The Kimberley Dynamiters have been shuffling their roster
again as the trickledown effect continues. The Nitro’s have signed forwards
Matt Davies (98) and Connor Kendall (98), plus defenceman George Bertoia
returned to the team.
The 6’1” forward, Connor Kendall, is from Calgary and played
six games with the Calgary Canucks in the AJHL last season but had a season
ending injury. Head Coach and General Manager Derek
Stuart says, “he just got
released [from the Calgary Canucks]. They sent him here to play hockey again
and to get into the swing of things.”
“Kendall is a big strong guy, who is physical, and who can
put the puck in the net.”
Last season Matt Davies, from Airdrie, played Midget AAA with
the CFR Bisons. According to eliteprospects.com he scored three goals and six
assists in 34 games, adding four goals and two assists in 11 playoff games. The
Bisons went to their league finals last season. Davies was a late cut from the
Bonnyville Pontiacs.
“Davies is going to help a lot. He is very fast. He works
extremely hard.”
George Bertoia returns to the team after starting the season
with the Drumheller Dragons. Last year Bertoia was the Dynamiters Rookie of the
Year.
“He’s definitely going to be one of our top defensemen, by
what everyone is telling me. I’ve only seen him in practice.”
“I expect him to play his own game, and to pick up where he
left off last year. Being that physical presence out there, making it tough for
other forwards to get to the net; using his physical stature to intimidate
guys. I’m looking forward to seeing play.”
With the return of Bertoia that allowed Stuart to move James
Rota back up to forward. However, with these recent additions, that means
players had to be released.
“Unfortunately you have to release guys that you don’t want
to and guys that could probably play elsewhere in the league”
The Dynamiters released three forwards: Kyle Cornford (98),
Logan Middleton (98), and Taylor Girard (98).
“It’s a good thing when you have players that you have to
make hard decisions on, who we keep and who we are not. You could be making a
mistake, time will tell.
“I’m really happy with the team right now. We feel we have a
real strong group of forwards. We have improved our hockey club by bringing in
Davies in Kendall.”
The Nitro’s are at their maximum roster size of 25. They
currently carry 15 forwards, eight defencemen, and two goaltenders.
The Nitro’s are on the road this weekend for their lone game
on Saturday against the Golden Rockets at the Golden Arena. Puck drop is
7:30pm.
Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman
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