Kimberley Dynamiters added to their division lead with two wins this weekend

With each game increasing in importance to the standings, the Kimberley Dynamiters added to their division lead with wins over the Golden Rockets and Fernie Ghostriders this past weekend.

The Dynamiters were without head coach and general manager Derek Stuart who is serving a three-game suspension due to the gross misconduct given to the team during the Nitro's 7-1 loss to Creston.

The Nitro's headed north on Friday to face the Golden Rockets, a team that made provincial headlines when local 15 year old goaltender Izzy Palumbo debuted and then made 41 saves leading the Rockets to their third win of the season.

This game, did not have the same story-line for the Rockets. In the first 20 minutes the Nitro's fired an astounding 18 shots on net, converting for one goal by captain Brett Roberts.

In the second, the Nitro's continued to build on their lead, with Devon Langelaar and Cooper Page scoring to make it 3-0.

The Nitro's would not stop there. They doubled their score in the third as their special teams began clicking. Page scored his second of the game, this time shorthanded. Seconds later, Nicholas Ketola scored short handed. Then with the period winding down, Roberts scored on the power play.

College commit, Cody Campbell, made 18 saves for his fourth shutout of the season. And Cooper Page was named star of the game.

The Dynamiters then welcomed the Fernie Ghostriders on Saturday night.

James Farmer scored 38 seconds into the game, electrifying the crowd. Farmer is now seven points away from 100 KIJHL points.

"He has been playing excellent since Christmas. He has been our best forward since the break."

After the midway point, the Ghostriders leading scorer, Mitch Titus, and their leading defenceman scorer, Kevin Pierce, each scored a goal. It was all of a sudden 2-1 for the 'Riders.

"They were opportunistic on their chances." Stuart said of the Ghostriders. "You give a guy like Titus that much time and space, he will make you pay for it."

"They capitalized on two of their three, or four, scoring chances in the first."

Three minutes after those pair of goals, the Dynamiters got a pair of power play goals. Brandt Bertoia and then Bryce McDonald. It was 3-2 Nitro's after 20 minutes.

"I had counted eight or nine scoring chances in the first period alone." Stuart said. "Even though we had a great period, I felt we should have been up more."

In the second, the two teams traded goals. The 'Riders tied it at three. Then Brock Palmer scored restoring the Nitro's one-goal lead. Then the 'Riders tied it up again; just to have Page score seconds later, to give the Dynamiters a 5-4 lead after 40 minutes.

"We have been good lately. The second periods have not been as lopsided in terms of play."

Scoring wasn't the only excitement in the third. McDonald took a check to the head, and Mason Palaga took exception to it.

"After the predatory hit to the head on Rota last weekend, it was nice to see someone jump in and show that we aren’t going to allow opponents get away with blatant hits to the head."

With nine goals in 40 minutes, there was an expectation that scoring would continue (similar to Chase Heats 10-9 win over 100 Mile House Wranglers). But the scoring stopped.

Campbell made 29 saves for his 20th win of the season. Bertoia was named the star of the game.

Page had a five point weekend (three goals, two assists).

"He was good, and he was making plays, and protecting the puck."

Stuart was pleased with his line, and Bertoia on the offensive side of the game. As for defence, it was Langelaar.

"He was our best defencemen. He was very effective and had a major impact on the game."

One concern Stuart had over the weekend was the teams ability to convert their scoring opportunities.

"We need to bear down more on our chances. We are getting 40 plus shots nearly every game, and prime scoring chances, and we are not scoring on a bunch of those. We need to start putting games away earlier when we have the chance."

"When we are getting that many scoring chances, it would be nice to have instead of a one goal game, a two, three, or even four goal lead."

The Dynamiters will look to improve their conversion as they travel to Sparwood on Friday to play the Fernie Ghostriders and then return home on Saturday to host the Creston Valley Thunder Cats. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton

Nitro's Cody Campbell commits to University of Central Oklahoma

The Kimberley Dynamiters starting goaltender Cody Campbell has committed to the University of Central Oklahoma Bronco's for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

"It's huge!" Campbell said of his commitment. "It means a lot. I am excited. It has always been a dream of mine to play college hockey."

And with a jolt of reality he added: "Now that's coming true."

The Calgary, AB native joined the Kimberley Dynamiters in October 2016. He made his presence known immediately winning his first three games, followed up by an undefeated December. He was then named the Kootenay Conference December (2016) Player of the Month.

The Central Oklahoma Bronco's have been winners of the American Collegiate Hockey Association's Division 1 in 2015 and 2017. Their record and Campbell's will be a good fit. Campbell has had success early in his playing career as he was a part of the 2015 UFA Bisons (AMHL) Championship team that then went on to compete in the 2015 TELUS Cup.

During his time, so far, with the Nitro's he has played in 50 games, posting 33 wins, .913 save percentage, and 2.54 goals against average. He helped lead the Nitro's to within one win of the 2017 KIJHL finals.

"The [Nitro's contribution my success] has been huge. They recognized me. The coaching staff has done a great job promoting me. Without the organization and coaching staff I wouldn't have had this opportunity. I am grateful for the people that have helped me."

