Series Review: Kimberley Dynamiters & Beaver Valley Nitehawks

These are, IMO the key (turning) points in the series between the Kimberley Dynamites and Beaver Valley Nitehawks.

Rookie Presence
With 14 rookies on their roster, this was a rebuilding year for the Nitehawks. Kimberley had 8 rookies.

Goaltending
There was a moment when the Nitehawks switched their goalies at the end of the 2nd game, and continued with that goalie change in game three, and then switched starters again for game four, that it felt chaotic. But Schamerhorn came through for them in game four.

Brouwer continued his winning ways. He faced 190 shots, that's an average 38 shots against per game. He stopped 178 of those shots for a .937 SV%

I noticed in game five that as the goalies went past each other, they tapped each others pads.

Suspension
The Nitehawks Johnny Boyczuk was suspended for two games, after receiving a game misconduct for head contact during game two. With the energy he brought back to game five when he returned, you have to wonder what might have been had he been in the lineup.

Injuries
The Nitehawks leading scorer defender during the regular season and playoffs only played in game one. The former Kimberley Dynamiters defender I'm sure would have been a great resource for the Nitehawks as the series went on.

Offence
Two words, Braden Saretsky. After going scoreless in the first game, Saretsky had two three point games, and finished the series with 5G & 4A. He currently is tops in the KIJHL playoff leading scorers. I have said this before, but I certainly believe it now, he is making our GM look like a genius for picking him up.

The Nitehawks also were stellar on their offence, the most goals that Brouwer let in in a game was two. Twice the Nitehawks scored three goals, and once four in their OT win. That's impressive.

Over-Time
Three of the five games went into OT, which means this series was close and could have easily swung in Beaver Valley's favor. Kimberley won two OT games, and the Nitehawks won one.

Road Warriors
Kimberley Dynamiters were 3-0 on the road this series, and Beaver Valley was 1-1. So much for home ice advantage.

Farewell 20yo
To go with the Nitehawks 14 rookies, they also had five 20 year-olds. They played in their final KIJHL game. Some of them have had stellar KIJHL careers being a part of the winning team last season. I wish them the best in their future, whether that's in the hockey world or outside of it.

• Braydon Horcoff
• Jacob Boyczuk, part of the winning team last year.
• Taylor Stafford, part of the winning team last year.
• Walker Sidoni, part of the winning team last year.
• Andrew Miller, respecbtably left Kimberley to play closer to home this year. He has committed to the University of Central Oklahoma.