Kimberley Dynamiters blank Creston Valley Thunder Cats in 4-0 victory

Photo by Jonathan Righton

There was much anticipation for this divisional rivalry game (or division friendship), at least for me. This game was going to be a nice indicator of where both teams were at. The outcome, while exciting for Nitro's fans, was a little unexpected as the Nitro's held the Cats back.

Game Notes

• Both teams came into the game hot, both on a 4-game winning streak
• Wallace and Pagura - both out indefinitely
• Brouwer and Lefebvre got the start in net (both stellar goalies)
• Always grateful for those dedicated Creston Valley fans who make the trip to Kimberley to support their team. It really adds energy to the arena.
• It looks like I followed the Thunder Cats bus home from work - which this was at 5:45. Had me wondering if getting to the arena at 6pm was enough time to stretch, warm up, and mentally prepare for the game that started as 7pm.
• Prior to the game GM Mike Reid said this was going to be a game where every inch of the ice was going to be contested.

1st

These two teams have built a finesse rivalry. The intensity is there, but it is not the zoo that usually happens when we play Fernie. It was a fast paced game, chances at both ends. The Cats were dominating special teams when entering the game. But the Dynamiters didn't get stuck playing a numbers game and scored on their first PP chance of the game, Marchi from Richter and Busch. In the dying minutes of the game, the Cats got their first PP chance, but Kimberley did an excellent job of cutting down the angles and held onto their 1-0 lead as the period finished.

2nd

Marchi and Richter teamed up for another goal, as Marchi scored his second of the game. Shortly after the goal, the Dynamiters were short handed again. But their penalty kill was very aggressive. It reminded of the days in the NHL when the Buffalo Sabres were confident in Hasek to keep the puck out, so they had a man hovering high while killing the penalty. Well, it almost worked out. The Nitro's got a penalty shot opportunity while on the PK, but a tired penalty killer couldn't solve Lefebvre. Both teams then swapped penalties as the period ended.

3rd

The Taber boys gave the Dynamiters a 3-0 lead, as Moser potted one, assist to Bertioa. Then the tempers spiked as the nearly 16 year old Chabot dropped the gloves with 19 year old Hogue. Both received 5 minutes and a game. However, Chabot also received a massive bear hug of support from Meier as he left the game. Both teams settled down and the finesse resumed. As the period wound down, Marchi with the help of Doell, scored his third goal of the game, completing the hat-trick. Brouwer also held on for the shutout.

After the game, both coaches chatted, and the webcast overheard them saying that this was going to be a great season.

Dynamite Player of the Game

Jared Marchi - 3G, the versatile player is getting his offensive flair in gear. Also KIJHL player of the game, and currently who's hot in the KI.

Honorable Mentions

Tyson Brouwer - 30 saves for the shut out. Josh Hoffman of Summit 107 pointed out that Brouwer now has 3 SO this season after 8 games, and it took Brouwer 37 games last season to get 3 SO.

Extra Reading

Boxscore