Saturday, 30 September 2017
It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Golden Rockets
 |  | |
| Kimberley Dynamiters | vs | Golden Rockets |
| 5-1-0-0 | Record | 1-5-1-0 |
| 10 | Points | 3 |
| 1st | Division Standing | 5th |
| 2-0-0-0 | Home/Away | 0-2-1-0 |
| 4.00 | Offence (GFA) | 1.71 |
| 2.67 | Defence (GAA) | 3.00 |
| 0.911 | Goaltending (SV%) | 0.902 |
| 18.42 | Power Play | 12.50 |
| 90.70 | Penalty Kill | 90.48 |
| NR | Power Ranking | NR |
| W2 | Streak | L4 |
| 5-1-0-0 | Last 10 | 1-5-1-0 |
| Chase Gedney (3G-3A) | Top Scorer | Ryley Bast (1G-5A) |
| Matt Davies (3G-3A) | 2nd Top Scorer | Nick Runnalls (4G-1A) |
| James Farmer (3G-2A) | 3rd Top Scorer | Ryan Partaker (2G-1A) |
| Cody Campbell (2.54) | Top GSAA | Colton Iwaschuk (2.52) |
| Brant Mack (31) | PIM Leader | Ryan Taylor (58) |
Friday, 29 September 2017
It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Castlegar Rebels
|  | |
| Kimberley Dynamiters | vs | Castlegar Rebels |
| 4-1-0-0 | Record | 3-1-0-0-1 |
| 8 | Points | 6 |
| 1st | Division Standing | T-4th |
| 4.20 | Offence (GFA) | 4.40 |
| 2.80 | Defence (GAA) | 2.40 |
| 0.904 | Goaltending (SV%) | 0.903 |
| 17.24 | Power Play | 16.67 |
| 88.57 | Penalty Kill | 87.88 |
| NR | Power Ranking | NR |
| W1 | Streak | L1 |
| 4-1-0-0 | Last 10 | 3-1-0-0-1 |
| Matt Davies (3G-3A) | Top Scorer | John Moeller (5G-5A) |
| James Farmer (3G-2A) | 2nd Top Scorer | Shawn Campbell (4G-4A) |
| Mason Palaga (3G-2A) | 3rd Top Scorer | Chris Breese (2G-6A) |
| Brant Mack (31) | PIM Leader | Evan Della-Paolera (25) |
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Kimberley Dynamiters prepare for home games against Castlegar and Golden
The Kimberley Dynamiters have not played a home game since the home opener on September 8th, and are finally returning home after four road games. They return home in first place in the Eddie Mountain division with eight points, only losing one road game.
Up first is the Castlegar Rebels (3-1-0-0-1) who sit fourth in the Neil Murdoch division with six points. This will be the first of three meetings between the Rebels and Dynamiters. Nitro's head coach and general manager Derek Stuart is keenly aware that the Rebels have two of the top players in the Kootenay Conference in John Moeller (5G-5A) and Ed Lindsey (2G-6A), but says that the team will not change their style and just play Nitro's hockey.
"We are just going to focus on playing our style of hockey and see if our opponents keep up or not." Stuart said, "We still need to get our identity, we need to worry about ourselves."
That approach may be beneficial for the Nitro's, because the Rebels roster appears to have more than two scoring threats as forward Shawn Campbell and defender Vince Bitoni have emerged early as more than a point-per-game players.
Next up is the Golden Rockets (1-4-1-0) on Saturday, a team that the Nitro's beat 5-2 in Golden last weekend. Stuart is optimistic that the team has learned their lesson to not take a team lightly after beating them, which happened against the Columbia Valley Rockies.
"We are going to prepare the same way we did last Saturday [against Golden]. If the players don't respond or are not prepared, or take Golden lightly, it is a clear indicator that they have not learned their lesson from the Columbia Valley game and we have some work to do.
But he added, "I trust the guys, I believe their response to Golden [last week] showed that they have learned their lesson."
Most of all, the Dynamiters are just excited to be back home playing in their own barn where they can use their speed on a larger ice surface.
"We try and tailor a team that fits our home ice more than anything else. I really liked the use of our speed in three of our four road games.
"To be able to use that on a bigger ice surface, should be to our advantage - but we need to do that first, to make it an advantage."
Friday's game against Castlegar starts at 7:30pm at the Civic Centre, and then puck drop is 7:30 on Saturday versus Golden.
Up first is the Castlegar Rebels (3-1-0-0-1) who sit fourth in the Neil Murdoch division with six points. This will be the first of three meetings between the Rebels and Dynamiters. Nitro's head coach and general manager Derek Stuart is keenly aware that the Rebels have two of the top players in the Kootenay Conference in John Moeller (5G-5A) and Ed Lindsey (2G-6A), but says that the team will not change their style and just play Nitro's hockey.
