Colapaolo stars in Nitro’s win, as roster changes continue

Tuesday was a busy day for Kimberley Dynamiters Head Coach and General Manager Derek Stuart. First priority was the game against the Golden Rockets. Second was dealing with the surprise return of two players from their Junior A clubs, forcing Stuart to make roster moves.

The Kimberley Dynamiters roster were at full capacity, 25 skaters, when Stuart learned that defencemen Devon Langelaar (97) and Tyler Van Steinburg (98) were returning to the team, joining recently returned George Bertoia (98) on the back end.

“George and Tyler were big contributors to the team last year. Langelaar improved as the year went on.

“We are looking for big things from all three of them. George has already made his presence known in the past two games that he has played.”

The Dynamiters sent forward Donte Nowell (98) and defenceman Connor Sullivan (98) to the Grand Forks Border Bruins (3-2-1-0) for future considerations to make room.

This left Caymen Froude (99) as a ninth defenseman on the depth chart, and for the betterment of his development he was returned to is midget club, the Sunshine Coast Blues.

Stuart struggled with the transactions, “It’s very tough, it’s the not fun part of my job is moving kids like that. Definitely not a fun time. These were out of my control; the players came back. I had to make some room.”

Despite all the roster moves, the Nitro’s still had a game to play against the Golden Rockets.

The Dynamiters were able to carry their energy from the third period on Saturday against Golden as Franco Colapaolo opened the scoring at the nine-minute mark.

The Dynamiters had an excellent start to the game, as Nicholas Ketola and Colapoala added two more goals during the second, taking a 3-0 lead in the first 40 minutes.

Stuart was really happy with the performance in the first two periods, “We started out great, it was our best first period of the season. In the second, we stepped it up another level. We controlled the play and the puck possession.”

However, injuries, contentment, and misconducts began taking their toll on the team, as they were down to nine forwards and four defencemen in the last frame, including having James Farmer playing defence.

“The third period was our worst period in the game. I attribute part of that to a little bit of fatigue and a little bit of complacency with a 3-0 lead, and outshooting them.

“I think the guys took the foot off the pedal, which is something we can’t do. We ended up shutting the door when it mattered most in the last three minutes and got another win.”

Colapaolo scored the insurance marker in the final minute, his hat-trick goal, as the Dynamiters downed the Rockets 4-2.

“Franco was great. He was our hardest working forward, he got rewarded for his actions.” An impressed Stuart said.

“That is what we have been stressing here with the team is focusing on your actions and you will get good results. And he was definitely a benefactor of that.”

Ruslan Katsnelson was in net and made 20 saves for his fourth win of the season.

The Dynamiters now shift their focus to Saturday when they face the league leading, undefeated Creston Valley Thunder Cats (6-0-0-0).

“We will start looking at some film and start preparing for Creston. I don’t think we will have to do too much motivating within the dressing room. They are undefeated and the heavy favourites coming in Saturday. Our guys are pretty hungry.”

Game starts at 7pm at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

Match Sticks: Langelaar and Van Steinburg are expected to make their returning debuts Saturday. The injury bug has hit the Nitro’s: Van Den Busch (day-to-day), Kendall (2-3 weeks), Salverda (3-5 weeks).

Photo by Jonathan Righton

Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Golden Rockets

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Golden Rockets
4-1-0-0	Record	3-3-0-0
6	Points	6
2nd	Division Standing	3rd
12th (3.60)	Offence (GFA)	18th (2.17)
3rd (2.20)	Defence (GAA)	5th (2.83)
0.919	Goaltending (SV%)	0.928
T-12th (17.86%)	Power Play	14th (14.81%)
8th (82.61%)	Penalty Kill	T-13th (78.79%)
5th	Power Ranking	11th
W4	Streak	L1
4-1-0-0	Last 10	3-3-0-0
Korbyn Chabot (4G-3A)	Top Scorer	Scott Latwat (3G-2A)
Chase Miller (2G-3A)	2nd Top Scorer	Jordan Bautista (3G-0A)
Caige Sterzer (3G-1A)	3rd Top Scorer	Nic Lush (2G-1A)
Donte Nowell (31)	PIM Leader	Carter Vouri (32)

Nitro's continue winning ways; Traichevich perfect in Golden weekend

The Kimberley Dynamiters earned a 2-0 victory in their lone game of the weekend, defeating the Golden Rockets in a tightly fought road game on Saturday night.

