Tuesday 29 March 2016

Wednesday 23 March 2016

Playoff Preview: Kimberley Dynamiters vs 100 Mile House Wranglers in KIJHL Finals


Kimberley DynamitersREGULAR SEASON100 Mile House Wranglers
41-7-0-4Record33-12-3-4
86Points73
1stDivision Standing1st
3rd (4.06)Offence (GFA)7th (3.40)
2nd (2.10)Defence (GAA)4th (2.40)
3rd (.926)Goaltending (SV%)2nd (.934)
3rd (23.44%)Power Play10th (14.39%)
1st (88.48%)Penalty Kill13th (83.39%)
T-1stPower Ranking6th
Eric Buckley (24G-46A)Top ScorerBrett Harris (19G-39A)
Jared Marchi (28G-38A)2nd Top ScorerJustin Bond (20G-19A)
Jordan Busch (8G-58A)3rd Top ScorerCole Zimmerman (18G-17A)
Eric Buckley (100)PIM LeaderTate Page (150)

Kimberley DynamitersPLAYOFFS100 Mile House Wranglers
12-2Record12-3
3.50Offence (GFA)3.40
1.71Defence (GAA)2.40
.945Goaltending (SV%).935
21.05%Power Play21.13%
88.33%Penalty Kill86.08%
Jason Richter (5G-10A)Top ScorerJustin Bond (9G-8A)
Sawyer Hunt (5G-8A)2nd Top ScorerRyan Friesen (7G-9A)
Eric Buckley (5G-7A)3rd Top ScorerBrett Harris (3G-11A)
Graham Dugdale (22)PIM LeaderTate Page (24)

How They Got Here
Kimberley Dynamiters. They have fended off division rivals, Fernie Ghostriders (5 games) and Creston Valley Thunder Cats (4 games), and then won their conference in a 5 game battle with the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. Kimberley's opponents have been Power Ranked 9, 3, and 4 respectively; with 59, 70, and 75 points in the regular season.

100 Mile House Wranglers. They combated and won against division rivals Revelstoke Grizzlies (4 games) and Chase Heat (6 games), and won their conference in 5 games against the Summerland Steam. The Wranglers opponents have been Power Ranked 13, 5, and 8 respectively; with 49, 67, and 70 points in the regular season. 

Head-to-Head
Both teams have not seen each other since October. They split their regular season series.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RESULTS
DATEAWAYHOMESCORETYPE
18-Sep-15Kimberley Dynamiters@100 Mile House Wranglers0 - 2RS
24-Oct-15100 Mile House Wranglers@Kimberley Dynamiters2 - 5RS

Series Indicators
  • Special Teams. Kimberley's overall playoff special teams were normalized in their series against Beaver Valley. However, the series clinching goal was the lone PP goal. 100 Mile House's PP is somewhat inflated in the Playoffs compared to the regular season. Kimberley has been shorthanded 60 times, 100 Mile House 79. Kimberley has had 57 PP chances, and 100 Mile House 71. Who ever capitalizes on the PP and/or PK will have an edge.
  • Filling the Arena. The 7th player, the fans. Both Kimberley and 100 Mile House have die hard fans. 15% of Kimberley's 7,600 showed up for the Dynamiters last game, HOWEVER, 40% of 100 Mile House's 1,800 showed up for the Wranglers last game. Seating capacity in Kimberley is 1,100, and 600 in 100 Mile House.
  • Over Time. Both teams have had their fair share of OT games. Kimberley has a record of 4-0 in the playoffs. 100 Mile House has a record of 6-1.
  • Winning on the Road. Kimberley has been undefeated at home during the playoffs, going 8-0. They have been 4-2 on the road. Thereotically Kimberley could win the series without winning of the road. 100 Mile House needs to win atleast one road game to win the series. The Wranglers have a record of 6-2 at home and 6-1 on the road (OT loss).
  • Goaltending. In every round goaltending is important. These are the goalies that have backstopped their goalies to this stage. Goaltending will most likely determine the winner.

