Opinion: Kimberley Dynamiters Cam Russell suspended for three games

The first goal scorer of the 2018 KIJHL Finals has been suspended for three games.

During the first period of overtime between the Kimberley Dynamiters and the Revelstoke Grizzlies, Nitro's forward drove to the net and made contact with the Grizz's goalie. The referees called goalie interference, understandably. The penalty was a five minute major, and a game misconduct.

The result of being called for a five minute major and being handed a game misconduct in overtime is that it comes with automatic suspensions. Russell was handed a three game misconduct Saturday morning by the league, and is now ineligible to play until Game Five of the KIJHL Finals.

"In this league teams can't appeal a referee's call." Nitro's head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "The referee's decision is final whether it is the right call or not. Unfortunately, that means when mistakes in judgement are made by referee's it results in players either being wrongfully suspended or not suspended at all."

Keep in mind, it's not the call of goalie interference that is being disagreed with, it is the severity of the call in the moment that is being discussed.

Here is the clip, you be the judge:

Kimberley Dynamiters recognize Motivational Speaker Scotty McLelland on his birthday

"Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you direct your attention to centre ice." Boomed over the PA system at the Kimberley Civic Centre Friday night.

"Kimberley Dynamiters would like to recognize one of our longtime team volunteers: Scotty McLelland.

"[He] has been the teams 'Motivational Speaker' for over 15 years!

"Today is Scotty's 50th birthday. To celebrate his birthday we have asked Scotty to join the team captains at centre ice for a ceremonial puck drop to start off the KIJHL Finals!

"Happy birthday Scotty!"

With that, McLelland joined Kimberley Dynamiters captain, Brett Roberts, and Revelstoke Grizzlies captain, Tommy Bodtker, at centre for the first puck drop of the KIJHL Finals.

What a way to celebrate your 50th birthday!

Relive Brandt Bertoia's double OT game winner for the Nitro's

The Kimberley Dynamiters win in double OT to take a 1-0 series lead on Revelstoke Grizzlies

For the first time since October 2015, the Kimberley Dynamiters and Revelstoke Grizzlies were on the ice together. But this time, the setting is vastly different, as both teams are competing for the KIJHL championship title in a best of seven series.

The two teams studied each other through videos, and this was their first original experience.

"They are a really good hockey team," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "They are very smart with pucks, they have a lot players that don't make many mistakes, they are well coached.

"They are what we thought they would be based on their video. They have a very good goaltender. It is very easy to see why they made it to the finals."

The Civic Centre was packed, 1,382 fans filled the stand to witness the first game of the KIJHL finals.

They were not disappointed.

Cam Russell opened the scoring on the power play half way through the first period.

After that goal, however, the Nitro's slowed up.

"After the first, we were not very good. Our first period we were good. Especially in the first 8-9 minutes. I thought we could have had more than the one goal. After that, we slowed down.

"We weren't skating at the pace we could skate at, and not moving pucks quick enough, and a lot of guys were standing still in their zone which enabled them to get pucks off our guys a lot."

The Grizzlies leading goal scorer, Jordan Robertson, scored his ninth of the playoffs to tie the game at one in the second period.

For all intents and purposes, the third period was the start of overtime. Given how well both goaltenders were playing, goals were rare gems.

Nitro's Cody Campbell, and Grizz's Giovanni Sambrielaz were fantastic and forced the game to overtime.

Heading into this overtime period, Revelstoke had a 4-3 record in overtime, while Kimberley was 2-1, most recently going to double overtime to eliminate the Nelson Leafs.

The first overtime period was a short ten minute period to see if the game would come to a conclusion. It didn't, and a second overtime period was needed.

As the first overtime period waned, Russell crashed the net, and took Sambrielaz with him. As a result, he was given a five minute major and a game misconduct.

The Dynamiters then had the daunting task of killing a five minute power play.

The Grizz rang the outside of post twice to start the second overtime period, so the game continued.

After a physical sequence of plays, it looked like the refs had put their whistle away. Then the Grizz were penalized for head contact, and the Nitro's got a two-minute power play with 16:16 left.

Brock Palmer made a beautiful pass over to Mason Palaga, and somehow Sambrielaz made a fantastic save. The Nitro's looked to the rafters in frustration.

"After seeing Palmer give it back door to Mason, and him almost burying it on that short side, it was like: we have to get one here, there is no way we are letting this get away." Bertoia recounted. "Luckily got some eyes, got my stick on it and slid five hole."

"When I deflected it, I actually didn't know that it went in." Bertoia laughed. "The only reason I knew it went is that all the guys were hugging me. I was like: holy crap! It was surreal."

Bertoia walked away as the games hero, but was quick to identify areas that the team needs to improve on.

"We need to play a full sixty. I think we are the better team. We have more physicality and more speed. We need to bury our chances, we are making this goalie look better than he is."

While Bertoia was the goal scoring hero, Campbell was the Home Star of the Game making 31 saves for the overtime win.

"Campbell was outstanding in net for us." Stuart said after the game.

Stuart was also impressed with Lucas Chilton, who had missed the past two weeks

"Chilton was excellent. For someone to miss nearly two weeks of action and come into the finals and play as well as he did, he was excellent."

The teams are back at it again Saturday at 7:30 pm.

"We need to keep pushing the pace." Stuart said.  "When we were skating in the first ten minutes it didn't seem like they could keep up."

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Revelstoke Grizzlies Series Preview: Story

The Kimberley Dynamiters have made the KIJHL finals for the third time in the past four years. Their opponent, the Revelstoke Grizzlies, last made the KIJHL finals in 2010, defeating the Nelson Leafs in five games.

