It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Columbia Valley Rockies

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Columbia Valley Rockies
26-14-2-1-3	Record	10-29-0-6
57	Points	26
2nd	Division Standing	5th
3rd (4.02)	Offence (GFA)	18th (2.73)
7th (2.93)	Defence (GAA)	19th (4.60)
14th (0.899)	Goaltending (SV%)	19th (0.879)
4th (23.00%)	Power Play	18th (11.65%)
3rd (87.70%)	Penalty Kill	19th (77.57%)
4th	Power Ranking	19th
W4	Streak	W1
8-0-1-0-1	Last 10	4-6-0-0
Jason Richter (34G-22A)	Top Scorer	Ryan St. Jean (7G-25A)
Braden Saretsky (16G-28A)	2nd Top Scorer	Sam Young (15G-16A)
Coy Prevost (13G-29A)	3rd Top Scorer	Braydon Barker (9G-14A)
Eric Buckley (97)	PIM Leader	Sam Young (129)

Dynamiters hold on to 2nd in Eddie Mountain with OT win over Creston Valley

In a game that had a playoff feel, because home ice was on the line, went into double OT before the Dynamiters scored the winner. This game had spectacular goaltending, heavy hits, passion, intensity and a fight.

Game Notes

• Marchi returned to the lineup, wearing #88 because his previous jersey was cut during his hospital visit
• Brouwer started in net (game #34 that he has appeared in)
• Scratches/Injuries: Dagostin, Campanella, Pagura

1st

The Dynamiters opened the scoring with a goal from van Steinburg. It became apparent as this period went on, that this game was going to be intense. There was only two points that separated these two teams and the winner could get one game closer to holding down home-ice advantage in what is a first preview. There was a lot of pushing and shoving that resulted in 60 minutes worth of misconducts being handed out. After the penalty parade of a period concluded, the shots were 9-apiece and the Dynamiters led 1-0.

2nd

The second period was a finesse period. Chances were all-around. Brouwer was making save after save. At the other end Lefebvre was putting on a show as well, in one moment Marchi fed the puck to Richter in the slot, and Lefebvre snagged the puck with his glove. Richter could only look skyward in disbelief. The Thunder Cats leveled the scoring with what "wasn't much of a goal" as they batted in a scramble play with 32 seconds left in the period. The Cats outshot Kimberley an astounding 18-5 this period.

3rd

As the Nitro's twitter account simply said, Kinnon took a round out of a Creston player. However, I was amazed with the intensity of fist flying. I feel it was wise to take out the Cats top PIM guy, as sometimes in the last 10 minutes he dances with a Nitro player and they are suspended for a game, so Kinnon took one for the team. Kimberley dominated the period shot-wise with 12 to Creston's 2. However, this game was headed to OT.

OT1 - 4on4

The highlight of this 5 minute period was when Brouwer absolutely robbed Creston two times in a row (I thought I even saw the goal light go on, but that could have been a reflection on my computer screen).

OT2 - 3on3

There was so much open ice, but you could tell that the strategic chess match was still in progress, lots of checking (not hitting) and back-checking. And in a short moment of freedom, Roy got the puck from Saretsky and wristed it past Lefebvre for the OT and GWG.

The Dynamiters now have a 3-point lead over Creston, but Creston has a game in-hand.

Nitro's Player of the Game

Tyson Brouwer - 35 save performance - it's moments like these that I wonder how he hasn't committed to a University/College or played in Jr. A.

Honorable Mentions

Tyler Kinnon - played with intensity, and delivered hard hits.