Wednesday 16 March 2016

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Beaver Valley Nitehawks Series Tracker


Kimberley Dynamiters
4
vsBeaver Valley Nitehawks
1

Series Indicators (from series preview post)
Goaltending
Kimberley Dynamiters - .937 SV%
Beaver Valley Nitehawks - .901 SV%
Special Teams
Kimberley Dynamiters - PP 1/20; PK 18/23
Beaver Valley Nitehawks - PP 5/23; PK 19/20
Sharing the Scoring
Kimberley Dynamiters - 18 goals/8 scorers = 2.25
Beaver Valley Nitehawks - 9 goals/6 scorers = 1.50
Top Line Dependence
Kimberley Dynamiters - 38.0% (19/50)
Beaver Valley Nitehawks - 42.9% (9/21)

Photo by Jonathan Righton
705 in attendance on a Tuesday night to take in the opening game of the Kooteny Conference Finals.

The first period went as expected, a goaltending duel, 21 shots fired by both teams, and the game was scoreless. Although, Hunt was close as he rang a shot off the crossbar.

In the second, things changed. A minute of weakness and the Dynamiters scored two goals, from Marchi and Hunt. The Nitehawks cut into the Nitro's lead when they scored a questionable goal, some labelled it a "gimmie" goal, as Brouwer cleared the puck to the Nitehawks bench while the squad was making a line change - depending on the vantage point, that cleared shot was fired back on net by a sixth player and going in short handed. Nonetheless, it was 2-1 after 2.

In the third the Dynamiters exploded for four goals. Richter snapped in a shot glove side, Buckley scored five-hole, Haase spun and shot that Hunt deflected in, and lastly Tyler Van Steinburg shelved a back handed shot over the shoulder as he dangled past several Nitehawks players. It was suddenly 6-1.

Brouwer made 27 saves for the W.

Haase had 3A; Wit 2A; Meier 2A; Richter has reached 6 PIM, same amount as in the regular season.

Game Two: Kimberley Dynamiters 4 vs Beaver Valley Nitehawks 2
Photo by Jonathan Righton
813 in attendance as they were truly entertained.

As expected, the Nitehawks rebounded back and scored two goals in the first, including a PP goal - it's been a while since the Dynamiters have been scored on the PK.

For 58 minutes this game was Beaver Valley's. Yes, Hunt scored four minutes into the 3rd, but with the way the Nitehawks were playing, it looked like two things were going to happen: Nitehawks win, or the game was headed to OT where anything could happen.

Wit trailed the play and fired in the game tying goal with 1:47 left. - Ok we are going to OT. Then a minute later, the captain, Richter gave the Dynamiters a 3-2 lead, and Trevor Van Steinburg sealed the game with an EN goal. Trevor was the only Nitro to have a multi-point game, 1G 1A.

Brouwer made 27 saves for the win. Busch was the Home Star of the game.

Game Two: Kimberley Dynamiters 4 at Beaver Valley Nitehawks 3

It was the return of the puzzling officiating, mixed with frustration, that led to a very rare penalty high first period. The after math of the period had 3 Games, 4 10min, and 20 other PIM. What started it all was Busch took a hit to the 43 seconds into the game. In all the madness, the Nitehawks scored a  trick shot PP goal.

The Nitehawks took a 2-0 lead in the second, it was short lived as the Dynamiters scored two quick goals, both by Wit. The first goal for the Nitro's was controversial because the net was knocked loose at the same time the puck went in, but the goal stood.

With just under 7 minutes left, the Nitehawks restored their lead. Then as the Dynamiters have done in the past, Tyler Van Steinburg fired a point shot in to tie the game at 3 with just under three left. Should they settle for OT? Nope! Hunt scored on a pretty feed from Meier and Kimberley had a 4-3 lead with 32 seconds left, which they held on to.

Yet again, Kimberley is proving that you have to play a full 60 minutes against them, not 40 minutes, not 57, not 59, but 60. However, Kimberley has yet to register a PP goal in the series.

Brouwer made 25 saves for the W. Hunt was the Away Star Player. Meier had 3A, Ricther 2A, Tyler Van Steinburg 1G 1A, Wit 2G.