From the coaching perspective, head coach and general manager Derek Stuart has been pleased with Campell: "Cody has been a huge part of our success this year and last and has developed into an elite goaltender very quickly.

"We are extremely happy for him to be able to pursue an education while also playing hockey at Central Oklahoma."

The commitment announcement, for Campbell, came before the playoff push so that he can focus on the teams playoff run. He missed a game last week while he traveled to meet the school and staff.

"I was hoping to get this done before the playoffs, it is one less thing for me to worry about."

And with his sights now focused on Nitro's playoffs, he added with confidence, "Be ready for a big playoff run."

The Dynamiters regular season ends February 18th, and then the team will amp up for the playoffs.

The 2018 (un)official KIJHL All-Stars

It's All-Star weekend in hockey's biggest league, so it is no better time to celebrate the KIJHL's best talent.

It's amazing how much the leagues social media crew has grown since I first started blogging in 2013. When I first started polling volunteer media, there were six participants. This year: 16.

Votes were cast by division, or by conference, and the following are the top three forwards, two defenders and goalie voted for in each division. At the bottom after the images are the list of players who also received a vote.

Congratulations to these players for standing out.

Here is the list of voted for players and their team:
Okanagan Shuswap Conference

Drew Carter	Princeton Posse
Brody Dale	Kelowna Chiefs
Carter Shannon	Osoyoos Coyotes
Colin Bell	Osoyoos Coyotes
Kaden Black	Chase Heat

Jason Shaigec	North Okanagan Knights
Brogan Lautard	Summerland Steam
Ullar Wiatzka	Revelstoke Grizzlies

Liam Aitken	Osoyoos Coyotes
Conor Webb	Chase Heat
Bobby Milligan	Princeton Posse

Kootenay Conference

Bradley Ross	Beaver Valley Nitehawks
Dawson Tritt	Spokane Braves
Ronnie Wilkie	Creston Valley Thunder Cats
Sawyer Hunt	Nelson Leafs

Andrew Clark	Spokane Braves
Grayson Neufeld	Fernie Ghostriders
Brett Roberts Logan Hascral	Kimberley Dynamiters Grand Forks Border Bruins

Josh Williams	Nelson Leafs
Quinn Yeager	Grand Forks Border Bruins

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Golden Rockets

The Kimberley Dynamiters split weekend: win in Invermere, and lose in Creston

The Kimberley Dynamiters came out of the weekends games battered up.

On Friday the Dynamiters traveled to Invermere to battle the Columbia Valley Rockies.

The Nitro's came out firing on Rockies goaltender Joshua King who just returned from injury. He surrendered one goal on 14 first period shots to Matt Davies.

Chase Gedny scored yet again on the power play, the only power play goal on an eventual six opportunities.

Cam Russell would score a minute later, and with 18 minutes left in the second, the Nitro's had a lead that was their's to lose.

The Nitro's continued to pepper King with another 21 shots in the last period. James Farmer would notch the Nitro's fourth goal of the game.

"I've said this before." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "our top nine forwards, whoever is going on a particular night becomes our top line.

"Our best line, even though they didn't get on the scoresheet was Keilty, Recchi and Graham. They were our best fore-checking line"

The Rockies loan goal came on a penalty shot, which Kade Garritty was able to solve Cody Campbell.

Campbell made 31 saves for his 18th win of the season.

"Our team did really well [in Invermere]. Our teams toughness showed immensely that night. They took it to a whole new level, actually trying to be physical. Thus, there was a lot of open space for our guys to make plays."

The Nitro's left Invermere with a couple injuries. Both Davies and Gedny were injured in accidental plays. James Rota, however, was on the receiving end of a head contact, a play which later resulted in Seth Summers being suspended for two games because of an accumulation of head contact minors.

That meant for Saturday's game in Creston, the Nitro's had 17 skaters.

The Nitro's were also battling fatigue, having played three games in five nights after a week off due to the KIJHL Prospects Showcase.

Add in that the Creston Valley Thunder Cats are the hottest team in the KIJHL. They had won seven games in a row heading into the game, outscoring their opponents 48-15 during the streak (an average of nearly seven goals scored a game, to two goals against).

With all those factors, this game was lined up to be a struggle.

The Nitro's were quickly penalized twice within the first two minutes, and then add a series of errors over a span of 3:42 and the Cats had an early 3-0 lead, two goals by Cats Tyler Witzke.

It continued to get worse in the second. The Cats Ronnie Wilkie would score two goals six minutes apart, resulting in Adam Andersen replacing Campbell in net.

Coach Stuart would be tossed from the game (more on that later), and then the Cats would score two more goals, including Wilkie's hattrick goal. Making it 7-0 after 40 minutes.

Without the head coach at the helm, the Nitro's would stop the bleeding, as Brandt Bertoia would score the teams lone goal.

Despite outshooting the Thunder Cats 39-32, the Nitro's would lose 7-1.

Andersen made 18 saves on 20 shots.

"Andersen was fantastic coming in, and fantastic again in the third."

There was one other factor, outside of injuries, shorter bench, fatigue, and Creston's record that would create the perfect storm for the Nitro's, their history with the official.

"Mentally a major factor [in Creston] was that we knew we were not going to win with that official. We have a past history with him, and we knew we were not going to win."