The Grizzlies come out of the Doug Birks Division of the Okanagan Shuswap Conference. They were first in their division and conference during the regular season with 73 points, a mere five points behind the Dynamiters.

To get to the finals, the Grizzlies have downed the Kamloops Storm in six games, the 100 Mile House Wranglers in seven games, and the Osoyoos Coyotes in seven games.

"If any team is going to make it this far, they don't have too many holes their armour." Grizzlies head coach and general manager Ryan Parent said. "You are going to see two well oiled machines."

To review for the Nitro's, they have won their series against Fernie Ghostriders in five games, Columbia Valley Rockies in five games, and the Nelson Leafs in six games.

Due to the no-crossover rule that was implemented in the 2016-17 season, these two teams have not seen eachother since October 2, 2015. The Dynamiters won the game 4-3 in overtime at the Civic Centre. There are seven players from both teams that were in the game: James Farmer, Devon Langelaar, Lucas Purdy, and James Rota from the Dynamiters; and the Grizzlies had Tommy Bodtker, Ryan Pereverzoff, and Ullar Wiatzka.

Since both teams are unknown, the coaches from both teams are relying heavily on video to understand their opponent.

"It's interesting, I have never come across [facing an opponent in the finals you haven't played]." Parent said. "With that being said, I know Stuart does a good job, and that they will be prepared and we will be ready on our end.

"In this day and age, everybody is watching video. We will be watching our fair share. I am sure Stuart has been watching our games."

"We haven't seen them first hand, we will watch video." Staurt said. "We still need focus on playing our game and playing our style and doing what we have done to get us this far."

Dynamiters Stuart said he is even going to try to get scouting reports from the Grizzlies opponents, if they will give them to him.

The Grizzlies have spread out scoring, with every single player on their roster having at least one point, and no one averaging a point per game. Even their goaltender, Giovanni Sambrielaz, has two assists. Sambrielaz has also earned himself a 2.19 GAA and a .935 SV% in the playoffs.

Leading the Grizzlies in goals is midway season addition Jordan Robertson. The 20 year old Robertson has eight goals in the playoffs, after scoring 22 in the regular season. Cody Flann, and Pereverzoff are tied for the team lead in points with 17 each.

"We are just going to continue doing what we are doing." Parent said. "We are not going to change our approach or the way we are managing things. We will be ready. We will try and focus on the details so we are as prepared as we can possibly be."

The Dynamiters, on the other hand, have four players on their roster who have not earned a point this playoff run. But they also have six players averaging a point a game. Leading the offensive charge is rookie of the year, Brock Palmer with 24 points. James Farmer leads the team in goals, having scored nine thus far.

Cody Campbell has posted impressive numbers as well. He has a 1.83 GAA and .929 SV% while shutting out an opponent twice (Nelson Leafs).

"There are a few things we need to be aware of regarding Revelstoke's game." Stuart said. "But it's crucial that we mainly focus on our game, dictating the pace and doing the things we have done thus far in order to give ourselves a chance at success"

The best part of the series, is the community support behind each team. The last reported attendance for Revelstoke was 780. The Dynamiters had 909 at their last game.

"We have had the whole town behind us," Parent said. "You are going to see some really exciting hockey. Two very competitive teams going at each other."

As for Stuart, he is excited to have the fans in the stands be a part of the team, "Due to the fantastic support we receive all season the players and staff feel like the town and our fans are part of the team.

"I hope Kimberley and our loyal fans know this and take pride in their role helping us reach the Finals."

The first game of the series is Friday in Kimberley, with game two going Saturday night before the series heads to Revelstoke on Monday and Tuesday.

For Parent, there is only one true key indicator for who will win this series, "It comes down to ultimately your players and how bad that they want it."

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Revelstoke Grizzlies Series Preview: Inforgraphic

The Kimberley Dynamiters use grit to advance to the KIJHL Finals with 2-1 double OT win

The Kimberley Dynamiters are advancing to the KIJHL Finals for the third time in four years after defeating the Nelson Leafs 2-1 in double overtime.

As anticipated, Game Six in Nelson was an excellent hockey game, one for the history books, as the Dynamiters closed out the series.

"For entertainment value, you can't get much better entertainment in the Kootenay's than we saw last night." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "It was very exciting. One team trying to advance, one team trying to stay alive, so both were playing desperate. It was an outstanding game."

The Dynamiters came out flying in Nelson, outshooting the Leafs 10-6. Bryce McDonald scored at the midway point of the first to give the Nitro's a 1-0 lead.

The Nitro's controlled the play until the midway point of the second period, and then the Leafs took charge, with their captain - and former Nitro - Sawyer Hunt taking the lead. Hunt scored with eight minutes left in the second tying it at one.

The Leafs kept turning up the desperation, and took it to the Dynamiters in the third. The two teams stayed knotted at one. And this game was headed to overtime.

There was a five minute break, and then the first 10-minute period of overtime started. The Leafs wanted their season to continue and resumed their barrage on Nitro keeper Cody Campbell.

With six second left in the first overtime period, the Nelson Leafs were awarded a penalty shot.

"It was kind of a scramble in the last ten seconds." Campbell said. "I was down on the ice, Palaga was in the crease with me. One thing lead to another, he was on top of the puck and I was on top of him.

"So [the ref] decided that he was the guy covering the puck, and they called the penalty shot. I don't blame them.

"The drama that came with that in Nelson, they were going crazy. It was a good call."

The Leafs had their pick of any player on their team and chose their leading point-scorer Ryan Piva.