"We are just going to focus on playing our style of hockey and see if our opponents keep up or not." Stuart said, "We still need to get our identity, we need to worry about ourselves."
That approach may be beneficial for the Nitro's, because the Rebels roster appears to have more than two scoring threats as forward Shawn Campbell and defender Vince Bitoni have emerged early as more than a point-per-game players.
Next up is the Golden Rockets (1-4-1-0) on Saturday, a team that the Nitro's beat 5-2 in Golden last weekend. Stuart is optimistic that the team has learned their lesson to not take a team lightly after beating them, which happened against the Columbia Valley Rockies.
"We are going to prepare the same way we did last Saturday [against Golden]. If the players don't respond or are not prepared, or take Golden lightly, it is a clear indicator that they have not learned their lesson from the Columbia Valley game and we have some work to do.
But he added, "I trust the guys, I believe their response to Golden [last week] showed that they have learned their lesson."
Most of all, the Dynamiters are just excited to be back home playing in their own barn where they can use their speed on a larger ice surface.
"We try and tailor a team that fits our home ice more than anything else. I really liked the use of our speed in three of our four road games.
"To be able to use that on a bigger ice surface, should be to our advantage - but we need to do that first, to make it an advantage."
Friday's game against Castlegar starts at 7:30pm at the Civic Centre, and then puck drop is 7:30 on Saturday versus Golden.
Monday, 25 September 2017
The Kimberley Dynamiters learn an early lesson after first loss, splitting weekend games
The Kimberley Dynamiters early season undefeated streak came to an end this past weekend as they crumbled under the Columbia Valley Rockies and downed the Golden Rockets.
Heading into Friday's game in Invermere, the Nitro's were one of three teams that had yet to lose early in the season, and that may have given the Nitro's a large ego.
"It was a lack of preparation," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "and probably a bit of arrogance and cockiness, thinking that we can just show up and win."
The Rockies capitalized quickly on the Nitro's ego and lack of preparation, scoring two power play goals in the first five minutes. The Nitro's were able to stop the bleeding for the remainder of the period.
It was a relentless attack by the Rockies, as they scored another two goals in the middle frame to take a commanding 4-0 lead after 40 minutes.
"There were a lot of bad decisions with the puck, that led to turnovers." Stuart said. "Plus a lack of toughness in our slot in our zone. They out worked us, out hit us, out skated us, they kicked our assess all night long."
In the third period, the Nitro's traded goals with the Rockies, as Brett Roberts and Matt Davies scored. Finally the nightmare came to an end, and the Rockies won 6-2. Interesting fact, the Rockies now have a 5-4-1 home record against the Nitro's in the months of September and October since 2013.
Adam Andersen was in net and did what he could, making 33 saves to prevent the blowout from growing, and according to Stuart, it wouldn't have mattered who was in net, they still would have lost.
The only positive from the game that Stuart could find was James Rota. Rota had played is first game on offence since making the permanent shift from defence to forward, and earned an assist.
But then Stuart added that he was glad the team lost the way they did.
"The loss was actually a good thing. You have to prepare for everybody, the loss was an eye-opener. It was a good thing that we lost, and we think the boys learned from it."
It was apparent that the Nitro's did learn their lesson, as they came out soaring against the Golden Rockets on Saturday. They fired an astounding 18 shots on net.
"They were prepared to go." Stuart said. "They were ready to play Dynamiter hockey regardless of the opponent."
James Farmer got the Dynamiters on the board shortly after the midway point of the first. One would have hoped that with so many shots, there would have been more goals.
Stuart said he had to drill a message into the players during the first intermission, "We are just trying to focus on our actions and not the results, our actions were excellent in the first."
The Rockets then derailed the Nitro's as they were able to sneak in their first goal, and then mere seconds later, the Rockets took a 2-1 lead.
"We didn't react well to the first goal, being scored on shortly after." Stuart said, "Three or four shifts later they seemed to forget about it and resumed with the game plan."
On that fourth shift, the teams top line of the game, stocked with rookies: Austin Lawson, Cam Russell, and Brock Palmer; scored a short-handed goal to tie the game at two.
In the third, the Dynamiters just kept going, kept to their game plan. Davies and Farmer were able to show off their skills as they both completed two different two-on-one's to give the Nitro's a 4-2 lead.
Brandt Bertoia would then force his way through Rockets defenders as the period drew to an end to score an empty-net short-handed goal.
"It was good to see Brandt get a goal," Stuart said, "he had been working hard, he deserved to get rewarded with a goal in the statistics column."
Cody Campbell made 27 saves for his second win of the season. But for Stuart, it was Tyler Van Steinburg, who played a stable game, that was the star of the game.
"He was excellent, I thought he was the best player on the ice. Nothing super flashy. He didn't make any mistakes and made the right decision, excellent with the puck."