Jordan Roy - GWG

Further Reading

Boxscore

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Creston Valley Thunder Cats

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Creston Valley Thunder Cats
25-14-2-1-3	Record	24-15-1-4
55	Points	53
2nd	Division Standing	3rd
3rd (4.07)	Offence (GFA)	12th (3.23)
7th (2.98)	Defence (GAA)	8th (3.00)
14th (0.899)	Goaltending (SV%)	7th (0.907)
3rd (23.22%)	Power Play	12th (16.48%)
3rd (87.29%)	Penalty Kill	14th (79.89%)
4th	Power Ranking	11th
W3	Streak	W3
7-1-1-0-1	Last 10	7-2-0-1
Jason Richter (34G-22A)	Top Scorer	Carson Cartwright (26G-26A)
Braden Saretsky (16G-27A)	2nd Top Scorer	Alec Wilkinson (9G-33A)
Coy Prevost (13G-29A)	3rd Top Scorer	Kyle Richter (12G-17A)
Eric Buckley (93)	PIM Leader	Mason Mazur (87)

Dynamiters win 2nd in a row against Columbia Valley Rockies

For the second meeting of three in a week, the Dynamiters crumbled the Rockies 5-2.

Game Notes

• I forgot to mention that Jonas Gordon is back from injury last game.
• Brody Nelson got the start in net, which he acknowledged how weird it was for him.
• Injuries/Scratches: Marchi, Campanella, Kinnon, Roy

1st

The Dynamiters were in the box quickly and frequently. However, despite being shorthanded, the Nitros scored two shorthanded goals by Saretsky (he has been dangerous SH, 5SHG ) and Wallace. Despite the Nitro's leading in scoring, and the Rockies leading in PP chances, the shots were 9-all this period.

2nd

The Rockies started making a game out of it, with a goal by Young, making it 2-1. The Dynamiters responded with two goals in two minutes. Wallace scored on the PP, walking into the slot. Rosolowsky buried a loose puck. But the Rockies again came back, with a goal by Harris and it was 4-2 by the end of the period. The Rockies did score a third goal, but the goal was waved off due to a player being in the crease.The shots were 11-6 for the Nitro's.

3rd

The period was fast and furious, and more intense than in games prior between the two. The Rockies finished the night with 10 PP chances, but couldn't solve the Dynamiters PK, and Nelson. Saretsky rounded out his four point night with another goal.

Nitro's Player of the Game

Braden Saretsky - 2G 2A, KIJHL player of the game.

Honorable Mentions

Jesse Wallace - 2G 1A

Further Reading

Boxscore

Taylor Rocca write up

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Columbia Valley Rockies

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Columbia Valley Rockies
24-14-2-1-3	Record	9-28-0-6
51	Points	24
2nd	Division Standing	5th
3rd (4.05)	Offence (GFA)	18th (2.74)
7th (3.00)	Defence (GAA)	19th (4.67)
14th (0.899)	Goaltending (SV%)	19th (0.879)
2nd (23.19%)	Power Play	17th (11.97%)
4th (87.14%)	Penalty Kill	18th (77.40%)
4th	Power Ranking	19th
W2	Streak	L2
6-2-1-0-1	Last 10	4-5-0-1
Jason Richter (34G-21A)	Top Scorer	Sam Young (14G-16A)
Coy Prevost (13G-29A)	2nd Top Scorer	Ryan St. Jean (7G-23A)
Braden Saretsky (14G-25A)	3rd Top Scorer	Braydon Barker (9G-14A)
Eric Buckley (93)	PIM Leader	Sam Young (125)

KIJHL 2014/15 All-Rookie Line

Forwards

Jack Mills

Summerland Steam

Spencer McLean

Beaver Valley Nitehawks

Brett Harris*

100 Mile House Wranglers

Defencemen

Nicholas Cuglietta

Sicamous Eagles

Daniel Stone

Osoyoos Coyotes

Goalie

Oliver Charest

Sicamous Eagles

Substitute

Dealing with the (*) by Brett Harris. This is his second full year in the KI, but after a hiatus. He is still marked as a rookie, which is why he qualifies for this list. But, if a sub had to be made, this is my own additional pick:

Steven Fiust

Revelstoke Grizzlies

KIJHL 2014/15 All-Star Team

This list is compiled of picks from various PR, Tweeters, and Bloggers from around the league. As opposed to last year when I made the picks all by myself. This really helped me notice names that I haven't seen to much.

There are 14 Forwards, 9 Defencemen, and 4 Goalies named to this team. A 27-man squad.