Piva took his time preparing for his shot, and swung out wide to the right. The chance to force a Game Seven on Sunday was on his stick. As for Campbell, this moment could extend the game.

"I had to treat it like any other shot." Campbell recalled. "I was just trying to read where he was coming in on the ice, recognizing what hand he was, so that I could be on the right angle for the shot.

"I realized that we had played 29 minutes on that ice without a flood, so chances are he was going to shoot the puck.

"I came out and got a little extra depth on him. I read it right, and the puck hit me."

Campbell made the overtime penalty shot save on Piva, as he tried to shoot high glove side.

"It was a heart stopper." Stuart laughed. "Guys were holding their breath, and quite a few weren't looking and were just waiting to hear the reaction.

"We're having so much confidence in Cody that we believed he was going to save it. We were very happy and not surprised when he did save it."

"It's fun to be in the spotlight for a little bit and give my team a chance to win." Campbell said. "I knew if I stopped that, there was no way they were going to score a goal."

The Dynamiters were thrilled to get a break to regroup and re-energize for the second period of overtime.

The Leafs continued to take it to the Dynamiters in the second overtime, wanting to save their season. But the tides slowly began to turn, as the Nitro's rang a couple pucks off the post.

And then, "I'm not sure how Palmer got the puck, but he had the puck." Cooper Page recalled, "There were probably about four bodies, including myself, in front of the net.

"I squeaked out to the right side, and the puck bounced right to me. It was bouncing and I just batted it. I saw it slow motion go over the goalies shoulder and it went in."

For Page, he said it was the biggest goal of his career.

"It felt good. It was a pretty surreal moment. It was nice to get it done, we worked hard all series. It felt really good. I am just happy to be moving onto the next round."

"It was a bit of delayed reaction." Stuart smiled. "It looked like it was going in, but until it actually landed on the ice over the line.

"Then pandemonium on the bench. The coaching staff and the players were extremely excited to be able to get it done and to call ourselves the Kootenay Conference Champions."

Captain Brett Roberts and the assistant captains then stood at centre ice to receive the banner.

The Nitro's then traveled home, and did not return to the Civic Centre to unload until about 3:30 a.m.. Understandably after double OT, four games in five nights, and the late night - the team was exhausted.

Looking back at the series, Staurt felt it was the teams grit that helped them win the series.

"Our team toughness was a big factor for our series win." He said. "That's the second series in a row where our opponent has tried to intimidate us and wear us down physically only to find out it can't be done against this group."

The team can now rest up as they wait for the winner of the Revelstoke Grizzlies and the Osoyoos Coyotes series. Because this season alone, the Dynamiters have won the division, conference and league in the regular season, and have since won the division and the conference in the playoffs.

"It is pretty special." Stuart said. "It just speaks to the organization, and Jerry Bancks and his staff. I am just trying my best to carry on what they have created here. The assistant coaches that are here now that were with Jerry have done a good job in helping me do that.

"Of course, it is really all the players. They are the ones that are going out there and battling each night. We have a great group here, it's very pretty special"

They deserve some time off, and will do so before they start preparing for the KIJHL finals which will begin late this coming week.

Lead photo from Robyn Wardle Twitter

Kimberley Dynamiters take a 3-2 series lead with a 4-0 win against the Nelson Leafs

The Kootenay Conference Finals between the Kimberley Dynamiters and the Nelson Leafs has turned into a mini best-of-three series after both teams split the first four games in the best-of-seven series.

This was the most crucial game of the Nitro's season, thus far. A win in Game Five, and they lead the series 3-2 with two cracks to finish the series. A loss, they head to Nelson with the daunting task of saving their season.

"It was important. It was crucial to get the win." head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said about the importance of the game,  "We don't want to go into their barn down and facing elimination."

The last time the two teams played in Kimberley the Leafs left with a 5-3 win.

"We said before the game, that the last time we were here we didn't give the [fans] the show they deserved." Goaltender Cody Campbell said. "We said that tonight's the night that they get everything they deserve, because they are really incredible. They are always there for us."

It was apparent early, that the Dynamiters wanted to make good on their inter-club promise to the fans. A mere 36 seconds into the game, before everyone had settled into the game, the Nitro's were up 1-0 with a goal credited to Brandt Bertoia.

The Nitro's got into penalty trouble, and the Leafs outplayed the Nitro's. But despite being outplayed and outshot, Matt Davies was the benefactor of a ricochet off the post, off the goalies pad, and into the net. A short-handed marker for the speedy forward.

After 20 minutes, the Dynamiters escaped with a 2-0 lead. The Leafs were understandably frustrated going scoreless on 12 shots.

The Dynamiters pushed it into overdrive in the second, firing an astounding 20 shots. They were able to score on one, as Davies scored on a two-on-one opportunity.

"Davies was our best player tonight." Stuart said. "He has been one of our best players all playoffs. He seems to pick opportune times to elevate his game and really stand out... without him the score would have been a lot closer."

Penalties dragged down the pace of the game, and the Leafs did a fantastic job on the penalty kill. An area that Stuart said his team will need to improve on.

By the second intermission the Nitro's led 3-0.

Bryce McDonald added the icing on the cake early in the third period as he scored on the power play.

The Leafs pressed the panic button, but they were unable to finish plays and work the puck past Campbell.

"Cody was really solid." Stuart said. "It's a shutout. He was good, and he was solid. That's the way he has been for a lot of the games in his career. That's what we expect from Cody."

Campbell was named the Home Star of the game as he made 31 saves for his second shutout of the series as he helped the team win 4-0.