Game Four: Kimberley Dynamiters 1 at Beaver Valley Nitehawks 2
This was the goaltending duel I have expected all series. Not that it hasn't happened, just with the scoreline in the third period, it has negated goaltending performances. The Nitehawks also faced elimination, and finishing a series is one of the hardest things to do.

The Nitehawks continue to dominate on special teams, scoring two PP goals in the second to take a 2-0 lead. The Dynamiters have struggled on the PP, going 0/4 in the game.

Marchi did get the Dynamiters on the board with a goal in the third. Looked like the Dynamiters were going to repeat their third period heroics, but the Nitehawks held on to win their first game of the series.

Brouwer made 26 saves and was the Away Star Player.

Kimberley returns home, and while the strong third period performances have been entertaining, it is difficult hockey to play from behind, and not an efficient strategy.

Game Five: Kimberley Dynamiters 3 vs Beaver Valley Nitehawks 1
Over 1,100 squished into the Civic Centre like sardines for the chance to watch the Dynamiters advance to the KIJHL Finals.

Goaltending was spectacular this game. Busch returned to the lineup.

In the first, it appeared as if both teams were playing not to lose, that is not playing to win, but playing an air tight style of hockey that is risk free. Tyler Van Steinburg got the Dynamiters on the board first with a seeing eye wrist shot from the point.

The Nitehawks leveled the game with a PP goal of their own (you just can't stop this slick teams PP).

Then, the third period story line continued. None other than the captain, Richter, scored the eventual game winning goal by deflection on the PP, just moments after Buckley had a goal waved off. The Dynamiters dominated the play. Dugdale had beautiful chances, but the Nitehawks goalie was doing his best to keep the game close for his team to win. Colapaolo beat the defender and gave the Nitro's a commanding 3-1 lead with 7:50 left. The Nitehawks pulled the goalie, had a 6-on-4 chance, but the Dynamiters held on to win 3-1 and advance to the KIJHL Finals.

Moser had 2A. Tyler Van Stienburg 1G 1A.

Brouwer made 29 saves for the win, and was named the Home Star Player of the Game.

Photo by Jonathan Righton

Monday 14 March 2016

KIJHL Clutch Scorers Through Round Two

It's that time! Time for the Round 2 Clutch Scorers.

Focusing on the Top 18 because there was a natural cut off. I bolded the teams that are still remaining.

Round Two Stars:

  • Steams Wyatt Gale and Coyotes Rainer Glimpel both led in round two performances with 9 points. With those performances, those two sit 1, 2 in clutch scoring.
  • The Steams Josh Pilon came out of nowhere, 0 clutch points in round one, to having 8 this round
  • By the team, how many top clutch scorers does each team have entering the conference finals
    • Kimberley Dynamiters 3
    • Beaver Valley Nitehawks 1
    • Summerland Steam 5
    • 100 Mile House Wranglers 2


  PLAYER TEAM PPG2 PPA SHG2 SHA GW2 TTL RD1 RD2
1 Wyatt Gale Summerland Steam 6 2 0 0 6 14 5 9
2 Rainer Glimpel Osoyoos Coyotes 6 5 0 1 0 12 3 9
3 Jared Marchi Kimberley Dynamiters 6 0 0 0 6 12 6 6
4 Braden Hughes Chase Heat 10 1 0 0 0 11 7 4
5 CarsonCartwright Creston Valley Thunder Cats 4 1 4 0 2 11 11 0
6 Carter Shannon  Osoyoos Coyotes 2 2 2 0 4 10 7 3
7 Justin Bond 100 Mile House Wranglers 4 3 0 0 2 9 4 5
8 Jack Mills Summerland Steam 4 3 0 0 2 9 4 5
9 Bobby LaRue Osoyoos Coyotes 4 3 0 0 2 9 4 5
10 Braden Eliuk Summerland Steam 0 7 0 1 0 8 2 6
11 Austin Dean Grand Forks Border Bruins 2 3 2 1 0 8 5 3
12 Josh Pilon Summerland Steam 6 2 0 0 0 8 0 8
13 Ryan Friesen 100 Mile House Wranglers 4 3 0 0 0 7 4 3
14 Jarrett Malchow Summerland Steam 4 3 0 0 0 7 0 7
15 Keillan Olson  Beaver Valley Nitehawks 2 5 0 0 0 7 3 4
16 Trey Doell Kimberley Dynamiters 4 1 0 0 2 7 5 2
17 Daniel Stone Osoyoos Coyotes 2 3 2 0 0 7 0 7
18 Korbyn Chabot  Kimberley Dynamiters 2 3 0 0 2 7 6 1