Even though the Nitro's lost their first game of the season, they still sit on top of the Eddie Mountain Division with eight points, two ahead of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats. But most of all, they learned an important lesson to prepare for every opponent.
Heading into Friday's game in Invermere, the Nitro's were one of three teams that had yet to lose early in the season, and that may have given the Nitro's a large ego.
"It was a lack of preparation," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "and probably a bit of arrogance and cockiness, thinking that we can just show up and win."
The Rockies capitalized quickly on the Nitro's ego and lack of preparation, scoring two power play goals in the first five minutes. The Nitro's were able to stop the bleeding for the remainder of the period.
It was a relentless attack by the Rockies, as they scored another two goals in the middle frame to take a commanding 4-0 lead after 40 minutes.
"There were a lot of bad decisions with the puck, that led to turnovers." Stuart said. "Plus a lack of toughness in our slot in our zone. They out worked us, out hit us, out skated us, they kicked our assess all night long."
In the third period, the Nitro's traded goals with the Rockies, as Brett Roberts and Matt Davies scored. Finally the nightmare came to an end, and the Rockies won 6-2. Interesting fact, the Rockies now have a 5-4-1 home record against the Nitro's in the months of September and October since 2013.
Adam Andersen was in net and did what he could, making 33 saves to prevent the blowout from growing, and according to Stuart, it wouldn't have mattered who was in net, they still would have lost.
The only positive from the game that Stuart could find was James Rota. Rota had played is first game on offence since making the permanent shift from defence to forward, and earned an assist.
But then Stuart added that he was glad the team lost the way they did.
"The loss was actually a good thing. You have to prepare for everybody, the loss was an eye-opener. It was a good thing that we lost, and we think the boys learned from it."
It was apparent that the Nitro's did learn their lesson, as they came out soaring against the Golden Rockets on Saturday. They fired an astounding 18 shots on net.
"They were prepared to go." Stuart said. "They were ready to play Dynamiter hockey regardless of the opponent."
James Farmer got the Dynamiters on the board shortly after the midway point of the first. One would have hoped that with so many shots, there would have been more goals.
Stuart said he had to drill a message into the players during the first intermission, "We are just trying to focus on our actions and not the results, our actions were excellent in the first."
The Rockets then derailed the Nitro's as they were able to sneak in their first goal, and then mere seconds later, the Rockets took a 2-1 lead.
"We didn't react well to the first goal, being scored on shortly after." Stuart said, "Three or four shifts later they seemed to forget about it and resumed with the game plan."
On that fourth shift, the teams top line of the game, stocked with rookies: Austin Lawson, Cam Russell, and Brock Palmer; scored a short-handed goal to tie the game at two.
In the third, the Dynamiters just kept going, kept to their game plan. Davies and Farmer were able to show off their skills as they both completed two different two-on-one's to give the Nitro's a 4-2 lead.
Brandt Bertoia would then force his way through Rockets defenders as the period drew to an end to score an empty-net short-handed goal.
"It was good to see Brandt get a goal," Stuart said, "he had been working hard, he deserved to get rewarded with a goal in the statistics column."
Cody Campbell made 27 saves for his second win of the season. But for Stuart, it was Tyler Van Steinburg, who played a stable game, that was the star of the game.
"He was excellent, I thought he was the best player on the ice. Nothing super flashy. He didn't make any mistakes and made the right decision, excellent with the puck."
Even though the Nitro's lost their first game of the season, they still sit on top of the Eddie Mountain Division with eight points, two ahead of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats. But most of all, they learned an important lesson to prepare for every opponent.
Saturday, 23 September 2017
It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Golden Rockets
| | |
| Kimberley Dynamiters | vs | Golden Rockets |
| 3-1-0-0 | Record | 1-3-1-0 |
| 6 | Points | 3 |
| T-1st | Division Standing | T-3rd |
| 4.00 | Offence (GFA) | 1.80 |
| 3.00 | Defence (GAA) | 2.60 |
| 0.897 | Goaltending (SV%) | 0.906 |
| 17.86 | Power Play | 12.00 |
| 90.00 | Penalty Kill | 87.50 |
| NR | Power Ranking | NR |
| L1 | Streak | L2 |
| 3-1-0-0 | Last 10 | 1-3-1-0 |
| Mason Palaga (3G-2A) | Top Scorer | Ryley Bast (1G-3A) |
| Matt Davies (2G-3A) | 2nd Top Scorer | Ryan Partaker (2G-1A) |
| Brett Roberts (1G-4A) | 3rd Top Scorer | Levi Lambert (1G-2A) |
| Brant Mack (39) | PIM Leader | Ryan Taylor (56) |
Friday, 22 September 2017
Kimberley Dynamiters take undefeated streak on the road
The Kimberley Dynamiters hit the road this weekend, taking their undefeated streak to start the season on the road. On Friday the Nitro's travel to Invermere to faceoff against the Columbia Valley Rockies, then the next day they head further north to play the Golden Rockets.
