Kimberley Dynamiters place 2nd in BC after losing 6-5 to Campbell River Storm

Game Notes

• It's official, Coy Prevost will not participate because BC Hockey upheld the ruling. I really feel sorry for him, sucks missing out on the Gold Medal game. Campanella took his place in the lineup.
• The Campbell River Storm were without one of their players too, due to suspension, Reece Costain.
• Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman sports reporter shared a lot of stats prior to the game.
• Kimberley has played 81 games heading into this game, compared to 67 for the Storm.
• Since the post-season began, Kimberley has played 25 games in 45 days. Campbell River has played 16 games in 59 days.
• Kimberley has had a 0.8 goal difference in their post-season, Campbell River has had a 2.75 goal difference.
• Tyson Brouwer started against Jesse Michel.

1st

After the previous double OT game, these two teams were familiar with each other. Buckley busted out of the gate with the Nitro's first chance 20 seconds into the game, but was stopped. Kimberley then got themselves into some penalty trouble and were down to three men. Campbell River, whose special teams have been electric, scored 11 seconds into the 5-on-3, and they were up 1-0. Kimberley fought back, Rosolowsky dished the puck to Roy who fired a shot, somehow through the goalie and tied the game. Campbell River kept pressing, but Brouwer made save after save. The Dynamiters kept at it too, and caught Michel while he was on an adventure out of the crease, but couldn't get it in. The buzzer sounded on the period, and it was tied 1-1, and Kimberley led in shots 10-9.

2nd

The Dynamiters started the period on a brief PP. Shortly after it's conclusion, they were on the PK. The PK team helped keep the game tied. The teams swapped chances for the first half of the period. Then there was a bad turnover in the Dynamiters end and the Storm made the Nitro's pay, breaking the tie, going up 2-1. Haase, while on the PK, forced a turnover and then scored on the ensuing rebound. Tie game. Campbell River wasn't done, they fired frequently and high, and eventually got one in, taking a 3-2 lead into the dressing room. Kimberley led in shots, 8-7.

3rd

Another open the floodgates type of period. The Storm busted down the wing and fired a shot in, giving themselves a 4-2 lead. Later the duo of Roy and Rosolowsky combined for their second goal of the game, as Rosolowsky scored, cutting into the Storms lead, now 4-3. It took the Storm ~30 seconds to regain their two goal lead. Three minutes later, the Storm took a three goal lead, 6-3. My heart sank, but this Kimberley team did not give up. I repeat, they did not give up. With 3:05 on the clock the Dynamiters pulled their goalie, and Richter scored with 2:20 left, making it 6-4. Kimberley then took a time-out to plot their next plan. With 1:48 left, Brouwer was back on the bench. Busch fired a point shot that sailed in, the game was 6-5 with 45 seconds left. Kimberley switched goalies, a move I have since learned is to buy time (I didn't piece that coaching tactic together because I coached basketball). Kimberley got the goalie pulled with 20 seconds left, chaos, and Campbell River Storm held on to their lead.

Kimberley took home the silver medal.

Dynamite Player of the Game
Jason Richter - 3pt performance, he carried the team.

Honourable Mentions
Kenaan Haase - 1G 1A, MVP of the game
Alex Rosolowsky - an unsung hero, 1G 1A
Jordan Roy - 1G 1A
Jordan Busch - consistent on D, helpful on the Offence 1G

Further Reading
Taylor Rocca write up for Kimberley & for Campbell River
Boxscore