Saturday 12 March 2016

Playoff Preview: Kimberley Dynamiters vs Beaver Valley Nitehawks


Kimberley DynamitersREGULAR SEASONBeaver Valley Nitehawks
41-7-0-4Record34-11-4-3
86Points75
1stDivision Standing1st
3rd (4.06)Offence (GFA)2nd (4.31)
2nd (2.10)Defence (GAA)11th (2.88)
3rd (.926)Goaltending (SV%)4th (.924)
3rd (23.44%)Power Play5th (22.09%)
1st (88.48%)Penalty Kill8th (84.94%)
T-1stPower Ranking4th
Eric Buckley (24G-46A)Top ScorerBraden Fuller (28G-31A)
Jared Marchi (28G-38A)2nd Top ScorerJace Weegar (17G-41A)
Jordan Busch (8G-58A)3rd Top ScorerTyler Ghirardosi (18G-20A)
Eric Buckley (100)PIM LeaderDevin Nemes (99)

Kimberley DynamitersPLAYOFFSBeaver Valley Nitehawks
8-1Record8-1
3.44Offence (GFA)3.89
1.67Defence (GAA)1.78
.949Goaltending (SV%).933
29.73%Power Play25.00%
94.59%Penalty Kill90.00%
Eric Buckley (4G-5A)Top ScorerKeillan Olson (1G-9A)
Sawyer Hunt (1G-8A)2nd Top ScorerTyler Ghirardosi (3G-6A)
Jared Marchi (6G-2A)3rd Top ScorerJace Weegar (2G-7A)
Dugdale (22)PIM LeaderMcKoy Hauck (34)


How They Got Here
Both teams finished first in their division. The Nitehawks played Nelson (4-0) and Grand Forks (4-1); while Kimberley has played Fernie (4-1) and Creston (4-0). Statistically speaking, Kimberley faced a more difficult road to get here.

Power Rankings - Fernie was T-9th; Creston 3rd; Nelson was 16th and Grand Forks 15th (noting that Grand Forks was one of the most improved teams on the year).
Points - Fernie 59 and Creston 70; Nelson 42 and Grand Forks 51.

Head to Head

Series Indicators
  • Goaltending: with all due respect to Butler, Orser and Lefebvre; a Brouwer vs Kramer duel will be the best goaltending battle to date. Kramer has a .944 SV% while Brouwer has .949 SV%
  • Special Teams: both teams have been spectacular on the PK and PP, and who ever can solve the other teams special teams will have an edge.
  • Shared Scoring*: Nitehawks have scored 34 goals in the playoffs by 15 different players (2.27 goals per scorer). Kimberley has 31 goals scored by 16 different players (1.94 goals per scorer). 
  • Top Line Dependence*: The Nitehawks top three point getters account for 28.0% of the teams scoring. The Dynamiters top three point scorers account for 31.7% of the teams scoring.
*Yes shared scoring and top line dependence are talking about the same thing, but they are measured differently.