The Nitro's have faced the Rockies already this season winning 6-1 at the season home opener. Since then, the Rockies have been winless in five, earning one point in a tie. Better believe the Rockies will be looking for revenge in their own barn against the Nitro's. In season's past, September and October games against the Rockies in Invermere have been struggles. During just those two months since 2013 the Nitro's have gone 4-4-1 in Invermere, and one of those wins was in extra time.
On Saturday, the Dynamiters take on the recently rebranded Rockets, who have three points to their name with one default win and a tie. This will be the first meeting of eight between these two squads. While the Nitro's have had success in Golden, they have at times struggled to get going because they haven't been able to feed off the energy of the crowd, which may be different now as the Rockets have been attracting crowds of 200.
Friday's game starts at 7:30pm at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arean in Invermere, and Saturday's match is at the Golden Arena at 7:30pm.
The Nitro's have faced the Rockies already this season winning 6-1 at the season home opener. Since then, the Rockies have been winless in five, earning one point in a tie. Better believe the Rockies will be looking for revenge in their own barn against the Nitro's. In season's past, September and October games against the Rockies in Invermere have been struggles. During just those two months since 2013 the Nitro's have gone 4-4-1 in Invermere, and one of those wins was in extra time.
On Saturday, the Dynamiters take on the recently rebranded Rockets, who have three points to their name with one default win and a tie. This will be the first meeting of eight between these two squads. While the Nitro's have had success in Golden, they have at times struggled to get going because they haven't been able to feed off the energy of the crowd, which may be different now as the Rockets have been attracting crowds of 200.
Friday's game starts at 7:30pm at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arean in Invermere, and Saturday's match is at the Golden Arena at 7:30pm.
It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Columbia Valley Rockies
|  | |
| Kimberley Dynamiters | vs | Columbia Valley Rockies |
| 3-0-0-0 | Record | 0-4-1-0 |
| 6 | Points | 1 |
| 1st | Division Standing | 5th |
| 4.67 | Offence (GFA) | 2.40 |
| 2.00 | Defence (GAA) | 6.60 |
| 0.926 | Goaltending (SV%) | 0.843 |
| 25.00 | Power Play | 7.14 |
| 95.45 | Penalty Kill | 72.50 |
| NR | Power Ranking | NR |
| W3 | Streak | L1 |
| 3-0-0-0 | Last 10 | 0-4-1-0 |
| Mason Palaga (3G-2A) | Top Scorer | Tyler Nypower (2G-2A) |
| Brett Roberts (0G-4A) | 2nd Top Scorer | Joshua Antunes (1G-3A) |
| Brock Palmer (1G-2A) | 3rd Top Scorer | Tyler Bordt (1G-2A) |
| Luke Reechi (15) | PIM Leader | Kyler Shmigelsky (21) |
Monday, 18 September 2017
Brandon Langridge returns to the Kimberley Dynamiters; Koran & Merkl released
Langridge played last season with the Nitro's and scored 10 goals and 15 assists, while amassing 151 penalty minutes in 39 games.
His late arrival to the Nitro's was not due to tryouts, but a work commitment, and said he had always intended to return to the team.
"I had no plans to go anywhere this year," Langridge said, "if I was playing hockey it was going to be in Kimberley."
Part of the draw back was his teammates and hockey savvy Kimberley, "You can't explain the feeling of just being around the boys, and then the atmosphere the fans create during games."
But the main draw was the chance to play for a winning team. "Definitely plan to get further than last year and win the league.
"Last year got cut a little shorter than we all wanted it too. So that should create a fire for all of us that were on the team last year." He said with hope "With new players coming in that should give us the boost we need to get over it."
The Dynamiters organization is also excited to have Langridge back, "We are very excited to have Brandon return." head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "The way he intimidated opponents last year with his size and physical play is something we will need on a regular basis from him."
"He will also have an increased expectation to contribute offensively from his coaches and teammates"
However, the Nitro's needed to make room for Langridge to return, and as a result Braiden Koran and Broc Merkl were released.
Koran, a 16 year old local player, scored his first goal this past weekend, and has been returned to his midget team, and will remain apart of the team as an affiliate player.
"Koran thoroughly impressed us with his play and earned a spot on our opening roster." Stuart said, "However, when looking at our projected lineup come December 1st we felt it was best for Braiden's development to return to Midget. With what we saw this past month from Braiden we are very excited about the future impact he will have with the Dynamiters"
Merkl played one fantastic game against the Nelson Leafs making 33 saves, in a close 2-1 game. He was released, but no one should be surprised to see him pop up somewhere else quickly.