"[Earning two shutouts] shows that we like to play against these guys. For me personally, it's fun, big moments like this. I get a great chance to keep us moving in the playoffs and advancing. If I happen to be at a zero at the end of the game, it is just a bonus. that's all."

"I felt good since the start of playoffs, I keep making saves at the right time for us. The guys do a great job of keeping the guys out from infront of me, and cleaning up rebounds."

Looking back at the game, Stuart did not like the teams opening period, despite a 2-0 lead.

"After the first period we were really tough to play against." Stuart said. "The second period especially, I thought we controlled the period. The third we suffocated them to a bit, and kept them to the outside, and limited their opportunities to get into our zone."

The series now quickly turns over to Nelson, with Game Six on Friday night. The Dynamiters still have a difficult task of winning on the road to finish the series.

"We have to get some food and liquid into us right now. Just get up, have a good bus trip into Nelson, and get a good meal into us. I know it is cliche, take it a shift at a time tomorrow night and not think about what a win could bring us."

"We know they will be a very urgent and desperate team tomorrow. We have got to be more desperate than them."

And as for the thought that the last time the Nitro's shutout the Leafs, the Leafs went on to win two in a row - it's not a concern for Stuart and the Dynamiters.

"It's probably just coincidence. We are not really thinking about that. We are just going to try and go there tomorrow and win a hockey game. We just want to get that win in Nelson tomorrow."

Game time is 7:00 p.m. PDT at the Nelson Community Complex.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton

The Nelson Leafs even the series with a 5-3 Game Two win against Kimberley Dynamiters

After a massive 8-0 win for the Kimberley Dynamiters in Game One, the Nitro's knew they would be up against a very different Nelson Leafs team in Game Two.

Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said after the 8-0 win, "When the puck drops tomorrow, tonight's [8-0 win] means absolutely nothing."

That principle applied to both teams. The last time Nelson was shutout on October 28, they went on a seven game win streak. Nelson was prepared to show that losing 8-0 meant nothing to them.

The Leafs Keenan Crossman lead the charge in the first period, scoring the Leafs first goal of the game and series.

Former Leaf, Ryan Keilty responded for the Dynamiters, tying the game at one. It was Keilty's first game back in the lineup since February 3rd.

"Ryan was rusty and hesitant as expected after missing nearly seven weeks." Stuart said, "What was impressive was how hard he worked and his smart puck decisions."

Dominating the first period, Nelson's Ryan Cooper made it 2-1, and then Crossman scored his second of the game, making it 3-1 before the first period was complete.

"In my opinion our confidence turned into cockiness." Stuart said, "It seemed like we thought we could simply show up and it would be easy. That's the only explanation I have for perhaps our worst first period of the season."

Also during the first 20 minutes, both captains, Sawyer Hunt and Brett Roberts, were dealt game misconducts for checking from behind on different plays. Both teams entered the second period captain-less.

The Leafs did not stop their attack as Jaiden LaPorte scored on the power play, 58 seconds into the second period.

The eventual Home Star, Brandt Bertoia, was able to cut the Leafs lead in half, making it 4-2.

That would be how the second period would end, 4-2. The Nitro's outshot the Leafs 12-7 this period, but struggled to solve Josh Williams.

Cam Russell would give the Dynamiters hope as he brought them within one goal of the Leafs.

The officials let the teams play five-on-five, creating intense and entertaining hockey. They called one coincidental penalty, until the two minute mark when the Nitro's were called for high-sticking. This made it really difficult for the Dynamiters to have their last minute push as the Leafs were attacking on the power play.

Nelson's eventual Away Star Ryan Piva put the game away scoring on the power play with 48 seconds left.

The Leafs would win Game Two 5-3, handing the Nitro's their first home loss of the playoffs.

Looking back at the game it was the first period that determined the outcome of the game,

"Very disappointing first period." Staurt said. "In the second and third we were much better and started to take advantage of their fatigue. I thought we controlled the game in the last 40 minutes."

The series now turns into a best-of-five series, giving the Leafs the home advantage. Games Three and Four are in Nelson on Monday and Tuesday.

Stuart has one word for what the Nitro's need to improve on going to Nelson, simplify.

"Simplifying things with the puck when we aren't at our best. We've been good in five of the six periods thus far, but in the one period that we were bad we gave them two easy goals by committing unforced errors with the puck."

Puck drop is 8:30 p.m. (MDT) at Nelson's Community Complex for both games.

The Kimberley Dynamiters burn the Nelson Leafs 8-0 in Game One

Friday marked the start of the Kootenay Conference Finals between the Nelson Leafs and the Kimberley Dynamiters. This is the first time these two teams have met in the playoffs since 1998 when both teams were a part of the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League.

Lady Luck was on the Nitro's side early in the game, as not even four minutes into the opening period, James Farmer was the benefactor of an awkward bounce. The Nitro's were up 1-0.

Two minutes later, Mason Palaga scored on the power play. Nicholas Ketola scored a beautiful short handed goal on his former team to make it 3-0, chasing arguably the KIJHL's best regular season keeper Josh Williams from the net.

Minutes before the first period ended, Cooper Page scored the teams second power play goal. The Dynamiters had a surprisingly huge 4-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.

"It was one of those games were everything went out way." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "We were skating like how we wanted to, and we wanted to send a message in the first period, regardless of the score."

The Dynamiters had to be careful, the Leafs had shown just three games ago that they could score eight goals in two periods.

At the start of the second, the Nitro's continued their barrage. By the middle of the second period they had a 7-0 lead with goals from Matt Davies, Page, and Palaga.

The Leafs had their own power play chances late in the second period, but were unable to solve the Nitro's PK and goaltender Cody Campbell.