Wednesday 9 March 2016

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Creston Valley Thunder Cats Series Tracker


Kimberley Dynamiters
4
vsCreston Valley Thunder Cats
0

Series Indicators (From the preview post)
Special Teams
Kimberley Dynamiters - PP 2/15; PK 9/9
Creston Valley Thunder Cats - PP 0/9; PK 13/15
Defence
Kimberley Dynamiters - 1.61 GAA
Creston Valley Thunder Cats - 3.02 GAA
Winning on the Road
Kimberley Dynamiters - 2/2
Creston Valley Thunder Cats - 0/2

Game One: Kimberley Dynamiters 2 vs Creston Valley Thunder Cats 1 (2OT)

The 958 in attendance were treated to a stellar game. Creston proved that they have a ferocious offence and that they could skate with the Dynamiters for 60+ minutes. The Thunder Cats opened the scoring for the series, taking a 1-0 lead in the first period. Which was also a penalty FREE period. Emphasizing that this is a finesse and speed series. The Cats played with fire as they started to take penalties, and Marchi made them pay with his PP marker from Buckley and Richter. Marchi continues his non-flashy heroic play. The two teams skated out a very entertaining third period, with several chances at both ends. Brouwer was keeping the game level, same with the Cats goalie.

Then in second OT, when shoot from anywhere becomes the philosophy. Busch delivered a point shot that found it's way to the bottom corner pocket. I bet he was as surprised as everyone in the arena that it went in. Buckley and Haase had the assists. Brouwer finished the night with 28 saves.

Have to wonder about injuries, or players playing with injuries on both sides. Tyler Van Steinburg returned from injury. Haase did not take a faceoff, and several times Moser limped off the ice. I was hoping that the break would allow time for healing. But it's a part of playoff hockey.

Brouwer was named the Home Star of the Game, fitting after being awarded, February Player of the Month.

Article by Taylor Rocca

KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS PLAYER STATS
#PlayerGAPTS+/-SHPIM
2George Bertoia000E00
6Devon Langelaar000E00
8Trey Doell000E00
9Tanner Wit000E00
10Jordan Busch101E00
11Justin Meier000E00
12Eric Buckley022E00
15Jared Marchi101E00
17Austyn Moser000E02
18James Farmer000E00
19Graham Dugdale000E00
20Tyler Van Steinburg000E00
21Trevor Van Steinburg000E00
22Sawyer Hunt000E00
24Brodie Buhler000E00
26Korbyn Chabot000E00
27Keenan Haase011E00
40Jason Richter011E00
KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS GOALIE STATS
#PlayerMIN.SHSV
1Tyson Brouwer (W)75:372928
33Mitch Traichevich (Backup)0:0000

Game Two: Kimberley Dynamiters 2 vs Creston Valley Thunder Cats 1 (1OT)
Photo by Jonathan Righton
I'll be honest, I missed the first period because I was putting my children to bed. But this game was another stellar match between the Nitro's and Cats. The Cats had a massive support cast of fans.

Doell opened the scoring for the Nitro's on the PP, with assists to Hunt and Chabot. Shenanigans appeared to have happened shortly after the goal with the bulk of the games penalty minutes in that time span. Creston responded and tied the game.

The 2nd and 3rd periods were scoreless, but they were sure entertaining. Kimberley continues to shine on the PK, keeping the Cats at bay, including a 51 second 5-on-3; which Richter and Busch bravely, and skillfully, had a 2-on-1 break after a face off, but the Cats goalie swallowed the puck. Also, classy move by the Cats player, who boarded Farmer, it appeared accidental, and with the instant remorse he showed, you could tell it was unintentional, but the Nitro's still got a PP.

These two teams were headed to OT yet again. This time, OT lasted 17 seconds instead of nearly 16 minutes, as Haase got past the defender and fed the puck to Hunt who scored the game winning goal, and his second point of the night. Busch also recorded an assist on the goal.

Hunt was named the Home Star of the Game.

KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS PLAYER STATS
#PlayerGAPTS+/-SHPIM
2George Bertoia000E00
6Devon Langelaar000E00
8Trey Doell101E00
9Tanner Wit000E00
10Jordan Busch011E00
11Justin Meier000E00
12Eric Buckley000E02
15Jared Marchi000E02
17Austyn Moser000E00
18James Farmer000E00
19Graham Dugdale000E04
20Tyler Van Steinburg000E00
21Trevor Van Steinburg000E00
22Sawyer Hunt112E00
24Brodie Buhler000E00
26Korbyn Chabot011E00
27Keenan Haase011E00
40Jason Richter000E00
KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS GOALIE STATS
#PlayerMIN.SHSV
1Tyson Brouwer (W)60:172423
33Mitch Traichevich (Backup)0:0000

Game Three: Kimberley Dynamiters 5 at Creston Valley Thunder Cats 2
The theme for this game for me was: "No Haase, No Worries." The power centre was not in the lineup, but everyone else chipped in and helped the Nitro's take a 3-0 series lead, on Busch's birthday.