"Merkl was a tough one to let go as he practiced hard and played great in his one game. At this point in the season it is almost impossible to trade a rookie goaltender so we felt it was only fair to Broc to release him in hopes he can secure a tryout with another team."
Langridge is expected to be in the lineup this weekend as the team heads on the road to play the Columbia Valley Rockies and Golden Rockets.
Kimberley Dynamiters remain undefeated to start KIJHL season after 6-4 win over Nitehawks
The Kimberley Dynamiters won their lone game this past weekend, 6-4, against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. Improving their record to 3-0, one of three KIJHL teams to still remain undefeated to start season.
Typically when the Nitehawks and Dynamiters meet, it is a low scoring, grunge match - this game was going to be different.
Matt Davies got the Nitro's on the board with his first of the season, followed shortly by Brant Mack, who was making his KIJHL debut.
"Mack didn't wait around," Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "he went to the net and scored a goal."
By the end of the first, it was 2-1 for the Dynamiters.
The scoring continued in the middle frame, Braiden Koran scored his first of the season on the power play. The Nitehawks responded quickly, cutting the Nitro's lead back down to one. As the period drew down, Chase Gedny scored his first of the season as well to make it 4-2 Nitro's.
Gedny would score his second of the game near the start of the third as the team was short handed. The Nitehawks had a response goal, and then added another one just after the midway point of the third, making the final nine minutes exciting. The Nitehawks pressed, but Nitro's held on and James Farmer, like many other Nitro's that night, notched his first goal of the season.
Cody Campbell made 42 saves in his very first start in net since returning to the Nitro's.
"That was the kind of performance we expected from Cody,"Stuart said, get thrown into the fire and face 40 plus shots.
"He made four or five highlight reel saves. He was really solid, and controls his rebounds really well."
Campbell and Mack were not the only ones playing their first game, as Derian Bamber and Tyrell Bourk debuted.
"We need to tone [Bourk] down a little," Stuart said "he was a little too pumped up."
"Bamber struggled a bit, but played well considering he hasn't played since last season."
"When your first game is against one of the best teams in the league in their arena, it will only get easier."
While Farmer and Brett Roberts both finished the night with three points, for coach Stuart, Brandy Bertoia and Harrison Risdon stood out, "Really impressed with how they played.
"They led the way on the veteran front, along with Campbell, and the rest of them followed suit."
The Kimberley Dynamiters now start the season undefeated, and look to continue their winning streak as they hit the road again this coming weekend against the Columbia Valley Rockies and Golden Rockets.
MATCH STICKS: Devon Langelaar left the game due to a minor injury and is currently being evaluated. Tyler Van Steinburg, who was injured last weekend, has been cleared to play and will return to the lineup.
Typically when the Nitehawks and Dynamiters meet, it is a low scoring, grunge match - this game was going to be different.
Matt Davies got the Nitro's on the board with his first of the season, followed shortly by Brant Mack, who was making his KIJHL debut.
"Mack didn't wait around," Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "he went to the net and scored a goal."
By the end of the first, it was 2-1 for the Dynamiters.
The scoring continued in the middle frame, Braiden Koran scored his first of the season on the power play. The Nitehawks responded quickly, cutting the Nitro's lead back down to one. As the period drew down, Chase Gedny scored his first of the season as well to make it 4-2 Nitro's.
Gedny would score his second of the game near the start of the third as the team was short handed. The Nitehawks had a response goal, and then added another one just after the midway point of the third, making the final nine minutes exciting. The Nitehawks pressed, but Nitro's held on and James Farmer, like many other Nitro's that night, notched his first goal of the season.
Cody Campbell made 42 saves in his very first start in net since returning to the Nitro's.
"That was the kind of performance we expected from Cody,"Stuart said, get thrown into the fire and face 40 plus shots.
"He made four or five highlight reel saves. He was really solid, and controls his rebounds really well."
Campbell and Mack were not the only ones playing their first game, as Derian Bamber and Tyrell Bourk debuted.
"We need to tone [Bourk] down a little," Stuart said "he was a little too pumped up."
"Bamber struggled a bit, but played well considering he hasn't played since last season."
"When your first game is against one of the best teams in the league in their arena, it will only get easier."
While Farmer and Brett Roberts both finished the night with three points, for coach Stuart, Brandy Bertoia and Harrison Risdon stood out, "Really impressed with how they played.
"They led the way on the veteran front, along with Campbell, and the rest of them followed suit."
The Kimberley Dynamiters now start the season undefeated, and look to continue their winning streak as they hit the road again this coming weekend against the Columbia Valley Rockies and Golden Rockets.
MATCH STICKS: Devon Langelaar left the game due to a minor injury and is currently being evaluated. Tyler Van Steinburg, who was injured last weekend, has been cleared to play and will return to the lineup.