After 40 minutes the Nitro's had commanding 7-0 lead.

The pace in the third period slowed considerably. The two teams were swapping penalties, and the Nitro's were trying to pass time with puck control.

Cam Russell made it 8-0 scoring the teams fifth power play goal of the game.

Cody Campbell made 23 saves for his shutout this post-season. His second playoff shutout of his KIJHL career.

Page was named the Home Star of the Game scoring two goals and two assists, he would later be named as Hot in the KIJHL. These were his first points after going two games without a point, after going on a four-game point streak.

"It definitely felt good getting the monkey off the back. I'm a veteran player, and I hope can contribute to the team in the long run."

Page was also really impressed with how the team played.

"It was a good effort from all the boys, definitely brought our 'A' game. It just shows what we can do as a team. We played a full sixty minutes, there is no way we can play a better game than that. We just need to keep it going for the rest of the series and the rest of the playoff run."

Matt Davies earned four points as well with a goal and three assists. It was also James Rota's first game back since February 23.

"[Rota] was really good. There were times you could tell that he missed a long time, then there were other times where it looked like he didn't miss any time. He has fully healed."

The Dynamiters know that they can't expect to blowout the Leafs every game, and now need to readjust.

"We need to take it as a 0-0 mindset, we are not going to count on seeing the same Nelson team [that we saw tonight]," Stuart said, "but at the same time we are going to do the best to perform the same way we did tonight.

"We need to come to the rink tomorrow morning, treat it as a new day. When the puck drops tomorrow, tonight's game means absolutely nothing. It is a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series. The series hasn't really started, but it is a good first game for us."

The Leafs and Dynamiters play Game Two tonight at Kimberley's Civic Centre, game starts at 7:30 p.m.

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Nelson Leafs Series Preview: Story

The Kimberley Dynamiters are going to the Kootenay Conference Finals for the fourth year in a row, second under head coach and general manager Derek Stuart's tenure. This time it is an unfamiliar Conference Final opponent, the Nelson Leafs.

In 2015, 2016, and 2017 the Nitro's played the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in the Conference Finals, advancing twice.

"Our opponent is a team standing in the way of achieving our goal." Stuart said. "[Nelson] is a very worthy opponent. They have proved all year long that they are the best team in the division. It doesn't matter to us who our opponent is, in terms of our mental focus."

The last time the Nelson Leafs and Nitro's met in the playoffs was when both teams were a part of the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League in 1998. The Nitro's swept the Leafs 4-0. And Stuart and assistant coach Jeff Keiver were players. Amazing how much has changed in 20 years.

The Nitro's have edged the Leafs 2-1 in the season series, however, the Leafs outscored the Nitro's 5-4. The last time the two teams met, the Leafs shutout the Nitro's 3-0. That shutout was the third of four in a row for Leafs goaltender Josh Williams who went on to set a KIJHL record for consecutive time without a goal allowed.

The Leafs do not have a single player with a point per game, as their scoring is spread out, and they are known for their suffocating defensive play. Leading the attack is Jack Karran with eight goals and two assists in 12 games; Nicholas Wihak also has 10 points in 12 games. On the back end, Michael LeNoury has chipped in offensively with 10 points too. Former Nitro, and now Leafs captain Sawyer Hunt has scored two goals and six assists in nine games.

"Nelson is probably the best defensive team in our conference." Stuart said. "It's not going to be easy, we are going to have to get to the net a lot better than we have in the first two rounds and get some ugly, greasy goals."

The Dynamiters have been electric during the playoffs, and goaltender Cody Campbell has been solid between the pipes. Campbell's 1.74 GAA and .931 SV% is top in the KIJHL this post season. The Nitro's have five players averaging a point or more a game: Brock Palmer, Bryce McDonald, James Farmer, Matt Davies, and Mason Palaga. Farmer leads the team in goals with six, and Palmer in assists with 12.

Stuart said that the team will be watching a lot of video to understand Nelson's habits, but then added, "We need to continue to play good team defence against Nelson, that is our number one priority. We need to make sure we keep our opponent under 30 shots."

The series opens this Friday at the Kimberley Civic Centre at 7:30 p.m. with Game Two in Kimberley on Saturday.

MATCH STICKS: Ryan Keilty remains on the teams injury list. Affiliate players Jackson Bohan and Erik Delaire have joined the team now that their major-midget seasons have finished.

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Nelson Leafs: Infographic

The Kimberley Dynamiters win 5-2 and eliminate the Columbia Valley Rockies

The City of Kimberley showed once again why the Kimberley Dynamiters are subculture to the community, as nearly 650 fans piled into the Kimberley Civic Centre on a Monday night to see Game Five between the Kimberley Dynamiters and Columbia Valley Rockies. A win by the Dynamiters, and they advance to the Kootenay Conference Finals for the fourth year in a row.

In typical small town fashion, the principal from a school in town, filled in to sing O Canada!

As expected, this game was tightly contested. The Rockies wanted to extend their season one more game, and the Nitro's wanted to avoid returning to Invermere Tuesday night.

Brandt Bertoia scored his fifth of the playoffs giving the Dynamiters a lead going into the first intermission.

But as expected, the Rockies came back. Their captain, Ryan Skytt, who was on a mission and a force on the ice, leveled the game at one apiece.

Moments later, Bryce McDonald passed the puck to James Farmer who redirected it in, 2-1 Nitro's.

The Rockies came back, again. This time it was Chase Hawkins scoring on the power play, 2-2. This was the first time this series that the Rockies scored more than a goal.