A very bold statement by Stuart, but there are stats to back it. Including the conference finals last year the Nitro's have played 43 games, the Nitro's are 0-6 with this official, and 31-7 with all the others.

"He makes it extremely difficult for us to have a chance to win in an even playing field.

"Last night was a perfect example, it was his show. Our players have come to the point where we know that we are not going to get our fair shake with him. That was a very big mental struggle."

The Nitro's loss on Saturday was their seventh of the season, and in four of those losses, it was the same official. Stuart provided more stats, that they have been outscored 19-3 (20% of the Nitro's goals against in four games), and have had nearly 2.5 more penalties called against them in those games.

"We haven't won in six tries with this official. It has become an issue that the league hopefully does something about."

Even though the loss was hard, and the Cats drew two points closer in the standings, the Nitro's still hold a five point lead.

"We have to completely forget about this game. It doesn't mean anything in terms of the standings. It doesn't mean anything in terms of our goal, we still control our own destiny.

"We are going to practice and get ready for Fernie and Golden this weekend."

Around the Eddie: The Thunder Cats blew out the Golden Rockets 9-1 on Friday. The Rockets would follow that up with a 7-4 home win over the Rockies with 15 year old Izzy Palumbo in net. Palumbo became the first female goalie to play a full-game, and win in KIJHL history. The Fernie Ghostriders spent their weekend in the Neil Murdoch Division, winning two against Spokane, and then falling 5-3 to the Castlegar Rebels.

Match Sticks: Davies, Rota, Gedney and Colby Sherlock are listed as injured. Harrison Risdon is suspended for two games for a kneeing penalty and game misconduct.

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Creston Valley Thunder Cats

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Columbia Valley Rockies

Kimberley Dynamiters beat Rockets 6-1; Prepare for last 10 games

The Kimberley Dynamiters were in action on Tuesday night as the Golden Rockets traveled south on highway 95 to the Civic Centre.

After the weekend off due to the KIJHL Prospects Showcase in Kelowna, the Dynamiters were ready to get back on the ice.

Brock Palmer, who scored two goals during the showcase, scored the opening goal of the game with one minute left in the first period on the power play. The goal ended a short, but also Palmer's longest point drought of the season, two games.

The Dynamiters continued to build their lead in the second as Cooper Page scored his first goal back in a Nitro's jersey.

"Page was a bit rusty, and that's based on he hasn't played in a while." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "Other than that he was great. His leadership was something that we needed. He'll get better as he gets more comfortable."

Then Chase Gedny fired in the teams second power play goal - his 18th goal of the year and his eighth power play goal of the year.

"The power play was really moving the puck. In the last month or so we have been working on holding the puck more and showing more poise, moving it on the tape, moving the puck hard, and try to tire out the opponent instead of attacking right away."

The Golden Rockets did respond at the end of the second period, making it a 3-1 game after 40 minutes.

Scoring continued in the third, as the Nitro's scored three more unanswered goals by James Farmer, Matt Davies, and Brandt Bertoia.

Farmer recently moved to a position where he lead the Nitro's in playoff scoring last year, and that is quarter-backing the power play. Coach Stuart feels that Farmer was outstanding in that role on Tuesday.

Adam Andersen manned the crease as the Nitro's won 6-1, turning aside 13 shots.

Davies scored four points against the Rockets, earning himself the Home Star of the Game and Hot in the KIJHL recognition.

"He was great, especially on the power play." Stuart said. "He is one of the players that has grown in moving the puck quicker on the power play, getting it back to the point, and spreading out the penalty kill, allowing us to get in our formation up high."

The Dynamiters also dressed seven defenders. Stuart was pleased with how James Rota and Derian Bamber played in returning from injury. He was most pleased with local defenders Lucas Purdy and Harrison Risdon and their play.

The most amazing part of Tuesday's game, however, was not the scoreline, but that 551 fans showed up for a Tuesday night game.

"I heard some of the players talking after the game talking about how impressed they were to get that many fans, they truly appreciate it.

"It's amazing. It shows how awesome and amazing our fanbase is."

The Dynamiters now get ready for their last 10 games of the season. Seven of the games will be on the road.

"It will be a good thing for us, to mentally focus. We've got to step out of our comfort zone. When we are playing our game it doesn't matter where we are playing.

"Mentally it will be a good challenge for us to play the remaining games on the road."

Also, another three of those games are against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats. The Nitro's currently hold a seven-point lead on the Cats.

"One of our goals is to win our division. I think everyone is aware that Creston is seven points behind us, and we have three games against them. For us we need to focus on playing our game.

"There is a chance we could play Creston in the playoffs so we have to continue what we have done the last two games against them."

The Dynamiters this weekend play Friday in Invermere against the Columbia Valley Rockies (16-15-3-3), and then play in Creston against the Thunder Cats (24-9-2-1).

"The Rockies are a lot different team in their own rink than they are in our rink. It is going to be a challenge. They play us hard, it is going to be a tough one on Friday night."

Both games start at 7:30.

MATCH STICKS: Cody Campbell was out of the country checking out two American Collegiate Hockey Association campuses, he returned Wednesay.