Forwards

Jason Richter
Kimberley Dynamiters

Doan Smith
Fernie Ghostriders

Aaron Azevedo
Osoyoos Coyotes

Ian Desrosier
Golden Rockets

Troy Maclise
Osoyoos Coyotes

Ian Chrystal
Kamloops Storm

Braeden Cyra
Kelowna Chiefs

Joel Burgess
Fernie Ghostriders

Kaleb Boyle
Chase Heat

Addison Bazian
Kamloops Storm

Mitch Friesen
Kamloops Storm

Devan Suidy
100 Mile House Wranglers

Nick Josephs
Kelowna Chiefs

Defencemen

Robson Cramer
Nelson Leafs

Jordan Busch
Kimberley Dynamiters

Darnel St. Pierre
Nelson Leafs

Lyle Frank
Beaver Valley Nitehawks

Maverick Lynes
Creston Valley Thunder Cats

Tyler Ostrom
Osoyoos Coyotes

Carter Melnyk
Kelowna Chiefs

Jayden Syrota
100 Mile House Wranglers

Trevor Okino
Chase Heat

Goalies

Jeff Orser
Fernie Ghostriders

Tyson Brouwer
Kimberley Dynamiters

Lawrence Logan
Osoyoos Coyotes

Brett Soles
Osoyoos Coyotes

KIJHL 2014/15 All-Star Line

The following are the most voted for players in a quick survey that I did of some PR, Bloggers, and Tweeters from around the league.

Forwards

Jason Richter

Kimberley Dynamiters

Doan Smith

Fernie Ghostriders

Aaron Azevedo

Osoyoos Coyotes

Defencemen

Robson Cramer

Nelson Leafs

Jordan Busch

Kimberley Dynamiters

Goalie

Jeff Orser

Fernie Ghostriders

Bloggers/PR KIJHL 2014/15 All-Star Picks

I asked a couple people that I am familiar with around the league to give me their top KIJHL All-Star line, consisting of three Forwards, two Defensemen, and one Goalie.

Not everyone I asked participate because they felt that kind of selection should be left to the coaches (I believe they choose the division awards), which I totally respect.

I also anticipated that the picks would be division heavy, which is alright, because I can be just the same.

So here are the raw picks that informed the past couple of all-star posts.

Josh Hall, Ex-Play-by-Play for 100 Mile House Wranglers

• Suidy, 100 Mile House
• Chrystal, Kamloops
• Bazian, Kamloops
• Okinio, Chase
• Cuglietta, Sicamous
• Charest, Sicamous

Jen Jensen, Blogger & Photographer for Osoyoos Coyotes

• Nick Josephs, Kelowna
• Aaron Azevedo, Osoyoos
• Joel Burgess, Fernie
• Robson Cramer, Nelson
• Daniel Stone, Osoyoos
• Brett Soles, Osoyoos

The person behind RiderNewsKIJHL, Blogger & Tweeter for Fernie Ghostriders

• Jason Richter, Kimberley

Justin McArtney, Play-by-Play for Kelowna Chiefs

• Cyra, Kelowna
• Mills, Summerland
• Smith, Fernie
• Syrota, 100 Mile House
• Busch, Kimberley
• Langan, Osoyoos

Tim Hogg, Play-by-Play & Blogger for Summerland Steam

• Jason Richter, Kimberley
• Ian Desrosier, Grand Forks
• Troy Maclise, Osoyoos
• Robson Cramer, Nelson
• Carter Melnyk, Kelowna
• Jeff Orser, Fernie (Brouwer, Kimberley)

The person behind BVNiteHawks, Tweeter for Beaver Valley Nitehawks (this was two brains, so a couple extra picks)

• Smith, Fernie
• Josephs, Kelowna
• Harris - 100 Mile House
• McLean - Beaver Valley
• Friesen - Kamloops
• St. Pierre - Nelson
• Frank - Beaver Valley
• Ostram - Osoyoos
• Lynes - Creston
• Soles - Osoyoos
• Orser - Fernie
• Brouwer - Kimberley

Josh Lockhart (me), Blogger for Kimberley Dynamiters

• Richter, Kimberley
• Azevedo, Osoyoos
• Boyle, Heat
• Cramer, Nelson
• Busch, Kimberley
• Orser, Fernie (Brouwer, Kimberley)

Dynamiters beat division rivals 6-2, in first of three games in a week.