“We weren’t very good in the first half of the game,” said Head Coach and General Manager Derek Stuart.  “[Then] there was some good spurts in the second and [by] the third we really took it to them, and got rewarded for sticking it out.”

Nitros goaltender Mitch Traichevich, who was starting his first game since the home opener on September 9, earned a shutout in the win.

“It was my first game back and I really wanted to show that I could be the guy for the team. I had to prove something to myself throughout the game, and I am pretty happy with it.

“It’s a long year [though, so] I can’t be too happy with it. I know I am the returning vet. It is my job to make those kind of saves in the game so the boys can count on me. I wasn’t too high about it.”

Coach Stuart was impressed by Traichevich’s play, saying that without him the game could have easily been over in the second period.

“He was excellent [and] kept us in the game in the first,” Stuart said. “He made key saves on their powerplay [and] he kept us in it long enough for us to get the first one.”

The first goal was scored by George Bertoia in the third period, who was skating in his first game since returning to the Nitros last week. Bertoia also sustained a broken nose in the second period but continued to play.

“George is a warrior [and] he he stuck it out,” Stuart said. “We are glad that he did, he was a great player for us. Credit to him, he chose to continue [and] he got rewarded in the third period for sticking around.

“The whole team felt a little bit bigger and a little more confident with him on the ice.”

When the goal was scored, there was a sigh of relief from the Dynamiters bench.

“Their goalie was great all night, he made some great saves in the second and some really big ones in the third,” Stuart commented on the opposition’s play. “It was [a relief] when [Bertoia] got the first one. The coaching staff told the players to keep going after them.”

For a game that had been even for 57 minutes, it only took the Dynamiters another 20 seconds to score their second goal when Chase Miller beat the Golden goaltender on what Stuart described as “an unbelievable individual effort.”

Although Traichevich was credited with 23 saves in his shutout performance, he said it was really a team effort.

“Honestly, I got a shut out, and that’s what people are talking about, but the boys made it really easy for me, keeping shots to the outside,” he said. “I am really happy with how we played defensively [and] we got the win, that’s all that matters.”

The Kimberley Dynamiters host the Golden Rockets in a rematch on Tuesday at 7pm at the Civic Centre.

Stuart is looking forward to the rematch. “Hopefully [we] carry our third period into practice and that will hopefully go into the game on Tuesday.”

MATCH STICKS: George Bertoia is not expected to be sidelined with a broken nose. Newcomers Connor Kendall and Drew Van den Bosch are expected to make their debuts on Tuesday.

Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman

KIJHL Power Rankings: September 26, 2016

It's POWER RANKINGS time!

After three weekends of play, the following is the early start to the KIJHL Power Rankings.

Review of categories before some comments:

• Offence: Ranked goals forced average
• Defence: Ranked goals against average
• SpecT: Adding PP% with PK% and then ranked (Scotty Bowman Special Teams Formula)
• Goalie: Ranked team save percentage
• TOTAL: Adding the ranking of the previous four categories. The lower the score the better. Closer to 4 is very high efficiency; whereas closer to 80 means deficiencies.

Now some observations:

• The Creston Valley Thunder Cats are off to an alarmingly hot start, ranking first in every category. They are in a class of their own currently.
• The Osoyoos Coyotes and Grand Forks Border Bruins are close to each other for 2nd and 3rd.
• My Kimberley Dynamiters are 5th
• I picked the Fernie Ghostriders to come first in the division, currently they are ranked 19th
• Reigning KIJHL Champs, 100 Mile House Wranglers are ranked 14th

Introducing the Kimberley Dynamiters Captain: Ryan Hozjan

On Thursday September 22, the Kimberley Dynamiters named their captain and assistant captains.

The Captain for the 2016-17 season is Ryan Hozjan (96). The Calgarian is in his third, and final, season in the KIJHL. He played the past two seasons with the Revelstoke Grizzlies.

After being named captain Hozjan said, "It's a huge honour and exciting, especially for such a great organization as this."

Needless to say, Hozjan has big shoes to fill after Jason Richter was the captain for the past to seasons. He shared his approach to wearing the 'C' on his jersey.

"Having a team first mentality will be a big part of it. We also have a strong leadership group so leading by example will be really important for us."

Part of being a leader is instilling hope and expectations for the team.