"[The Rockies] played really good. I am very impressed with all their games, they gave us a tough go, perhaps at times it was tougher than our players thought." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "They definitely had an answer and took the game to us at times."

After 40 minutes the game was knotted at two, and the stomach turning nervousness settled in at the Civic Centre.

"There was more desperation on our part [going into the third], which is something that we were hoping for right from the start of the game." Stuart said. "We needed to be more desperate in wanting to advance than they were wanting to extend their season."

"Our guys, like they have done all season, really stepped it up in the third."

After a scoreless 10 minutes in the third, Matt Davies scored his first goal of the playoffs, and his first 12 games - going back to the regular season.

"It was a big moment for me personally." Davies said, "It's been a long time coming and it was nice to see a bounce finally go my way here. Takes a lot of stress off my back for sure."

"We reassured Matt that he has been playing well the past month and a half." Staurt said. "Especially in the playoffs, he has been one of our better players night in and night out. It was good to see him get rewarded."

Davies then set up Nicholas Ketola with saucer pass, that Ketola buried, and all of sudden the Nitro's had doubled the Rockies score with 7:50 left to play.

The Rockies called a timeout shortly after the two minutes remaining mark, and the pulled their goalie. Davies, who found an extra gear this period, was able to score an empty net goal, his second goal of the night, and his third point.

Davies would receive the Home Star, as the Nitro's put an end to the Columbia Valley Rockies impressive post-season.

"I think we played a pretty solid game." Davies said "Obviously in playoffs every game has their ups and downs, but I think in the end we managed to control our emotions and found a way to get the job done."

Photo by Jonathan Righton

As is tradition, the two teams shook hands at centre ice. Then in classy fashion, fans at the Civic Centre applauded the Rockies for their effort as they left the ice, and then the Nitro's saluted the crowd, and the team and community celebrated advancing to the Kootenay Conference Finals for a fourth year in a row.

Looking back at the series, Davies felt the team learned an important lesson, "I think the biggest thing we learned was that we can still play our game against the bigger and more physical teams like the Rockies. We were able to match their physicality and showed that we're willing to do whatever it takes to get wins."

The Kimberley Dynamiters now prepare for the Kootenay Conference Finals this Friday as they host the Nelson Leafs at the Kimberley Civic Centre (more to follow on that series later).

The Kimberley Dynamiters win one and lose one in Invermere

The Kimberley Dynamiters went into Invermere up 2-0 in the best of seven game series against the Columbia Valley Rockies.

The Dynamiters came out in a flurry in game three, firing a whopping 23 shots in the opening 20 minutes, but Rockies Ben Kelsch sealed the net for the first period. The Rockies also opened the scoring, and had their first lead of the series.

The Rockies held onto their lead until Nitro's Chase Gedny tied the game at one with a power play goal. The Nitro's got their second power play goal of the period from Mason Palaga.

In the third, the Nitro's added to their lead with a goal from Bryce McDonald.

The Nitro's would win 3-1, despite outshooting the Rockies 49-21. Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart felt that the team didn't bear down on their chances, he said by his count, the Nitro's had more than 20 chances, yet only scored three goals. He felt the team should have had more.

Cody Campbell made 20 saves, and Palaga was named the Away Star of the game.

The Dynamiters now held a 3-0 strangle hold on the series, and needed one more win to advance to the Kootenay Conference Finals.

The Nitro's had also established a pattern, a 5-1 win in Game One, 4-1 in Game Two, and 3-1 in Game Three, would Game Four be 2-1?

In a curious move, the Dynamiters started Adam Andersen in net. Stuart had explained in the past, that Andersen has become a '1B' goalie for the team, and he felt that it was time Andersen played in his first KIJHL playoff game.

Andersen did not disappoint. He made fantastic saves. The Rockies Davin Burton was able to sneak one past Andersen early in the first, but that was it.

Andersen even made one save in particular in the first that the goal judge, and webcast thought was in, but it wasn't. Stuart says that, that save helped motivate the team.

It was the second game in a row where the Rockies 'won' the opening period.

The Nitro's struggled to get shots and chances in the middle period, and continued to trail 1-0.

In the third, the Dynamiters began firing everything they had on Kelsch. But as was the struggle the night before, the Nitro's couldn't finish their chances.

The Rockies firmly held on to their one goal and shut out the Nitro's.

Andersen was named the Away Star making 19 saves in the loss, while the Rockies Kelsh was the Home Star making 34 saves, and being recognized as Hot in the KIJHL.

It has been a long time since the Nitro's were shut out in the playoffs, having to go back to the 2015 playoffs in Game Four against the Kamloops Storm, where they 4-0; but then went on to win the series in six games for the KIJHL title.

"It felt weird." Stuart said, as he recalled the rarity it is being shutout.

However, he says that his team is ready, and is looking for a strong start to the opening period in Game Five, because they don't want to play Tuesday in Invermere.

Game Five is Monday night at 7:30 at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

The Kimberley Dynamiters squeeze out a win in Game Two to take a 2-0 series lead

The Kimberley Dynamiters have taken a 2-0 series lead with a 4-1 win against the Columbia Valley Rockies.

The Nitro's were able to jump to an early lead as Brock Palmer scored on the power play.

The Rockies', however, would not go away. They got a power play goal of their own by Tyler Nypower.

After 20 minutes the two teams were tied.

The goaltenders were busy in the second. Rockies' Ben Kelsch was making another bid for player of the game, and doing everything within his power to help the Rockies get back into the series. Nitro's Cody Campbell, was just as solid, as the Rockies' were trying to bounce back from last nights loss.