Saturday, 16 September 2017
It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Beaver Valley Nitehawks
|  | |
| Kimberley Dynamiters | vs | Beaver Valley Nitehawks |
| 2-0-0-0 | Record | 1-1-0-0 |
| 4 | Points | 2 |
| 1st | Division Standing | 5th |
| 4.00 | Offence (GFA) | 3.00 |
| 1.00 | Defence (GAA) | 0.50 |
| 0.964 | Goaltending (SV%) | 0.979 |
| 28.57 | Power Play | 44.44 |
| 100.00 | Penalty Kill | 100.00 |
| NR | Power Ranking | NR |
| W2 | Streak | W1 |
| 2-0-0-0 | Last 10 | 1-1-0-0 |
| Mason Palaga (3G-1A) | Top Scorer | Dylan Heppler (2G-4A) |
| Austin Hope (2G-0A) | 2nd Top Scorer | Jaxen Gemmell (0G-1A) |
| Nich Ketola (1G-1A) | 3rd Top Scorer | Nolan Percival (0G-2A) |
| Luke Reechi (15) | PIM Leader | Aiden Jenner (4) |
Tuesday, 12 September 2017
Cody Campbell returns to the Kimberley Dynamiters
"As an 18 year old rookie Campbell was an elite goaltender in our Conference last season and a major reason for our long playoff run," Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "Adding him makes us a much better hockey team."
Last year Campbell had a 14-7 record, while posting a 2.93 goals against average, .901 save percentage and four shutouts. He then improved his stats in the playoffs as he helped lead the Nitro's to one win away from the KIJHL finals with a 2.19 goals against average and .916 save percentage.
Campbell returns to the Dynamiters after spending time trying out at the Junior A level. Campbell said there were many reasons for returning, but highlighted three: opportunity to play more minutes, play with a conteder, and a better chance to move on to the college level.
"I'm very excited to be back. Excited to get a start to the season this weekend and get going." Campbell added.
"The expectations are high this year... Looking at the group of guys we have and may have, definitely puts us at a position to do what we did last year."
This past weekend goaltenders Adam Andersen and Broc Merkl put on fantastic performances. Adding Campbell gives the Nitro's three capable KIJHL goaltenders.
When asked about the goaltending situation Campbell said: "If there is anything that I have learned about hockey in the last years, it is that you have to worry about yourself, play your game, and do everything in your control; and everything else is just going to be what it is going to be."
"I'm looking to come in and to contribute; and do everything that I can to ensure this team stays on top."
The Kimberley Dynamiters next game is on Saturday against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in Fruitvale.
Sunday, 10 September 2017
Kimberley Dynamiters win 2-1 on the road against the Nelson Leafs
The Kimberley Dynamiters played their first road game of the 2017-18 season against the Nelson Leafs, following a convincing 6-1 win at home against the Columbia Valley Rockies.
Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said that he and the staff hammered home that Nelson is a different team from the Rockies, and that the Leafs are one of the favourites to win the Neil Murdoch division, if not the whole Kootenay Conference.
The Leafs took it to the Nitro's early in the game, controlling the play at the Nelson Community Complex. It wasn't until the midway of the first that rookie Cam Russell fired a shot while skating wide that surprised the Leafs keeper, giving the Nitro's a 1-0 lead.
The second period was scoreless, it was the calm before the storm of what would be an explosive third period.
In the third tempers began to flair. It all started when Luke Recchi dropped the gloves with Leafs Justin Podgorenko, and came out on the loosing end. The Nelson rink became a warzone.
"I thought their will and determination, and courage to play through a war, was really impressive." Stuart said. "Everyone really battled hard, it wasn't pretty, there were a lot of mistakes and bad decisions. In terms of their effort level and not shying away, it was impressive."
That's just what the Nitro's did, they didn't shy away and battled. The Nitro's got into penalty trouble, and were short handed at one point 5-on-3 for a whole two minutes. But Nitro's goalie, Broc Merkl made incredible save and spectacular save, to keep the Dynamiters ahead 1-0.
"As soon as we killed off that big 5-on-3 I knew we had the game." Merkl said confidently the day after the game.
After the lengthy penalty kill they built themselves a 2-0 lead on a wrap around goal by Brock Palmer.
The Leafs tried to mount a comeback, scoring a goal, and then swarming in the final two minutes, but it was to no avail, as Merkl kept the gate closed. He earned his first KIJHL win making 33 saves.
"It was very obvious that without Merkl last night we would have definitely lost the game." Stuart said.
Merkl humbly said that it was a team effort. "I can't take the whole credit for a win, last night I may have been a factor in the win," He said, "but at the same time I had a great team in front of me that got those two goals."