"As a team I think we need to focus on working hard to get better everyday. We've had a pretty good start to the season, but there's still a long way to go."

Match Sticks: The Kimberley Dynamiters is starting a meet the players series on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Hozjan was featured first.

Kathy Merkel VP of the Eddie Mountain Division

In early September the Vice President of KIJHL Eddie Mountain Division, and former Fernie Ghostriders President, Phil Iddon vacated his position to become the BC Hockey Junior Coordinator.

The KIJHL announced Wednesday that Kathy Merkel will be the new Vice President of the Eddie Mountain Division of the KIJHL.

“I have huge shoes to fill.” Merkel said by phone Wednesday. “It’s going to be a great learning experience and I really am excited to try something new.”

Merkel has been surprised and humbled with the amount of support and congratulations she has been receiving. Which should be expected; Merkel has volunteered for about 25 years with the Kimberley Dynamiters.

“The Kimberley Dynamiters have a great Executive and Board of Directors, they are all amazing people who bring so much to this organization.”

She now has approximately one week to get ready for this new volunteer role, and to pass her Nitro’s workload on.

In the first 24-hours of the new role, it has been an adjustment, “I live off the grid and live outside of the Telus service area.  I needed to get a fax line. I have spent very close to two hours on hold trying to get this sorted out.”

Merkel is excited for the new role, “I am looking forward to working with all the teams within the Eddie Mountain Division this season.   

“It is the league’s 50^th anniversary this year and along with the Creston Valley Thundercats, will be hosting the 2017 Cyclone Taylor Cup in April.  We definitely have a very strong division and it’s going to be a big year for all of us.”

The team wishes Merkel all the best in her new role and are confident that she will represent all the teams very well, but she will be missed.

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Golden Rockets

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Golden Rockets
3-1-0-0	Record	3-2-0-0
6	Points	6
2nd	Division Standing	3rd
T-5th (4.00)	Offence (GFA)	17th (2.60)
T-4th (2.75)	Defence (GAA)	7th (3.00)
0.903	Goaltending (SV%)	0.921
9th (20.83%)	Power Play	T-12th (16.67%)
12th (80.00%)	Penalty Kill	T-13th (75.86%)
N/A	Power Ranking	N/A
W3	Streak	W2
3-1-0-0	Last 10	3-2-0-0
Korbyn Chabot (4G-3A)	Top Scorer	Scott Latwat (3G-2A)
Caige Sterzer (3G-1A)	2nd Top Scorer	Jordan Bautista (3G-0A)
Nicholas Ketola (3G-1A)	3rd Top Scorer	Nic Lush (2G-1A)
Donte Nowell (31)	PIM Leader	Carter Vouri (32)

The Kimberley Dynamiters continue to shuffle their roster

The Kimberley Dynamiters have been shuffling their roster again as the trickledown effect continues. The Nitro’s have signed forwards Matt Davies (98) and Connor Kendall (98), plus defenceman George Bertoia returned to the team.

The 6’1” forward, Connor Kendall, is from Calgary and played six games with the Calgary Canucks in the AJHL last season but had a season ending injury. Head Coach and General Manager Derek 

Stuart says, “he just got released [from the Calgary Canucks]. They sent him here to play hockey again and to get into the swing of things.”

“Kendall is a big strong guy, who is physical, and who can put the puck in the net.”

Last season Matt Davies, from Airdrie, played Midget AAA with the CFR Bisons. According to eliteprospects.com he scored three goals and six assists in 34 games, adding four goals and two assists in 11 playoff games. The Bisons went to their league finals last season. Davies was a late cut from the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

“Davies is going to help a lot. He is very fast. He works extremely hard.”

George Bertoia returns to the team after starting the season with the Drumheller Dragons. Last year Bertoia was the Dynamiters Rookie of the Year.

“He’s definitely going to be one of our top defensemen, by what everyone is telling me. I’ve only seen him in practice.”

“I expect him to play his own game, and to pick up where he left off last year. Being that physical presence out there, making it tough for other forwards to get to the net; using his physical stature to intimidate guys. I’m looking forward to seeing play.”

With the return of Bertoia that allowed Stuart to move James Rota back up to forward. However, with these recent additions, that means players had to be released.

“Unfortunately you have to release guys that you don’t want to and guys that could probably play elsewhere in the league”

The Dynamiters released three forwards: Kyle Cornford (98), Logan Middleton (98), and Taylor Girard (98).

