (F)864793140
10.  Spence Tatchell (F)1484777124
11.  Rylan Duley (F)995566121
12.  Corey Lester (F)1184866114
13.  Taylor McDowell (F)1413876114
14.  Eric Buckley (F)1324368111
15.  Jeremy Mitchell (F)1124160101

All-Time Goals

#PLAYERGPGATP
1.  Tommy Latouche-Gauvin (F)1268683169
2.  Mike Whitequills (F)1248293175
3.  Jason Richter (F)1467572147
4.  Jared Marchi (F)1766979148
5.  Norm Larson (F)1086882150
6.  Richard Hubscher (F)12862121183
7.  Rylan Duley (F)995566121
8.  Leo Keefer (F)1825099149
9.  Tyson Klingspohn (F)121504090
10.  Corey Lester (F)1184866114
11.  Senate Patton (F)864793140
12.  Spence Tatchell (F)1484777124
13.  Corey Allen (F)147464490
14.  Matthew Foster (F)64463177
15.  Ken Ireland (F)1845155200
16.  Eric Buckley (F)1324368111

All-Time Assists

#PLAYERGPGATP
1.  Ken Ireland (F)1845155200
2.  Richard Hubscher (F)12862121183
3.  Leo Keefer (F)1825099149
4.  Mike Whitequills (F)1248293175
5.  Senate Patton (F)864793140
6.  Tommy Latouche-Gauvin (F)1268683169
7.  Norm Larson (F)1086882150
8.  Jared Marchi (F)1766979148
9.  Spence Tatchell (F)1484777124
10.  Taylor McDowell (F)1413876114
11.  Jason Richter (F)1467572147
12.  Eric Buckley (F)1324368111
13.  Rylan Duley (F)995566121
14.  Corey Lester (F)1184866114
15.  Mike McBain (D)70256691

All-Time PIM

#PLAYERGPGAPIM
1.  Corey Allen (F)1474690520
2.  Olli Dickson (F)71926495
3.  Dallin Wolf (F)1281936397
4.  Brett Luker (F)1741848356
5.  Scott Jensen (D)53211323
6.  Jordan Foreman (D)89760322
7.  Jason Hufty (F)491236314
8.  Dany Oslund (D)134628310
9.  Jeremy Mitchell (F)11241101283
10.  Brennan Foreman (F)1283182277
11.  Eric Buckley (F)13243111271
12.  Logan Gutfriend (D)911632239
13.  Tanner Gray (D)73215233
14.  Jason Wiemer (F)453366211
15.  Mike Whitequills (F)12482175192

All-Time Games Played

#PLAYERGPGATP
1.  Leo Keefer (F)1825099149
2.  Jared Marchi (F)1766979148
3.  Brett Luker (F)174183048
4.  Spence Tatchell (F)1484777124
5.  Corey Allen (F)147464490
6.  Jason Richter (F)1467572147
7.  Taylor McDowell (F)1413876114
8.  Dany Oslund (D)13462228
9.  Eric Buckley (F)1324368111
10.  Richard Hubscher (F)12862121183
11.  Brennan Foreman (F)128315182
12.  Corson Johnstone (D)128112536
13.  Dallin Wolf (F)128191736
14.  Tommy Latouche-Gauvin (F)1268683169
15.  Mike Whitequills (F)1248293175

Did you notice that Buckley was in every one of those categories? While he may not end up first. He has certainly made an impression on the club. And here is to Richter and Marchi can take over first place in some categories, and set some franchise records!