Forty minutes of play, and the game was still tied at one.

In the third, the Nitro's kept the Rockies' hemmed in their zone. As a result the Nitro's outshot the Rockies', and the Rockies' were called for many penalties, some of them controversial or inconsistent compared to earlier calls.

With the power plays, the Dynamiters Palmer began to cash in. He scored at the 15:39 finishing a passing play. He then completed his hattrick with a hard nose, and fearless play, as he dug for a rebound.

"I just want to score goals." Palmer said about being fearless as a smaller player, "Going to the net is the best place to be."

It was Palmer's second hattrick of his KIJHL career, his first of the playoffs.

"It was awesome." He smiled, and then recounted, "I had to go back and get my stick, and the crowd was all cheering and everything, so it felt pretty good."

Nicholas Ketola was on the receiving end of a pretty passing play, and with two minutes left, gave the Nitro's a huge three goal lead.

Campbell stopped 20 shots earning his sixth win of the playoffs, and Palmer - with the hattrick - was the Home Star of the game, and also recognized as 'Hot in the KIJHL'.

After the game, neither coach was really impressed with the full 60 minutes.

"It was a pretty ugly hockey game," Nitro's head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, "both teams looked tired. In the third we pushed them a little bit more, speed wise, and made things more difficult on them."

"There comes a time when you figure out you don't have your 'A' game, tonight our 'B' game was good enough to get the job done. At the end of 60 minutes, that is all that matters."

Rockies head coach Wade Dubielewicz said,  "I thought we were OK. Ben Kelsch played an incredible game... I liked our effort, and our physicality a lot better tonight. Last night was a no show for us."

Both coaches were able to quickly identify an area they need to improve on going into Game Three in Invermere Friday.

"My team is like Jekyll and Hyde." Dubielewicz said about the Rockies consistency, "When we don't come to play the way we have to, we are not very good. That's what you saw last night. When we come to compete and want to be hard to play against, we can play with anyone. If we put everything together, we are a good team."

For Stuart, he wanted to address the sloppy play, "We need to manage the pucks better, especially in the neutral zone. Tonight was very sloppy, there were a lot of turnovers between our blueline and their blueline."

The Dynamiters now have a 2-0 series lead on the Rockies with the series going to Invermere for Game Three and Four on Friday and Saturday.

"It is going to get harder and harder going into their rink." Stuart said "Down two, I assume [The Rockies] are going to come harder than we have seen them yet. It is definitely going to be a difficult task."

Stuart added, "We need to reset, and take a day off tomorrow (Thursday). We are going to watch video of the last two games we played there, those were two of our better road games this season. I think we will be ready to go."

As for Dubielewicz, he is aware of the task that the Rockies' now have, "Now we are down 2-0, behind the eight-ball, we have got to get back to our familiar rink and get back on board."

"We are not going to look too far forward, but we are definitely a confident group heading home."

Game Three is Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Invermere's Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

MATCH STICKS: The Nelson Leafs have taken a 2-0 series lead on the Castlegar Rebels with two overtime wins. The Osoyoos Coyotes have a 2-0 series lead on the Kelowna Chiefs. The Revelstoke Grizzlies and 100 Mile House Wranglers have split the first two games.

The Kimberley Dynamiters win Game One of the Division Finals 5-1 against Columbia Valley Rockies

The Kimberley Dynamiters started the Eddie Mountain Division Finals with a 5-1 win at home against the Columbia Valley Rockies.

This is the first time in the past decade that the Rockies have made it to the division finals. It has also been 18 days since these two teams have faced each other. As expected, the first period was a feeling out period. No scoring, one penalty, and not a lot of shots.

The game continued to be fast paced, with it also came a bouncy puck that ricocheted around; both teams getting great chances.

It wasn't until near the midway of the second that Chase Gedny deflected a point shot, that Rockies keeper Ben Kelsch got a chunk off, but not enough as it trickled across the line.

Then the Nitro's received a 5-on-3 power play, and Bryce McDonald skated from behind the net and roofed the puck.

After 40 minutes the Dynamiters had a 2-0 lead on the Rockies.

In the span of 1:21 the Dynamiters found an extra gear and doubled their lead to 4-0 as James Farmer and Brandt Bertoia scored moments a part.

"It's our conditioning." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "Our guys are in really good shape. They found an extra gear, that they started to find in the second. I thought we got better and better as the game went on. We really took control."

As planned by the Rockies to use their physicality to create turnovers, the Rockies forced the Nitro's to be sloppy, and Rockies Mike Dyck had a mini breakaway. Cutting into the Nitro's lead.

Cam Russell would restore the Nitro's four goal lead with a power play goal, making it 5-1.

That would be the scoreline as the game wound down, with the Nitro's getting five goals from five different players.

"[Depth] is important." Stuart said. "It is something that our team is used to. We know we are deep, and we know that we have guys that can score. There isn't one line that we rely on. It is good to see five different goal scorers."

Cody Campbell made 20 saves in the win, and Farmer was named the Home Star of the game with a goal and an assist. Bertoia also earned a goal and an assist.

After the game, Stuart was pleased with how his team played:

"We were really good. A little rusty in the scoring department to start, but we seemed to find our scoring touch."

"That was pretty much of  a complete game that we have had in the playoffs. We may have had a couple lulls in there, but they didn't last long."

The Nitro's take an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Rockies have shown in the playoffs a pattern that they can bounce back. They lost 8-1, then won 5-2. They lost 7-1, then won 5-4 in overtime.

"I just finished telling the team that exact thing." Stuart said after the game. "It is a big thing to not overlook. I told the guys you have two hours to enjoy it, and then it is a new day. [The Rockies] are going to be coming back hard.