KIJHL Power Rankings: January 2018

Sorry that it has been so long since the last power ranking. December just got away on me.

The Power Rankings formula has remained the same, what I have done instead at the end is compared the league standing to the power ranked standing, and then calculated the difference.

The more positive the difference, the better the team is playing than their record currently suggests. The more negative the difference, the better their record is than the stats suggests. (I know, I know, wins and points matter more than analysis

So let's look at some outliers.

Creston Valley Thunder Cats, power ranked 2nd, but sit 6th in the league, a plus 4 difference. This would suggest that the Thunder Cats are playing better than their standings suggest.

Summerland Steam. They are 7th in the league and are 11th in power rankings, a minus 4 difference. This would suggest that they are due for a course correction.

I'll be honest, it was the November Power Ranking, that had them as a cold team, despite a good record, that made me scratch my head. And they are doing it again. I don't know what to say except that these stats suggest the Steam are escaping with wins.

I also should note, typically there is a team in the single digits, right now no team is doing that. Meaning each and every team right now has an area that they could imrpove statistically.

Here is the full ranking (click to enlarge):

*This is up to January 15, 2018.

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Golden Rockets

Bloggers Blurb January 9: KIJHL Prospects Showcase & Playoff Push

Kimberley Dynamiters extend Derek Stuart's contract for two more years

On Wednesday January 10th the Kimberley Dynamiters announced that they had extended head coach and general manager Derek Stuart's contract for two more years with an option for a third year.

"We are excited to have Stuart for another two years." Dynamiters President James Leroux said. "The board has been really impressed, and we are excited in the direction the team is headed."

Since taking the helm in 2016, Stuart has a 60-19-1-2 record in the regular season. He also helped guide the Dynamiters to the Kootenay Conference Finals in 2017.

"It's exciting for me and my family, to have the security and to be in a town that is so supportive and strong as Kimberley." Stuart said. "We love it here. We are happy here.

"I like everything about the organization," Stuart added, "it is a great caliber of hockey, the town is excellent."

Even though Stuart identified the town and hockey organization as reasons for renewing, he added that there is a family connection as well. "We have a lot family here. It's really comfortable for me and my wife, and our young daughter, and our expected child at the end of the month. We couldn't pick a better place than Kimberley."

In his season and a half as the head coach and general manager Stuart was quickly able to identify his coaching highlight: the 2017 playoffs.

"The sheer excitement, starting with the intense Fernie series. Then upsetting the Cyclone Taylor Cup hosts in the second round. Then taking Beaver Valley to a decisive fifth game. That has been the highlight so far."

Stuart wants to have a winning team in Kimberley, but his goal is to continue to grow and develop players and help them move along.

"I'd like to keep moving players on that want to move on; and to continue establishing Kimberley as a place where players can come and move on. Whether that is moving on hockey wise or into school."

The theme though for Stuart the day after signing the extension was gratitude, "My wife and I are very grateful to the Dynamiters board of directors for showing confidence in myself and the coaching staff.

"Essentially saying that they think we are doing the right thing. I am very grateful to them."

With 12 games left in the regular season Stuart and the Nitro's begin the playoff push. The Nitro's next game is Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. when they host the Golden Rockets.

Kimberley Dynamiters December Player of the Month: Brandt Bertoia

On Tuesday January 9th the Kimberley Dynamiters named Brandt Bertoia as the December Player of the Month.

"It's an honour" Bertoia said. "It could have gone to so many other guys."

"Goind undefeated [in December] is a huge feat, and I think everyone contributed to that."

During December, the forward from Unity, SK, recorded three goals and eight assists in nine games, including four multipoint games.

"In December he was our best offensive player," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "He is very deserving of the honor."

"That line in November and December, with Russell and McDonald, was our best forward line. Russell was the November player of the month, and Bertoia kept that going through December."

Bertoia would agree that his line is performing well, "a huge reason that my game improved is that I'm playing with some guys that just make it easy.

"I think our line gels quite well together and it's showing."

Bertoia shook the Player of the Month jinx on Tuesday, scoring the overtime winning goal against the Fernie Ghostriders.

The Kimberley Dynamiters escape with a win against the Fernie Ghostriders

Heading into Tuesday's game, head coach and general manager Derek Stuart was optimistic about returning to home ice after difficult road trip against hot goaltenders.

The oppenent was the Fernie Ghostriders. A team that heading into the game was on a six-game losing streak, and had just lost to the Golden Rockets and Creston Valley Thunder Cats this past weekend.

The Dynamiters wanted to focus on their own game, and not on how the Ghostriders were doing, many expected the Nitro's to control the game and handle the 14-man lineup for the 'Riders.

However, the opposite could not have been more true, as the Ghostriders looked way more comfortable playing at the Kimberley Civic Centre than the Nitro's did.

"Give them full credit, the [Ghostrider's] were the better hockey club." Stuart said.

Ghostrider captain Mitch Titus opened the scoring at the midway point. Nicholas Ketola deflected in a point shot five minutes later, but the Ghostriders answered right back with a power play goal of their own.

In the second, the 'Riders looked like they were skating circles around the Nitro's. They had several breakaways and odd-man chances. At one point a 'Rider player was left alone in front of the net, snapping a shot past Adam Andersen to take a 3-1 lead.