The ever-checking-forward Buhler got the Nitro's first goal in the first from the Van Steinburg brothers. Then the Dynamiters ran away with the game in the second, scoring three goals. Marchi x2 and Colapaolo. Lone assist to Busch. The Dynamiters did an excellent job forechecking and keeping the puck hemmed in the Cats zone.

The Cats "won" the third period scoring 2 in the last 6th of the game, after Moser got the Dynamiters their 5th goal, assists to Colapaolo and Doell.

Brouwer made 29 saves for the win.

Marchi was the Away Star of the game.

The Dynamiters remain perfect on the PK this series, and they have found ways to score at even strength instead of relying heavily on the PP. Plus they are the first team to win on the road.

Check out Taylor Rocca's review of the game here.

KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS PLAYER STATS
#PlayerGAPTS+/-SHPIM
2George Bertoia000E02
6Devon Langelaar000E00
8Trey Doell011E02
9Tanner Wit000E00
10Jordan Busch011E00
11Justin Meier000E00
12Eric Buckley000E00
14Franco Colapaolo112E02
15Jared Marchi202E00
17Austyn Moser101E02
18James Farmer000E00
19Graham Dugdale000E00
20Tyler Van Steinburg011E00
21Trevor Van Steinburg011E00
22Sawyer Hunt000E00
24Brodie Buhler101E00
26Korbyn Chabot000E00
40Jason Richter000E00
KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS GOALIE STATS
#PlayerMIN.SHSV
1Tyson Brouwer (W)60:003129
33Mitch Traichevich (Backup)0:0000

Game Four: Kimberley Dynamiters at Creston Valley Thunder Cats
Haase was back in the lineup, while Wit was scratched.

The do or die game for the Cats, and they came out flying. Outshooting Kimberley 14-3 in the first and scoring the lone goal.

The second period was the Nitro's. Buckley scored tying the game at one, assists to Marchi and Richter. Richter then snapped in a loose puck in the slot, putting the Nitro's up 2-1. The Cats eventually leveled the game before the period ended.

Then that tall and strong power forward from California who returned to the lineup this game, Haase scored making it 3-2, assist to Hunt, with 5 minutes left. Then just as you hope the Nitro's were going to win the series, the Cats tied the game back up with 2 minutes left! The Cats just won't go away. After 60 minutes there wasn't a winner, so the game was headed to OT, the third time in this series.

Buckley had a beauty of a chance on the break away, but couldn't find a hole. Moments later, Richter busted in and fed the puck to Marchi who buried the puck for the game and series winning goal!!!!

Brouwer made 36 saves for the W. Marchi was the away star for the game.

Article by Taylor Rocca. Taylor's interview with Brouwer. Taylor's interview with Marchi.

KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS PLAYER STATS
#PlayerGAPTS+/-SHPIM
2George Bertoia000E00
6Devon Langelaar000E00
8Trey Doell000E00
10Jordan Busch000E00
11Justin Meier000E00
12Eric Buckley101E00
14Franco Colapaolo000E00
15Jared Marchi112E00
17Austyn Moser000E00
18James Farmer000E00
19Graham Dugdale000E04
20Tyler Van Steinburg000E00
21Trevor Van Steinburg000E00
22Sawyer Hunt011E02
24Brodie Buhler000E00
26Korbyn Chabot000E00
27Keenan Haase101E00
40Jason Richter123E00
KIMBERLEY DYNAMITERS GOALIE STATS
#PlayerMIN.SHSV
1Tyson Brouwer (W)63:293936
33Mitch Traichevich (Backup)0:0000

The Kimberley Dynamiters did exactly what they needed to do this series: perfect on the PK, solid defensive hockey, and win on the road. That equaled a series sweep.

Photo from MHalloway