“It’s a good thing when you have players that you have to make hard decisions on, who we keep and who we are not. You could be making a mistake, time will tell.

“I’m really happy with the team right now. We feel we have a real strong group of forwards. We have improved our hockey club by bringing in Davies in Kendall.”

The Nitro’s are at their maximum roster size of 25. They currently carry 15 forwards, eight defencemen, and two goaltenders.

The Nitro’s are on the road this weekend for their lone game on Saturday against the Golden Rockets at the Golden Arena. Puck drop is 7:30pm.

Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman

Kimberley Dynamiters have announced their captain and assistants for 2016/17 Season

#19, Ryan Hozjan, will be the captain.

#18, James Farmer, will be assistant captain.

#12, Franco Colapaolo, will be assistant captain.

#16, James Rota, will be assistant captain for home games.

#2, George Bertoia, will be assistant captain for road games.

Nitro’s improve their record over the weekend

The Kimberley Dynamiters improved their record to 3-1-0-0 this past weekend. The Nitro’s doubled the Golden Rockets on Friday, 6-3; and then followed it up with a 5-3 comeback win over the Fernie Ghostriders.

Head Coach and General Manager Derek Stuart summarized both games: “They were both entertaining, that’s for sure.

“They had some good moments and they had some bad moments just like any other team right now in September. I thought we had more good moments than bad moments, that was a positive.”

On Friday against Golden, the captain for the night, James Farmer, got the Nitro’s on the board during the first with a deflection off of recently signed Bryce Salverda’s point shot.

Farmer had an excellent night as captain, as he showcased his humble lead-by-example leadership. He was a penalty-kill-blocking machine. Stuart praised his efforts, “Farmer was definitely one of our most valuable players on the ice that night, he has been all season.

“He’s leading by example. Doing all the things that coaches usually have to ask of players, he’s doing them on his own.

“I believe that is a credit to Jerry Bancks and the coaching staff last year, and the leaders that were here last year. Farmer learned from them and is applying to his game this year.”

In the second the goal lamps were lit three times by the Nitro’s. Caige Sterzer scored a similar goal to Farmer, as he deflected Connor Sullivan’s point shot. Kyle Cornford got his first KIJHL goal as he found a loose puck at the side of the net. Lastly, Troy Feldbusch glided across the crease and slid in the Nitro’s fourth goal, putting them up 4-3 after 40 minutes.

By the end of the night the Nitro’s had six different players score a goal each, as the Nitro’s solidified their lead with two more goals from Nicholas Ketola and Korbyn Chabot.  

“It has been scoring by committee so far.” Stuart commented, “The team has really embraced: it doesn’t really matter who scores as long as they are in our jersey. It is really refreshing and positive attitude.”

As entertaining as the game was for the 378 in attendance; it was a pane of glass that stole the show, delaying the game by 50 minutes and created concerns of rink safety for the players. But play continued

By Saturday’s game, that pane of glass had been fortified; which is always needed when the Ghostriders come to town, because in this game alone there were 82 penalties in minutes called.

The first period against Fernie was not in Kimberley’s favor, as the Riders registered a 3-1 lead. The only goal for Kimberley was scored by Chabot as he wired a shot in from the top of the circles.

Ruslan Katsnelson, the California native who was manning the crease, recalled, “The first period was tough on me, but I kept telling myself to relax and stay confident.”

“I regrouped during the first intermission and felt pretty confident the rest of the game. The guys did a great job battling the whole game and never giving up either. A lot of credit to them.”

The second period was scoreless draw. The Dynamiters still needed two goals to level the game.

Stuart shared what he said to the players during the intermission, “I told them I was glad that things had gone the way they had. It was testing our team chemistry, it was testing our mental toughness, it was testing our conditioning, and testing our desire and will, and how badly we wanted to put a solid period together.”

The third period comeback started on a rush by Franco Colapaolo who hurried in on a short-handed break, but was stopped, he then followed the puck and fed the rebound to Ryan Hozjan. Goal one.

Harrison Risdon fired a cannon from the point that found it’s way in. Goal two. Game was level.

Next the Nitro’s had a 5-on-3 and they kept setting up heavy shooter Chabot, which eventually paid off. Goal three. The Dynamiters led 4-3.

“I’m just happy to contribute in whatever way my team needs me,” Chabot said.