While the Nitro's were not perfect in the 139 penalty minute game, Staurt was impressed with the performance of Russell, Palaga and Roberts; and how veterans Rota and Farmer stepped in to play defensive shifts when needed against the Leafs.
With the win, the Nitro's earned four of four points in the weekend.
MATCH STICKS: Recchi will be re-evaluated after leaving the game after the fight. Tyler Van Steinburg sustained a lower body injury in Nelson as well. While not currently listed, it is expected that Nic Ketola will be suspended for his 10-minute major.
Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said that he and the staff hammered home that Nelson is a different team from the Rockies, and that the Leafs are one of the favourites to win the Neil Murdoch division, if not the whole Kootenay Conference.
The Leafs took it to the Nitro's early in the game, controlling the play at the Nelson Community Complex. It wasn't until the midway of the first that rookie Cam Russell fired a shot while skating wide that surprised the Leafs keeper, giving the Nitro's a 1-0 lead.
The second period was scoreless, it was the calm before the storm of what would be an explosive third period.
In the third tempers began to flair. It all started when Luke Recchi dropped the gloves with Leafs Justin Podgorenko, and came out on the loosing end. The Nelson rink became a warzone.
"I thought their will and determination, and courage to play through a war, was really impressive." Stuart said. "Everyone really battled hard, it wasn't pretty, there were a lot of mistakes and bad decisions. In terms of their effort level and not shying away, it was impressive."
That's just what the Nitro's did, they didn't shy away and battled. The Nitro's got into penalty trouble, and were short handed at one point 5-on-3 for a whole two minutes. But Nitro's goalie, Broc Merkl made incredible save and spectacular save, to keep the Dynamiters ahead 1-0.
"As soon as we killed off that big 5-on-3 I knew we had the game." Merkl said confidently the day after the game.
After the lengthy penalty kill they built themselves a 2-0 lead on a wrap around goal by Brock Palmer.
The Leafs tried to mount a comeback, scoring a goal, and then swarming in the final two minutes, but it was to no avail, as Merkl kept the gate closed. He earned his first KIJHL win making 33 saves.
"It was very obvious that without Merkl last night we would have definitely lost the game." Stuart said.
Merkl humbly said that it was a team effort. "I can't take the whole credit for a win, last night I may have been a factor in the win," He said, "but at the same time I had a great team in front of me that got those two goals."
While the Nitro's were not perfect in the 139 penalty minute game, Staurt was impressed with the performance of Russell, Palaga and Roberts; and how veterans Rota and Farmer stepped in to play defensive shifts when needed against the Leafs.
With the win, the Nitro's earned four of four points in the weekend.
MATCH STICKS: Recchi will be re-evaluated after leaving the game after the fight. Tyler Van Steinburg sustained a lower body injury in Nelson as well. While not currently listed, it is expected that Nic Ketola will be suspended for his 10-minute major.
Saturday, 9 September 2017
Kimberley Dynamiters recognize volunteer Ken Roe
Ken Roe has been volunteering for the Kimberley Dynamiters for 49 years! His long time commitment was recognized last night. He was presented with a jacket and dropped the puck at centre ice.
Kimberley Dynamiters win their season home opener 6-1
The Kimberley Dynamiters opened their season on Friday against the Columbia Valley Rockies, and did so in fashion with a 6-1 victory.
"I have never played in front of crowd like this." Palaga said after the game, "it was amazing, I can't express how nice it felt."
Unfortunately, what has become a theme for the Nitro's at the start of the season, rink troubles, and the first period had to be concluded prematurely, and then the remainder played out at the start of the second period.
The Rockies began firing back in the middle frame, but local goaltender Adam Andersen stood his ground.
"Adam was very good out there." head coach and general manager Derek Staurt said. "He kept us in a few times... He's getting more confidence, I think the nerves of playing in front of the hometown are gone."
Andersen's play allowed Nick Ketola to scored early on the power play, sliding the puck in the low corner, giving the Nitro's a 2-0 lead heading into the second intermission.
The Rockies were able to get on the board and cut the Nitro's lead in half. But after that moment, a fuse was lit, and the Nitro's exploded. Palaga, and the signed-that-morning Austin Hope, would both score twice, leading the Nitro's to a 6-1 victory.
"We just started to click." Palaga smiled. "Everyone just started to realize what to do. We clicked and it worked well."
Palaga said that that was absolutely the first impression he wanted to send at the start of the season, but added: "Most of all we were just wanting to get the win, these points matter later on in the year. I was just worried about the win, and glad we got it."
While Palaga was an obvious star of the game offensively, scoring the hattrick and adding an assist, Stuart said that Brett Roberts played an excellent game defensively.
"He was the best overall defencemen. Moving pucks forward, being physical and taking care of our net. We gave him the coaches game puck. He played defense how we want everyone to play defense. We are very happy with how he played defence."