"When that many players on our team are that bad," a displeased Stuart said, "there is definitely a common reason."

Stuart then added, "if it wasn't for Andersen, the game would have been over long before the third period. He was amazing. He did a great job of keeping us in the game."

The Nitro's began catching up to the in the third. Ketola scored 40 seconds into the period to cut into the lead. The Nitro's had their chances, but so did the Ghostriders. With 5:51 left in the peroid, the 'Riders took their third penalty of the game. Twenty-one seconds later, James Farmer's point shot found it's way to the back of the net.

"Not at any point were we better than Fernie." Stuart said, "In the third we caught up and were the same as them."

The game then went to overtime, with both teams knowing that they had earned one-point each.

In overtime the Ghostriders, understandably exhausted with their short bench, took a hooking penalty. Just before the penalty expired, Brandt Bertoia, the Dynamiters December Player of the Month, scored the over time winning goal.

"Any OT goal I would have been pumped to score." Bertoia said after the game. "But it makes it that much bettert that it was against Fernie!"

Looking back at the game, Stuart felt that this was a game that Dynamiters should have lost.

"They shouldn't have gotten rewarded for that. Hockey has funny way of evening things out in the long run. I thought we should have been rewarded with two points on Saturday in Nelson. Last night we absolutely did not deserve two points."

Either way, the Nitro's will take the two points, and take-away some positives from the game.

"They didn't quit in the third" Stuart said.

Aside from Andersen, Stuart was also impressed with affiliate player Braiden Koran. "He worked hard, skated well, was physical, and had a few shots on net."

Now, the Dynamiters look to rest for a week as they host the Golden Rockets on Tuesday January 16th.

MATCH STICKS: Cooper Page returned from Junior A to the Nitro's, Brant Mack was released by the Nitro's. Derian Bamber and Colby Sherlock are expected to return from injury for January 16th's game. James Rota is hopeful to return for January 19th. This weekend is the KIJHL Prospect Showcase, the league schedule has been blacked out for players to participate.

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters vs Fernie Ghostriders

The Kimberley Dynamiters split weekend games against hot goalies

The Kimberley Dynamiters played their first and second games of 2018, and in those games, the Nitro's came across two very hot goaltenders.

First up was Quinn Yeager of the Grand Forks Border Bruins. This wasn't Yeager's first game against the Nitro's this season, he padded up against them at the start of the season when he was a member of the Nelson Leafs, holding to Nitro's to two goals.

The Dynamiters entered the game riding an eight game win streak. Hopes of continuing the streak were quieted as the Border Bruins scored at the 4:23 mark. The Border Bruins held onto their lead that period, despite being outshot 14-10.

"That arena is so small. We don't play games or practice in arenas that size" Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "It's a very different style of hockey.

"It's tough to explain to people who haven't been there. It's like playing in Marysville. It's a tough arena to play in, especially if you are not used to playing there."

In the second period, the Nitro's began firing everything on net. It wasn't until the fourth power play of the game that Mason Palaga took a cross crease pass and fired it in to tie the game.

The Nitro's fired an astounding 20 shots in the second period.

The third period was scoreless, and the game was headed to overtime.

Just after two minutes elapsed Cam Russell found Brock Palmer who scored on the teams 50th shot on net to give the Nitro's a 2-1 overtime win, keeping the win streak alive.

"After the first period, I thought we did a pretty good job. Give credit to their goaltender, he played outstanding. We scored our winning goal on our 50th shot.

"We played good defensively, and Cody Campbell was great in net for us."

Palaga was named the star of the game as earned a goal and an assist.

"Palaga was amazing." Stuart said. "He was the best player on the ice by far. He took over the game, and he played more than 30 minutes. He was above the rest of the playing field."

The Nitro's spent the night in Grand Forks as they prepared for their next task, Josh Williams and the Nelson Leafs.

Williams leads all KIJHL goaltenders in goals against average, save percentage, and was one win behind Cody Campbell to be tied for first in wins heading into the game. Williams was also the star of the game his past three games, and was coming into this game on a two-game shutout streak.

The first 20 minutes of the game was scoreless, as the Nitro's and Leafs were able to fend off one another's chances.

The Dynamiters then got themselves into penalty trouble, and the Leafs took a 1-0 lead on a power play goal.

The penalties continued into the third period, and according to Stuart, the Nitro's shot themselves in the foot with the penalties.

"We shot ourselves in the foot. Their first two goals came on the power play on penalties that we should not have taken."

The Leafs scored their second goal on the power play and then minutes later added their third. Which would be the final score.

Looking back at the game, Stuart felt that the Nitro's played well, it was just an unbelievable goalie that got in the way of victory.

"I thought we deserved a better fate. I thought we were really good. Better than we were on Friday. I can count at least five point blank scoring chances, and two shots where the bench almost cheered. Williams definitely showed why he is one of the leagues top goalies."

For Stuart it was James Farmer and Devon Langelaar that stood out in the loss to Nelson.

"Overall, it was 3-0, but that was not indicative of our play. We took it to them for second and third."

Cody Campbell was in net for both games making 50 saves on 55 shots.

