A core that is been together for several seasons (some of these relationships dating back to the 2012/13 season) are now leaving their junior careers behind to go to college and start their life after junior hockey.
Tyson Brouwer - He has played in 94 regular season games, winning 66 of them while earning 10 shut outs, and posting a 2.33 GAA and .917 SV% over three seasons with the Kimberley Dynamiters. He has also played in 45 playoff games, winning 32 of them while posting 1.99 GAA and .933 SV% along with 4 SO. He is now headed off to play for the University of Jamestown.
My Memory/Highlights: I have truly enjoyed watching Brouwer grow over the past three seasons. For me, he made his mark when he came in relief for Mousseau during 2013/14 playoffs, his stellar play frustrated the opponent, and that's when I realized we had a fantastic goalie in the wings. He backed up for the Kootenay Ice, appeared in NHL 14 (albeit a right gloved goalie [poor scouting EA]) - which is a big deal for the gamer in me, and carried the team during the 2014/15 season to the KIJHL title. Not to mention I also have a framed autographed picture with a Ken Dryden quote.
Eric Buckley - He has left his mark on the organization, being a top player in teach of the all-time categories: 67 goals (6th), 114 assists (4th), 181 points (5th), 371 PIM (4th); all in 184 games (2nd). He also registered 18 goals and 14 assists in 55 play off games. He now joins the University of Jamestown.
My Memory/Highlights: He will probably be most remembered for being public enemy #1 in the KIJHL. So much so that the #BecauseItsBuckley movement was started. His gritty play annoyed every opponent, how grateful I am he was on our team. I'll probably remember him most for his personality, calling me out for not picking the Nitro's to win one year, and being a comical guy and the awards banquet (especially the latest one).
Jordan Busch - He played in three seasons, the latter two as an offensive threat. He has posted 18 goals, 109 assists (5th), and 127 points (11th) in 146 games (8th). He also registered 6 goals, 16 assists, in 50 playoff games. He now joins the Concordia University of Edmonton - returning to play home.
My Memory/Highlights: I'll never forget the chatter amongst fans that at the start of the 2014/15 season the backend had the most amount of question marks. Busch proved everyone wrong and quieted critics, by being a strong, confident, and calming force, not to mention his offensive skills as well. He presented as shy and timid, and I didn't get to really meet him until this past awards banquet when we shared a table. I'll never forget him saying "I never win anything!" then I mentioned some of the awards he just received, and he clarified that he never wins any draws. I'm excited for him to return home and play there.
Kenaan Haase - The Californian import. In two seasons, he posted 52 goals (9th), 54 assists, 106 points in 95 games. He also had 9 goals and 15 assists in 39 play off games. He joins New England College next season.
My Memory/Highlights: He was an unknown factor when he joined the team in 2014/15. But then his size and frame and offensive flair made this "Power Centre" an intimidating force. Not to mention his ability to win faceoffs, great for the possession game. He tried his hand at Jr A, and then decided to return to play in a league where he could dominate (which is always my recommendation). He did so.
Jared Marchi - He has left his mark on the team after five and a bit seasons of play. In an all-time leading 228 games, he has scored 97 goals (2nd), 117 assists (3rd), and 214 points (1st). To go with his 16 goals, and 31 assists in 70 play off games! He was an overage player this past season, and now moves on to life after hockey (maybe...?).
My Memory/Highlights: A local hero and fan favourite. Humbly working at one of the local grocers and then lacing up the skates in the evening. He has been a very versatile player to watch, being used in all aspects of the game. He was a leader by example. His non-flashy play made him an unnoticed stud. And it's because of that low-key-ness that my interactions with him have been limited. I know I will never forget the look on his face when his jersey was unveiled as a gift to one of the longtime Dynamiter sponsors.
Justin Meier - His stint with the team has been shorter than the other graduating players. However, he had 12 goals, 20 assists, and 176 PIM in 56 games. He added 4 goals and 13 assists in 39 playoff games. He is now off to play for the Univesity of Jamestown.
My Memory/Highlights: He joined the team at the deadline in the 2014/15 season. He was like a Tasmanian devil his first game. He learned to hone that physicality, and despite being a shorter player, he made his presence known with some of the best hits this team, and league has seen. He is a spitfire, and it will be interesting to see how that translates at the college level.
Jason Ricther - The captain for the past two years, and heart and soul of the team. He too has left his mark on the team, and who knows what he could have done with his one remaining year of junior hockey eligibility. He has scored 104 goals (1st), 97 assists (7th), 201 points (2nd) in 179 games (4th). He added 21 goals, 32 assists in 55 playoff games. He leaves to play for the University of Jamestown.
My Memory/Highlights: To me he has always presented as meek. Every time I have been in the dressing room, or near it, you can tell that he carries the wight of the team and respects that responsibility. He has posted some amazing numbers, despite being injured. He led by example, using his body to block shots, to get the team going and leading by example of how the game should be played. He is a character player.
Farewell to all these players who have left their mark on history, making their own legacy as a team. I am glad all of these players played here in Kimberley instead of elsewhere.
Farewell, also to the parents and families of these players. I know I will miss your regular interactions as we supported the team. Thank you for trusting our community with your sons.
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