Stuart added that both Luke Recchi and Matt Davies stood out. "Luke Recchi was energetic out there and really good on the penalty kill. Matt Davies was really good, and had a lot of shining moments while controlling the puck, he made some really good plays."
While Stuart felt there was a lot of good things that came out of the game, it was only the first time that this squad of 20 players played together, and he felt that there were still parts of the game to work on.
The Nitro's then head on the road to play the Nelson Leafs.
It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Nelson Leafs
|  | |
| Kimberley Dynamiters | vs | Nelson Leafs |
| 1-0-0-0 | Record | 1-0-0-0 |
| 2 | Points | 2 |
| 1st | Division Standing | T-1st |
| 6.00 | Offence (GFA) | 1.00 |
| 1.00 | Defence (GAA) | 0.00 |
| 0.955 | Goaltending (SV%) | 1.000 |
| 44.44% | Power Play | 0.00 |
| 100.00 | Penalty Kill | 100.00 |
| NR | Power Ranking | NR |
| W1 | Streak | W1 |
| 1-0-0-0 | Last 10 | 1-0-0-0 |
| Mason Palaga (3G-1A) | Top Scorer | David Sanchez (1G-0A) |
| Matt Davies (0G-3A | 2nd Top Scorer | Sawyer Hunt (0G-1A) |
| Austin Hope (2G-0A) | 3rd Top Scorer | |
| Matt Davies (4) | PIM Leader | Jackson Zimmerman (12) |
Friday, 8 September 2017
2017-18 Eddie Mountain Division Predictions
As has become tradition for me at the start of each season, predictions for the final standings in the Eddie Mountain Division.
I don't always pick the Dynamiters to win, last year I picked the Fernie Ghostriders, which Coach Stuart used against me early in the season.
Noting that I picked Fernie to win, who finished third last season, let it be known that I have had a terrible record in past seasons, so I consider this more of a discussion than gospel.
Keep in mind that this is with rosters as they are right now, which may change substantially by the end of this month.
Here are my predictions for this coming season in the highly competitive Eddie Mountain Division:
I don't always pick the Dynamiters to win, last year I picked the Fernie Ghostriders, which Coach Stuart used against me early in the season.
Noting that I picked Fernie to win, who finished third last season, let it be known that I have had a terrible record in past seasons, so I consider this more of a discussion than gospel.
Keep in mind that this is with rosters as they are right now, which may change substantially by the end of this month.
Here are my predictions for this coming season in the highly competitive Eddie Mountain Division:
- Kimberley Dynamiters - The Nitro's made it all the way to the conference finals last year, and many of the 11 returning players want to go all the way to the KIJHL finals this season (if not further). The Nitro's sport one of the best D-core's in the KIJHL - All of them are KI vets, and three are 20-year olds. The biggest Q for the Nitro's this season right now is goaltending, as they have two rookies in net, not to mention shortest goalies in the division.
- Fernie Ghostriders - The 'Riders have returning players and have added experience to their lineup. Mitch Titus will lead this team as a 20 year old. Brandon Youngson shone between the pipes during moments last season, and then they added the HUGE 6'4" Zak Larson in net who went to the KI finals last year with the Chase Heat. The 'Riders are rocking 11 rookies this season, but have filled some roster spots with past KI players.
- Columbia Valley Rockies - The Rockies have been trying to build around a core group of players, and have filled the other holes with KI vets and rookies. Jaret Bordt and Davin Burton will lead this team as the only 20-year olds. Players like Tyler Bordt, Mike Dyck, Chase Hawkins, Colby Sherlock, and Ryan Skytt will only improve compared to last season.
- Golden Rockets - Will this be the year that the recently re-branded Rockets get out of the basement? I believe it is. Even though squad only improved by one point, from the 2015-16 season to the 2016-17 season. Darion Nordick, recently named captain, is one of two 20-year olds, and has a great chance to make the most of his ice time. The other 20 year old Ayrton Chapman has not played a single game in the KI. Overall, the Rockets have a lot of unknowns in their roster (which is typical for Jr B), bur after two seasons of adversity, this is their year to have success and reach the playoffs.
- Creston Valley Thunder Cats - It's like Thunder Cats version 2.0; there are only six, that's right SIX returning players. It feels like a changing of the guard for the 2017 Cyclone Taylor Cup hosts as a bulk of their roster is players born in 1999. Even though this team just won silver at the CTC just five months ago, everything is new. Liam Plunkett and Ronnie Wilkie will carry a heavy burden of leading this young team.
And I am sure I have just angered - yet again - the entire Creston Valley.
But remember, the Cats like to hang this over my head:
History indicates otherwise Josh.... pic.twitter.com/eO2UONthoh— Creston Thunder Cats (@CV_Thundercats) May 12, 2017
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