Stuart was also impressed with the play of affiliate players Jackson Bohan and Erik Delaire. Bohan has no played in five games with the Nitro's and Delaire has played in two,

The Nitro's now get ready for a Tuesday match at home against the Fernie Ghostriders. The Ghostriders are on a six game loosing streak, including the pair of losses during the Christmas Classic.

The 'Riders are coming off a difficult weekend, as the Golden Rockets defeated them for their first regulation win of the season, and then they were shutout 5-0 by the Creston Valley Thunder Cats.

Game time is 7:30 pm at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

Match Sticks: Injuries and illness have struck the Nitro's roster. Brandt Bertoia, Harrison Risdon, and Lucas Purdy have come down with the flu. Derian Bamber, James Rota, and Colby Sherlock are all listed as injured.

Lead photo by Peter Kalasz Photography

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Nelson Leafs

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Grand Forks Border Bruins

Brock Palmer and Harrison Risdon selected for KIJHL Prospects Showcase

The KIJHL Prospects Showcase is coming up on January 13 in Kelowna. The game will feature two prospect teams, one representing the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference, the other the Kootenay Conference.

Two Kimberley Dynamiters have been selected to represent the Kootenay Conference in the showcase: Brock Palmer and Harrison Risdon.

"Honestly feels pretty good." Risdon said, "there are a lot of good 2000 and 2001 in the league this year that could have been picked over me."

"It's awesome." Palmer said. "It's great that the league is recognizing me."

Palmer currently leads all KIJHL rookies in scoring with 21 goals and 46 points in 30 games, stats that Palmer feels contributed to him being selected.

"Palmer was a no-brainer for this game as he is the top rookie scorer in the league," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "and he has proven he is an elite offensive talent at this level."

This will be Risdon's second time attending the showcase. He attended last year with along with teammate Caige Sterzer.

"Even though Risdon is only 17 years old he is developing into a key defensive defensemen for us," Stuart said, "while also establishing himself as a physically intimidating presence."

Unlike last year, this years showcase includes five 18 year olds per roster. A change that was made at the 2017 KIJHL annual general meeting. Stuart was excited about the addition of 18 year olds, but he would still like to see more.

"The majority of the best prospects in our division and conference are 18 year olds" Stuart said, "who are here with the goal of developing for a year before moving onto Junior A."

Stuart then added, "by limiting the number of 18 year olds to five per conference, we are not helping some of our best players get the exposure that they deserve and are looking for by coming to our league."

And Stuart may have a case. Looking at last years showcase, including backup players for the game, 16 of the 48 players moved on to Junior A or the WHL. While 27 players remained in Junior B hockey, in the KIJHL or other leagues.

For Palmer and Risdon, they are both looking forward to the opportunity that the showcase brings.

"I’m just going to play my game," Risdon said, "and hope to be seen so I️ have the chance to play junior A next year."

"I am going to try as hard as I can," Palmer said, "I am just excited for that opportunity."

Both of them travel to Kelowna after next Tuesday's game. The KIJHL has blacked out next weekends games for the showcase.

Third of 2017 KIJHL Showcase Prospects moved on to higher leagues

With the KIJHL Prospect Showcase coming up next weekend, January 13 in Kelowna, it seemed appropriate to see what happened to the 48 prospects that were showcased last year.

The Kootenay Conference edged the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference 3-2 in the scoreboard, however, 58.3% of the Kootenay Conference players remained in the KIJHL compared to 45.8% of the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference.

Three players advanced to the WHL: Luke Gallagher (Braves to Spokane Chiefs), Colum McGauley (Leafs to Kelowna Rockets), and John Ludvig (Storm to Portland Winterhawks). That's 6.3% making the 'dub.

Ten players (20.8%) moved onto the BCHL, with three other players making Junior A in other provinces, for a total of 13 players (27.1%) moving to Junior A.

Other interesting facts were that four players (8.3%) are not playing this season, and that two others are playing in Junior B leagues elsewhere and one made their way to a USA league.

So in short, in terms of advancing to the WHL or Junior A, 16 (33.3%) of the showcased players moved on.

It will be interesting to watch how this years prospects rosters pan out in terms of advancing, because we only have a limited sample size.

Here are the rosters from last year with last years team and this years team.