Photo by Jonathan Righton

The Dyanmiters faced off against the Columbia Valley Rockies (the first of three meetings in the next week), and disposed of them on home ice with a convincing 6-2 win.

Game Notes

• Tyson Brouwer got the start in net.
• Injuries/Scratches: Dagostin, Campanella, Marchi, Pagura.
• Van Steinburg was moved up to be on offence.

1st

The Dynamiters jumped out to a quick two goal lead, with goals from Haase (PP) and Lane. That spelled the end of the night for goaltender Sandhu. I then noticed that Rockies player Sandboe acted like an additional coach, as he stood over the bench (not sure if he was injured). Richter had the hit of the game this period, he was about to get lined up but knocked the Rockies player down, the Rockies players visor came loose as he hit the ice. The Nitro's held onto the lead, and led 2-0 into the intermission. They also led in shots 14-7.

During the first intermission, what I called "tiny-miters" took to the ice, but apparently they are called Firecrackers (which made me think of a Josh Turner song). The two teams were skating out a draw as coach Revie made some spectacular saves, and tried too hard. It was adorable to watch. Best part was two of the players are in my daughters class, so it was a lot of fun to hear what their experience was like.

2nd

Haase scored his second goal of the game just two minutes into the period. We could have used Revie's shot blocking skills during a PK, but he took a penalty and wasn't available. The Rockies scored their first of the game on the PP. Then the two teams skated out the rest of the period. Only highlight was that Van Steinburg somehow got a head contact penalty, a call that I didn't see. The Dynamiters led 3-1, with an edge in shots 12-8 in the period.

3rd

The Dynamiters came out buzzing AGAIN! Within 30 seconds, Prevost scored the 4th goal for the Nitro's. Buckley later buried home a rebound for the teams 5th goal. The Rockies tried to make a game out of it by scoring their 2nd. And then they got a 4min PP opportunity, because Richter was called for hooking, and somehow for unsportsmanlike. Haase scored on the ensuing PK, with a dandy of a move, and a beauty of a shot, giving him the hat-trick. The Rockies Marchand also left the game limping (hope he is ok). The Dynamiters led in shots 13-9 in the period, and won the game 6-2.

Nitro's Player of the Game

Keenan Haase - 3G 1A. Named Hot in the KI. Scored a PP, SH and even strength goal.

Honorable Mentions

Eric Buckley - 1G 1A

Coy Prevost - 1G 3A. KIJHL player of the game

Further Reading

Boxscore

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Columbia Valley Rockies

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Columbia Valley Rockies
23-14-2-1-3	Record	9-26-0-6
51	Points	24
2nd	Division Standing	5th
3rd (4.00)	Offence (GFA)	18th (2.78)
7th (3.02)	Defence (GAA)	19th (4.63)
14th (0.899)	Goaltending (SV%)	19th (0.879)
4th (23.15%)	Power Play	17th (11.87%)
3rd (87.20%)	Penalty Kill	18th (78.22%)
4th	Power Ranking	19th
W1	Streak	W2
6-2-1-0-1	Last 10	4-5-0-1
Jason Richter (34G-21A)	Top Scorer	Sam Young (14G-16A)
Braden Saretsky (14G-25A)	2nd Top Scorer	Ryan St. Jean (6G-21A)
Coy Prevost (12G-26A)	3rd Top Scorer	Braydon Barker (9G-14A)
Eric Buckley (93)	PIM Leader	Sam Young (125)

KIJHL Power Rankings - January 21, 2015

Power ranking time!

I'm going to start doing the Power Rankings once a month, instead of every 2-3 weeks. It will allow me to focus on other stats crunching for the team, division, and league.

So two columns have changed, LM is Last Month, for last months ranking. LMTTL is Last Month Total for the number of points the team received last month. Remember, the smaller the better.

This month, it seems like the standings have leveled out. Osoyoos, Fernie and Beaver Valley continue to hold down spots 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The Kimberley Dynamiters (wahoo!) are the hottest team.  The 100 Mile House Wranglers are the coldest.