“Last year I had to play more of a support role, because I was the young rookie on a talented team. This year I have a bit more experience and hope to help my team with a more offensive role.”

Seconds later, as the Riders tried clearing the zone, the puck deflected off of Ketola and in. Goal four. It was now 5-3 Kimberley, and the 452 fans were ecstatic about the lead and the four unanswered goals.

Stuart praised Ketola’s efforts, “He was one of our best players this weekend. He was rewarded. He fore-checked hard, instead of gliding or coasting in. He did a lot of things we had been asking our guys to do.”

Saturday’s game ended 5-3. Katsnelson made 51 saves to earn the two wins.

Stuart said of Saturday’s effort, “I thought that third period was our best period of the year, regardless if they got four goals or one goal.

“Their actions and effort were outstanding in the third, as it will happen most times, they will get rewarded.

“I think it was a good lesson for them, and also for the hockey club. If we can play like that more consistently we will be a tough club to deal with.”

For both Katsnelson and Chabot it was a great feeling beating both division rivals.

“I think it gives us a big boost going into this weekend’s game. Hopefully we can keep it up.” Katsnelson shared.

While Chabot used a motto from last year “We just can’t get too high and not too low. We will get a good week of practice in and head over to Golden this weekend, and hopefully get a win”

Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Fernie Ghostriders

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Fernie Ghostriders
2-1-0-0	Record	1-1-0-1
4	Points	3
2nd	Division Standing	3rd
11th (3.67)	Offence (GFA)	18th (1.67)
6th (2.67)	Defence (GAA)	4th (2.33)
0.893	Goaltending (SV%)	0.932
T-14th (12.50%)	Power Play	18th (7.14%)
8th (84.62%)	Penalty Kill	18th (76.92%)
N/A	Power Ranking	N/A
W2	Streak	L2
2-1-0-0	Last 10	1-1-0-1
Korbyn Chabot (2G-3A)	Top Scorer	Aidan Wilson (2G-0A)
Caige Sterzer (3G-1A)	2nd Top Scorer	Nolan Lagace (0G-2A)
James Farmer (1G-3A)	3rd Top Scorer	Mitch Titus (0G-2A)
Donte Nowell (17)	PIM Leader	Derek Green (21)

Kimberley Dynamiters add three players

The Dynamiters have added to their lineup ahead of the games this weekend. Head Coach & GM Derek Stuart added two forwards and a defenceman, all from Alberta.

Forward Kyle Cornford (98) hails from Sylvan Lake, Alberta and stands 5’10”. Cornford suited up in Midget AA last season with the West Central Tigers, in 34 games he registered 19 goals and 25 assists.

Brandon Langridge (98) calls Raymond, Alberta home. The 6’0”, 200-pound forward played last season with the Taber Golden Suns, a Midget AA team. He recorded 27 goals and 30 assists in 37 games.

Lastly, Bryce Salverda (98) is a 6’1” hulking defenceman from Calgary, Alberta. He suited up for the Calgary Buffaloes in Midget AA last season. He played in 22 games scoring two goals and two assists.

Stuart commented, “like so many [98’s] that we have, we can develop them and [they] have a good chance to play Junior A next season.”

The Dynamiters still have six players that are starting the season with Junior A clubs: George Bertoia, Brett Roberts, Trey Doell, Tyler van Steinburg, Trevor van Steinburg and Devon Langelaar.

“It’s a good thing for the organization… It looks good for the program that we can develop players and move them on to Junior A; because that’s where a majority of players in this league want to be at some point. It’s a very good feather in our cap and a recruiting tool as well.”

In preparation for this weekend’s home games against the Golden Rockets and Fernie Ghostriders, Stuart says “We are working on our neutral zone play this week in practice.

“We are going to tighten up our forecheck a bit; where to go when pucks get moved, and where to go without the puck. It needs addressing, and that’s what we are working on.”

But added, “I’m very impressed with the players hockey smarts and their knowledge, and how quickly they are picking up the different systems.

“It’s a matter of fine tuning them now so they become a habit. They are very smart young men that are adapting to something new so quickly.”

The Dynamiters faceoff against the Golden Rockets (1-1-0-0) at 7pm on Friday at the Civic Centre, and then have a rematch against the Fernie Ghostriders (1-1-0-0) on Saturday at 7pm at the Civic Centre.

Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Golden Rockets

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Golden Rockets
1-1-0-0	Record	1-1-0-0
2	Points	2
T-2nd	Division Standing	T-2nd
T-11th (2.50)	Offence (GFA)	T-11th (2.50)
T-8th (2.50)	Defence (GAA)	T-10th (3.00)
0.911	Goaltending (SV%)	0.900
13th (10.00%)	Power Play	T-8th (18.18%)
T-17th (75.00%)	Penalty Kill	20thth (63.64%)
N/A	Power Ranking	N/A
W1	Streak	L1
1-1-0-0	Last 10	1-1-0-0
Caige Sterzer (2G-1A)	Top Scorer	Carter Vouri (1G-2A)
Korbyn Chabot (1G-2A)	2nd Top Scorer	Jordan Bautista (1G-0A)
Chase Miller (1G-1A)	3rd Top Scorer	Andrew Dunn (1G-0A)
Donte Nowell (15)	PIM Leader	Cordell Boyko (6)

Opening weekend a success for Nitros

The Kimberley Dynamiters had a successful season opening weekend in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, going 1-1.

Nitro’s first game and home opener was against Division rivals, the Fernie Ghostriders.

Head Coach & General Manager Derek Stuart shared by phone on Sunday, “all things considered, for not having five players, playing essentially most of the game with three forwards on defense; I think things went really, really well.

 “The guys battled hard and they competed. Their compete level and how they worked, was very, very impressive.”

It was the early season jitters that got the best of them, when the Riders opened the scoring 32 seconds into the game.

Fernie then had a 2-0 lead in the third before Kimberley got on the board. Local-boy, Caige Sterzer, banged home a rebound.

Sterzer was so excited to be in the game, and even more thrilled to score, “I was so pumped to be on the ice with my team on the home opener. We have a great new bunch of guys and coaching staff.

“I was honoured to score my first goal in front of friends, family and the home town. “

For 59 minutes it was an entertaining and close game for the 607 in attendance at the Civic Centre. But the game finished in Fernie’s favour as they won 2-1 and led 29-21 in shots.

“Having 600 plus people there Friday, the boys fed off the energy of the crowd.” Stuart recalled.

“For a young team having their home opener against one of the pre-season favourites to win the league, the nerves were high, they were scored on the first, but they did very well.”

The Dynamiters followed up their one-goal loss on Friday with a one goal win on Saturday, defeating the Castlegar Rebels 4-3 in front of 351 fans.

In a moment of déjà vu, the Nitro’s gave up an early goal to the Rebels.

“For some reason, we are having a tough time at the start of a game and also the start of a period.

“Three of the five goals we have given up this year have come within the first minute of a period. We need to figure that out right away and fix it.”

The Nitro’s responded with three goals in the second frame.

“It was very encouraging to see from a coaching standpoint. Because, if we can establish that as our model for the year it is a very good foundation.”

Korbyn Chabot set up Chase Miller for the first goal, and then Miller returned the favour and helped Chabot get the next goal. Sterzer restored the Dynamiters lead when he poked a loose puck in.

The resilient Rebels wouldn’t go away and tied the game 35 seconds into the third period.

At the midway point, Sterzer found James Farmer who was busting in on a developing two-on-one with Nicholas Ketola. Farmer was able to get Ketola the puck, and had no issue giving the Dynamiters a 4-3 lead. That was the score until the final buzzer sounded.

“It was awesome to be able to contribute to our teams first win of the season.” Sterzer shared. “Now we just have to have a good week of practice and carry it on to next weekend against Golden and Fernie.”

The Dynamiters return to the ice this Friday when they host the Golden Rockets at the Civic Centre, game time is 7pm; and then host the Fernie Ghostriders in a rematch on Saturday at 7pm.

Match Sticks:  Ruslan Katsnelson recorded his first KIJHL win in his first KIJHL game as he turned aside 24 of the 27 shots Saturday... The Nitro’s released forwards Wyatt Fleming and Terrell Clarricoates on Sunday… Stuart was absent from behind the bench on Saturday. “I got suspended for dressing an ineligible player Friday for two games. I thought he was approved, but he was pending. That was my bad. It was my mistake. I will take ownership of that.”

Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman

Photo by Jonathan Righton

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Castlegar Rebels

Kimberley Dynamiters	vs	Castlegar Rebels
0-1-0-0	Record	0-1-0-0
0	Points	0
T-4th	Division Standing	T-2nd
T-12th (1.00)	Offence (GFA)	T-7th (2.00)
T-10th (2.00)	Defence (GAA)	18th (5.00)
0.931	Goaltending (SV%)	0.828
5th (20.00%)	Power Play	1st (33.33%)
T-14th (75.00%)	Penalty Kill	T-14th (75.00%)
N/A	Power Ranking	N/A
L1	Streak	W1
0-1-0-0	Last 10	1-0-0-0
Terrell Clarricoates (1G-0A)	Top Scorer	Brandon Costa (1G-0A)
Korbyn Chabot (0G-1A)	2nd Top Scorer	Logan Styler (1G-0A)
	3rd Top Scorer	Vince Bitoni (0G-1A)
Nowell, Risdon, Sullivan (15)	PIM Leader	Vince Betoni (4)

Kimberley Dynamiters ready to start KIJHL season

The Kimberley Dynamiters have finalized their squad and are ready to start the regular season. The 23 player roster sports two goalies, six defencemen, and 15 forwards. Amongst the 23, are eight KIJHL veterans, six returning Dynamiters, and 15 making their KIJHL debut.

Amongst the returning players are the two newly acquired Ryan Hozjan (96) and Nicholas Ketola (97); plus three local talents, Korbyn Chabot (99), Lucas Purdy (98), and James Rota (98); two returnees from Alberta: Franco Colapaolo (96) and James Farmer (97); and goaltender Mitch Traichevich (97).

Needless to say the Dynamiters will have a new look this coming fall.

Despite the majority the team being new to the KIJHL, Head Coach and General Manager Derek Stuart says “We as a coaching staff are pleased with and excited about the team speed and size.

“We have quite a few rookies that don’t look like rookies. Everyone on the opening day roster deserves to be there.”

The Dynamiters have not yet named player leadership this season, Stuart said “We have veterans that are mature and are helping.”

Hozjan and Colapaolo are two veterans of those veterans.

Colapaolo is excited about starting the season with the team, “having this many rookies fighting to stay on the team and crack the lineup definitely raises the compete level and intensity in our practices, which is great because that’s kind of the motto that Coach wants us to embrace.

“I’m really looking forward to enjoying my last year of junior hockey. I am excited to mentor the younger guys this season just like the vets did for me in my first couple of years”

Hozjan who is new to town says “I have been welcomed to the town by the, community, team, and billet family. It’s been great.”

While Hozjan is enjoying the new location, he is pleased with how the team is forming, “we have four lines that will be able to contribute this season. We have gelled together nicely.”

But adds, “the past two weeks have been long, I am anxious to get the season started.”

Colapoalo is very confident in how the team will perform this season. “I think we’ll surprise some people with how quickly we rebound from losing the core of our team in the off-season.

“We want to be hard to play against every shift. Even though we are a younger team, there is no excuse that we can’t be the hardest working team in the league.

“We want other teams to hate playing against us.”

The Dynamiters open their regular season tonight against the Fernie Ghostriders at the Civic Centre. Game time is 7pm.

Match Sticks: The Dynamiters continue to have a connection with California. Goaltender, Ruslan Katsnelson (97), is from West Hills, California. There are six veterans currently trying out with Jr A clubs:  George Bertoia, Brett Roberts, Trey Doell, Tyler van Steinburg, Trevor van Steinburg and Devon Langelaar.

Published in the Kimberley Bulletin/Cranbrook Townsman

Kimberley Dynamiters Season Opener Roster

Brandon Langridge	'98	F
Brandt Bertoia	'98	F
Caige Sterzer	'00	F
Chase Miller	'98	F
Donte Nowell	'98	F
Franco Colapaolo	'96	F
Garreth Osmar	'98	F
James Farmer	'97	F
Korbyn Chabot	'99	F
Logan Middleton	'98	F
Nicholas Ketola	'97	F
Ryan Hozjan	'96	F
Terrell Clarricoates	'99	F
Troy Feldbusch	'98	F
Wyatt Fleming	'98	F
Caymen Froude	'99	D
Connor Sullivan	'98	D
Harrison Risdon	'00	D
James Rota	'98	D
Lucas Purdy	'98	D
Robert Thomson	'98	D
Mitch Traichevich	'97	G
Ruslan Katsnelson	'97	G