PLAYER NAME	POS	DOB	2016-17 KIJHL	2017-18 Team
Curt Doyle	G	3/9/1999 (18)	Castlegar Rebels	Castlegar Rebels
Tyler Loura	G	1/26/1999 (18)	Grand Forks Border Bruins	Grand Forks Border Bruins
Jacob Boston	D	10/9/1999 (18)	Castlegar Rebels	Not Playing
Andrew Clark	D	4/29/1999 (18)	Spokane Braves	Spokane Braves
Luke Gallagher	D	5/18/2000 (17)	Spokane Braves	Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Derek Green	D	8/24/1999 (18)	Fernie Ghostriders	Fernie Ghostriders
Harrison Risdon	D	7/6/2000 (17)	Kimberley Dynamiters	Kimberley Dynamiters
Dashiel Thompson	D	10/17/1999 (18)	Nelson Leafs	Nelson Leafs
Brady Berger	F	2/11/1999 (18)	Grand Forks Border Bruins	Langley Riverman (BCHL)
Tyson Soobotin	D	10/19/2000 (17)	Grand Forks Border Bruins	New Jersey Rockets (USPHL Elite)
Aidan Browell	F	11/9/1999 (18)	Beaver Valley Nitehawks	Beaver Valley Nitehawks
Shawn Campbell	F	7/3/1999 (18)	Castlegar Rebels	Castlegar Rebels
Brandon Costa	F	3/5/2000 (17)	Castlegar Rebels	Castlegar Rebels
Tyler Ghirardosi	F	10/1/1999 (18)	Beaver Valley Nitehawks	Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL)
Jake Gudjonson	F	11/30/1999 (18)	Golden Rockets	Golden Rockets
Carter Jones	F	5/15/1999 (18)	Spokane Braves	Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL)
Devin Ghirardosi	F	10/1/1999 (18)	Beaver Valley Nitehawks	Not Playing
Colum Mcgauley	F	3/11/2000 (17)	Nelson Leafs	Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Ryan Piva	F	8/29/2000 (17)	Nelson Leafs	Nelson Leafs
Bradley Ross	F	8/24/2000 (17)	Beaver Valley Nitehawks	Beaver Valley Nitehawks
Caige Sterzer	F	8/8/2000 (17)	Kimberley Dynamiters	Surrey Eagles (BCHL)
Trail Thompson	F	11/2/1999 (18)	Spokane Braves	Spokane Braves
Reese Tambellini	F	4/20/2000 (17)	Grand Forks Border Bruins	Grand Forks Border Bruins
JJ Pichette	G	9/29/1999 (18)	Spokane Braves	Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL)

PLAYER NAME	POS	DOB	2016-17 KIJHL	2017-18 Team
Clay Stevenson	G	3/3/1999 (18)	100 Mile House Wranglers	Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
Garrett Ewert	D	7/14/1999 (18)	Kamloops Storm	West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL)
Jacob Callas	D	3/18/1999 (18)	Kamloops Storm	Kamloops Storm
Brevin Gervais	D	1/15/2000 (17)	100 Mile House Wranglers	Not Playing
Jason Shaigec	D	7/10/1999 (18)	North Okanagan Knights	North Okanagan Knights
Brendan Laing	D	6/28/2000 (17)	Kelowna Chiefs	Kelowna Chiefs
John Ludvig	D	8/2/2000 (17)	Kamloops Storm	Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Bryson Cecconi	F	9/8/1999 (18)	Osoyoos Coyotes	Kindersley Klippers (SJHL)
Brendan Mongey	F	1/29/1999 (18)	Kelowna Chiefs	Langley Trappers (PIJHL)
Brody Dale	F	10/10/1999 (18)	Kelowna Chiefs	OCN Blizzard (MJHL)
Dominic Dumas	F	5/2/1999 (18)	Sicamous Eagles	Surrey Eagles (BCHL)
Hayden Dick	F	4/13/1999 (18)	Kamloops Storm	Kamloops Storm
Evan Walls	F	3/7/1999 (18)	Kamloops Storm	Dryden Ice Hogs (SIJHL)
Devin Leduc	F	4/13/1999 (18)	Kamloops Storm	Langley Riverman (BCHL)
Sam Reinbolt	F	10/1/1999 (18)	Osoyoos Coyotes	Osoyoos Coyotes
Owen Reith	F	10/14/1999 (18)	Princeton Posse	Fort McMurray Oil Barrons (AJHL)
Frazer Dodd	F	5/24/1999 (18)	100 Mile House Wranglers	100 Mile House Wranglers
Josh Bourne	F	3/21/1999 (18)	Chase Heat	Chase Heat
Brady Marzocco	F	7/24/1999 (18)	North Okanagan Knights	Chase Heat
Dean Whitcomb	F	9/4/1999 (18)	North Okanagan Knights	North Okanagan Knights
Raphael Bassot	F	1/31/1999 (18)	Revelstoke Grizzlies	Not Playing
Morey Babakaiff	F	11/5/1999 (18)	Summerland Steam	Summerland Steam
Tanner Marshall	G	2/1/2000 (17)	Kelowna Chiefs	Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL)
Conor Webb	G	4/28/1999 (18)	North Okanagan Knights	Chase Heat

Shaw TV Kootenays: Adam Andersen 'living out a childhood dream'

Bloggers Blurb - December 28, 2017 - Year in Review, Upcoming Prospects Showcase, Holiday Season

Year End Reflection: Kimberley Dynamiters have successful first half of the season

At the start of the 2017-18 season the Kimberley Dynamiters as a team made a first-half goal to be first in their division by the end of the calendar year.

As of December 31, 2017, the Dynamiters have a 25-5-1-1 record and sit first in their division, conference and tied for first in the league with two games in hand. Their win percentage, .8125, is second best win percentage amongst Junior B teams in the province.

"It feels good." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "It's something that can benefit you the further you go into the playoffs. Other than that, it is more a feather in the cap."

Looking back at the first half, Stuart named two areas for the teams success: veterans and rookies.

"We have a lot of veterans. Their leadership has been outstanding. They are doing a very good job of not caring too much who gets credit and who the go-to guys are."

