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