Kimberley Dynamiters are settled by Creston Valley Thunder Cats in 5-2 loss

The Kimberley Dynamiters traveled south to face divisional rival Creston Valley Thuder Cats, always a difficult arena to play in.

Game Notes

• Brouwer started against Lefebvre
• 528 were in attendance, that arena sounded loud!
• The Thunder Cats are deadly on the PP and PK, tops in both categories

1st

The game started at a frantic pace, as both teams were looking to find an edge over the other. Creston scored first off a rebound. Kimberley didn't take long to respond, as Doell batted in a rebound. However, there was a lot of discussion after this goal, debating if Doell hit the puck with a high-stick. While the refs were discussing under the broadcast booth you heard someone yell, "it wasn't even close!" I couldn't tell which side it came from, because were they saying "it wasn't even close to being a goal," or "it wasn't even close to being a high stick"? Nonetheless, after some discussion, Doell's goal stood and it was 1-1. Brouwer made fantastic saves as the period ended to keep the game tied 1-1. The period ended tied, but Kimberley led in shots 15-8.

2nd

This period required extra safety precautions, not just for the players, but the fans as this was a roller-coaster period. Haase gave the Dynamiters a 2-1 lead. The lead was short lived as the Thunder Cats stormed back and tied the game up. The Cats then quickly took the lead as they scored again, 3-2 Cats. And then things got ugly, a Cats player crashed the net, bumping into Brouwer. Nitro's d-men took exception to it, and a scrum happened. What was shocking was that not a single penalty was called on this play, no goalie interference, no roughing after the whistle, nothing. So now you have two very hightened teams. There was another scrum in front of Brouwer, and this time penalties were handed out, but all coincidental, so 5-on-5 play resumed. Creston than ran away with the game, scoring their 4th of the game, and the Cats fans were really into this game. And then in a curious moment, Meier was called for charging, because five minutes ago it was just acceptable to charge the goalie. Nonetheless, it was PK time, and the Nitro's killed the penalty. The crazy period finally ended, with the Thunder Cats up 4-2. The Cats led in shots this period 13-7.

3rd

Kimberley started the period short handed, which was a surprise because I didn't recall a penalty called at the end of the 2nd, but there was. Moser was called for interference (insert mad face).  Fans didn't lose hope, knowing that the Nitro's are explosive, and were banking on a comeback. These hopes were crushed when Kimberley was penalized and the Cats scored on the ensuing PP, making it 5-2. Five goals against marked the most goals scored against the Nitro's in a game this season. Kimberley tried to get back in the game as the Cats were called for spearing with two minutes left. Kimberley pulled the goalie and skated six against four but the Cats held on to their 5-2 victory. Shots this period were an even seven.

Dynamite Player of the Game

Trey Doell - 1G, KIJHL Player of the Game

Honorable Mentions

Trevor van Steinburg - kept using his explosive speed to create chances.

Extra Reading

Boxscore (currently jumbled with order of scoring)