The Kimberley Dynamiters declaw the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in 6 games

The Kimberley Dynamiters are headed to the Kootenay Conference Finals for the third year in a row after declawing the 2017 Cyclone Taylor Hosts, Creston Valley Thunder Cats in game six.

The Nitro’s came out blazing early in the game as Calgary native Nolan Kurylo would score just after the five minute mark of the first period.

“Tonight was the night that we needed to come and play our best hockey” Kurylo said.

After only facing seven shots, Kimberley’s net minder, Cody Campbell, knew Creston would fight back.

“After facing seven shots, I knew their second period was going to be phenomenal” Campbell said.

The Thunder Cats did respond. Justen James got the Cats on the board early in the second to tie the game at one. The Cats would then fire an astounding 17 shots in the second period, to no avail, as the 

Dynamiters regained their lead and built on it. Kurylo would score his second of the game, and the Nic Herringer would deflect in a power play goal with 23 seconds left in the second to give the Dynamiters a 3-1 lead with 20 minutes left.

“Coming out for the third period, and we are up 3-1,” Campbell recalled “this might be the biggest period that I have ever played in my life. I am happy that I am here.”

The Dynamiters started Brandon Langridge, Brandt Bertoia and Nicholas Ketola to start the third.

“[They] were our best line in the first 40 minutes during 5-on-5, so it was easy to start them in the third.” Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said.

The line rewarded Stuart and the team, Ketola scored his first goal of the series 14 seconds into the third period to give the Dynamiters a commanding 4-1 lead over the Thunder Cats.

By the three minute mark, the Cats pulled their goalie, and kept pressure on the Dynamiters for a whole two-minutes before James Farmer added to his KIJHL league leading point total as he scored an empty net goal.

The Cats Grant Iles would score with 26 seconds left, but it was too little too late. The Dynamiters defeated the regular season Eddie Mountain division leaders in six games to advance, once again, to the Kootenay Conference finals.

Stuart feels that his team has always had the confidence to beat the Thunder Cats, but that finishing them in six games, gives them a little extra boost, and the players would agree.

“It’s a huge series for us to take down Creston, especially them being the [Cyclone Taylor Cup] host. I think it's a confidence build up for us for the next series.” Said Kurylo, who had a hot hand scoring six goals against Creston.

“I'm just trying to put the puck in the net, things are bouncing the right way right now, I want to carry that into the Beaver Valley series.”

Photo's by Jonathan Righton