"Our rookies are very impressive, especially the three that are contributing offensively: Palmer, Gedny and Russell. They are chipping in and contributing more than anticipated."

But despite the veteran leadership and great play of the rookies, there is one area Stuart wants to improve on, and that's in the defensive zone.

"There are times where we need more attention to detail, we need to take care of our own house before thinking and transitioning to offence."

Stuart then added one more piece that he wished the team could improve on, and that was discipline. He feels at times the teams emotions get the better of them.

When reflecting on the season, there was a moment when the team shifted in their group formation to performing well. That was after the storm of a game when the Nitro's lost 8-1 in a penalty filled home game to the Creston Valley Thunder Cats.

"That loss to Creston, we haven't lost since. We really came together as a team on the ice.

"We saw that if we were not at our best there are teams in our division and conference that could lay it to us, but at the same time.

"When we had a team meeting the next day, told the players this could be a good thing. Every team needs to experience something like that. The way responded afterwards, that would be our turning point."

Stuart was quick to add, that despite the teams success by the break, that the season is not finished.

"We are trying to stress that this is just the first half of the season, there are no trophies to be handed out.

"It's a great to start to the season. The real season started two games ago, after the break. We are off to a good start so far."

The Kimberley Dynamiters won their first two games after coming back from break against the Fernie Ghostriders. They now head on the road for this weekends games.

Webcast Interview with Nitro Alum Kelly McLeod

The Kimberley Dynamiters sweep Christmas Classic against Fernie Ghostriders

As much of a tradition as opening presents and celebrating the New Year is, so is the Christmas Classic series between the Kimberley Dynamiters and the Fernie Ghostriders. The Nitro's swept the series in 2016, an achievement they have not had since 2011. The Nitro's looked to continue the holiday success.

The Dynamiters opened the series with a kaboom, scoring two quick goals by the four minute mark. James Farmer opened the scoring with his 12th goal of the year. Brandt Bertoia followed him up with his 13th of the season.

"The first period was outstanding." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said after the game. "We were very impressed with how good we were in the first after ten days off."

The Ghostriders captain, Mitch Titus, began taking the game into his own hands in the middle period, cutting the Nitro's lead in half. Chase Gedny would score seven minutes later to restore the Dynamiters two goal lead.

"The second was definitely a lull and a bit of a letdown. I felt we managed okay. It wasn't terrible, but we managed the second pretty well."

In the third, the game turned towards the intense. Titus scored his second of the game, and Broc Merkl, who played one game for the Nitro's, built a brickwall in the crease. It seemed as if the more some of the nearly 1,000 fans jeered him, the more solid Merkl became.

"Their two best players were their two best players." Stuart said of Titus and Merkl.

"Secretly you are happy [for Merkl], he is such a good guy, you are happy to see him have success. You just don't want him to have so much success against your team." Stuart said of watching the former Nitro, Merkl, stonewall his team. "It was tough to let him go, we have respect for him."

Also synonymous with the Christmas Classic is a hockey fight, and Luke Recchi dropped the gloves with 'Riders leading goal-scorer Ryan Partaker.

The game would remain knotted at 3-2, with the Nitro's winning their seventh in a row, and making themselves one game closer to a sweep-repeat and being undefeated for the month of December.

Cody Campbell made 22 saves in his 16th win of the season, and sixth win in December. Ryan Keilty had two assists, his first points as a Nitro, and was named the Star of the Game.

For Stuart, he saw a couple of lines stand out, "Our defence core, all of them were really good, especially Risdon and Palaga. Upfront it was Farmer, Keilty, and Gedny, they were responsible for two of the goals."

The home-and-home series shifted to Sparwood.

The Ghostriders took a page from the Dynamiters playbook and jumped out to an early lead with a power play goal.

"It was a reversal," Stuart said, "they came out firing. We had to weather the storm in the first ten minutes."

Bertoia would answer back for the Nitro's to level out the scoring in the first.

After a low scoring first, the two teams would erupt for seven goals in the second period, with the Nitro's scoring five of them.

Brock Palmer scored early in the period on the power play. The 'Riders would score two in a row, but then it was all Nitro's. Captain Brett Roberts, Gedny, Nicholas Ketola, and Cam Russell would all score.

The Nitro's wouldn't slow down, scoring another three in the third. Gedny, Ketola, and Farmer would give the team a commanding 9-4 win.

Eleven Nitro's got at least one point, and four Dynamiters finished the game with three points: Ketola, Palmer, Russell, and Devon Langelaar, with Russell being named the Star of the Game.

Adam Andersen made 37 busy saves in the teams eighth win in a row.

"Everyone was going. There wasn't anyone who didn't contribute in some way. Everyone was contributing."

For coach Stuart he is pleased with how is team performed, as he had reservations going into the teams 10-day holiday break riding a six-game win streak. The team is now on a eight-game winning streak.

"We need to stick to what is working." Stuart said. "We need to try and get better every day in practice, and try to get better in every game we play.

"We need to get prepared for Grand Forks this Friday, and take it one game at a time."

The Nitro's take to the road this weekend, travelling to Grand Forks on Friday and then Nelson on Saturday before returning home to the Civic Centre for a Tuesday match.