Kimberley Dynamiters win a crazy game with NO Knights 6-4

In one of the most bewildering and dysfunctional games to watch this season, the Dynamiters visited the North Okanagan Knights, and came out with a 6-4 victory.

Crazy game between @nitroshockey & @NOKnights Presently 95 shots, 10 goals, 79 PIM, 3 game misconducts, and 7 PPG on 30 chances. #KIJHL
— Josh Lockhart (@joshuaklockhart) January 18, 2015

Game Notes

• The NO Knights had 13 players dressed
• Brody Nelson started the game
• Injuries/Scratches: Campanella, Marchi, Gordon, Pagura

1st

Let's just get the most dysfunctional, yet the most impactful moment of the game. The Dynamiters were killing a penalty, and then Buckley fell to the ice in a heap and wasn't moving. Play continued as the Knights controlled the puck, they eventually deked around Buckley, and a dman who tripped over him and got the puck past Brody. The arena erupted as they were up 1-0. While Buckley was tended to, the officials had a mini discussion and decided the following: wave off the goal, give the Knights a 5 & a Game (reducing them to 12 players). If there was a penalty on the play, why wasn't it called when the Knights had possession of the puck? Why after the goal? (According to the webscast later in the game when they had a chance to view the replay, they said the puck hit Buckley, not a stick) The arena erupted with anger. The Dynamiters then proceeded to score three PP goals with ease; Saretsky, Roy and Prevost (the crowd got more and more upset with each goal).

After the five minute penalty, and the Dynamiters up 3-0, the Knights were penalized again. The Nitro's scored their 4th PPG of the game. They took a 4-0 lead into the intermission. The led in shots 20-5. This game had all the signs of a blowout.

2nd

The parade to the box continued for both teams. But despite being outplayed in the first, the Knights caught the (coasting) off guard and scored three goals this period, including a PP goal of their own (I know it doesn't say it in the boxscore, but Kostiuk scored 12 seconds into the PP). So a team that had 12 skaters was making a game out of it. The Nitro's led 4-3 at the end of the period, and also led in shots 23-15.

3rd

The ridiculousness of this game continued. There was 40 minutes worth of penalties this period. Saretsky dropped the gloves and received five and a game (I think he just wanted to sit with his family that was attending the game). The Knights were now down to 11 skaters. Richter then scored on the PP (5th PPG for the Niro's), and later Meier added his first as a Nitro. The Knights tried to get back into it as they scored another PPG. But it was too late. The Nitro's led 25-7 in shots.

I'm just glad the Dynamiters escaped this game with the win, and that there were no serious injuries.

And before we get to the players of the game, a shout-out needs to go out to the officiating. This was definitely a game were they got in the way of the game and impacted the outcome, instead of just maintaining the game.

Nitro's Player of the Game

Jason Ricther - 1G (PPG & GWG) 2A. He was utilized all over the ice, and his hovering in the slot on the PP distracted the Knights, leaving other players open.

Honorable Mentions

Jordan Busch - 4A, KIJHL player of the game

Braden Saretsky - 1G 1A & 1 Fight

Further Reading

Boxscore

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs North Okanagan Knights

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	North Okanagan Knights
22-14-2-1-3	Record	5-31-1-4
49	Points	15
2nd	Division Standing	5th
3rd (3.95)	Offence (GFA)	20th (1.93)
7th (3.00)	Defence (GAA)	18th (4.39)
15th (0.893)	Goaltending (SV%)	19th (0.888)
5th (21.76%)	Power Play	19th (10.64%)
3rd (87.18%)	Penalty Kill	11th (82.52%)
6th	Power Ranking	18th
T1	Streak	L8
6-2-1-0-1	Last 10	1-7-0-2
Jason Richter (33G-19A)	Top Scorer	Jordan Passmore (11G-23A)
Braden Saretsky (13G-24A)	2nd Top Scorer	Zackari Andrusiak (8G-19A)
Coy Prevost (11-25)	3rd Top Scorer	Logan Geefs (11G-15A)
Eric Buckley (91)	PIM Leader	Dallas Keller (100)