"We need to do better than we were tonight tomorrow in order to take the first two at home."

Game Two is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Columbia Valley Rockies Series Preview: Infographic

Kimberley Dynamiters vs Columbia Valley Rockies Series Preview: Story

The Kimberley Dynamiters and Columbia Valley Rockies are facing off in the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

The Dynamiters finished their series in five games against the Fernie Ghostriders last Wednesday, while the Rockies dealt with the high octane Creston Valley Thunder Cats in six games on Friday.

The two teams start their series on Tuesday at the Kimberley Civic Centre. For some fans, they were upset that there were no weekend home games for this series. Head coach and general manager Derek Staurt said this: "That's the price you pay for finishing first. It's just the way it works, if you are first you have to start the second round on a weekday. There is nothing we can do."

He also added, "we know our loyal fans will show up regardless of what day we play. Hopefully other fans understand that it's the division finals so it will be very entertaining hockey."

The Nitro's and Rockies faced each other eight times during the regular season, and the Dynamiters won the series 7-1, outscoring the Rockies 34-15.

The one win for the Rockies came back on September 22, 2017 in Invermere. Since then the Nitro's won the remaining games in Invermere.

"We have won 4-1 the past three times, they were our better road games all season." Stuart said. "Our guys like playing in smaller rinks, not sure why - since we are built for our rink."

With the success the Nitro's have had against the Rockies, and the success they had in the regular season, it is hard not to think of this as a David versus Goliath series. The Nitro's won 38 games this season, the Rockies 19. The Nitro's had a +87 goal differential during the regular season, the Rockies -21.

But the Rockies know they did not get to the Eddie Mountain Division Finals on skill alone, Rockies head coach Wade Dubielewicz, said that their physical play was the key to their success.

"Physicality, 100%. There is no question that Creston was more skilled than us." He said. "We had a lot of success against them in games when every check was finished and we stuck to the system - and they would start to give us pucks back.

"We had to play tight defensively, tight neutral zone, and try to put the fear of god into them. We did that. In the games we lost, there was no physicality and no execution."

The Rockies are keenly aware of the success that the Nitro's have had during the season, and especially at home. The Nitro's won 20 of their 23 home games, including four against the Rockies.

"That's our biggest mental hurdle." Dubielewicz said "We've got to figure out how to win a game there and then win all the games at home. It's a pretty daunting task, we are going to do what we can."

He then added that he knows his team needs to be physical against Kimberley to create the same pattern of success they had against Creston.

"For us to be competitive, it is going to have to be physical. Kimberley handles [physicality] differently, they have bite, they are definitely going to have a push back, and answer."

With that physicality, the Rockies have taken about 27 minutes worth of penalties per game in their series against Creston. This also resulted in them being short handed about six times a game.

The Dynamiters had the same 'bite' as the Rockies, with about 27 minutes worth of penalties called against them each game against Fernie, being short handed nearly seven times a game.

The Rockies have three players averaging a point of more per game: Mike Dyck ('98), Ryan Skytt ('98), and Davin Burton ('97). Ben Kelsch was their starter against Creston, posting 4.16 GAA and .887 SV% in six games.

As for the Dynamiters, they have nine players with a point or more per game. They are being led by Brock Palmer, James Farmer, and Bryce McDonald. Cody Campbell posted a 2.18 GAA and .926 SV% in five games.

For the Dynamiters, Stuart says that the team can't get too focused on the standings and stats.

"When you get to the division finals, you are going to be playing a team that is playing well. Their standings in the regular season has nothing to do with it."

"They are a team standing in the way of reaching our goal." Staurt said "We are just trying to get by them. There are some things we will obviously have to do to calm Columbia Valley. Our mindset is to play our hockey, and play our style, and get past a team that is trying to stop us."

The series starts Tuesday, and both teams are excited to get the next round of playoffs started.

"We are very excited, the kids are playing well." Dubielewicz said "Kimberley brings out the best in us, competitive wise. So that is exciting."

"I think it is going to be two teams that are playing real good hockey right now." Staurt said. "Columbia Valley obviously knocked off one of the better teams in the league. For us we are looking forward to the challenge."

"When you get to the division finals, you are going to be playing a team that is playing well. There standings in the regular season has nothing to do with it."

Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

MATCH STICKS: The Kimberley Dynamiters have James Rota and Ryan Keilty listed as injured.

1001st Post - Grateful for the last 5 years

Thursday's post was the 1000th blog post here on Nitro's Night in Kimberley - a fitting way to mark the epic achievement by writing about the Dynamiters advancing to the Eddie Mountain Division Finals with an OT win against the Fernie Ghostriders.

During the time between series, I have been reflecting on the past (nearly) five years of blogging about the Dynamiters. And I feel it is time to share how grateful I am.

First and foremost, this blog would not have existed if Glen and Tasha had not asked me to do this on the eve of defending my thesis at Gonzaga University. So much has happened and changed since July 2013. So thank you for this opportunity.

Next is my boss Rebecca. I am glad she hired me. A year into the blog and my contract was ending where I worked, so finding a permanent full time job in Cranbrook was a big plus.

Thanks to previous team president and former GM Dave. His insights into team history, volunteerism, and helping introduce me to the players - is a moment my son and I will never forget.

Taylor, thanks for letting me ride your coattails. I appreciate the time that I got to observe you covering the Dynamiters. And then in an awkward way, thanks for taking a job in the dub. (leads to next gratitude)

It was very surprising when Townsman Editor Barry approached me and asked me to do freelance sports reporting. That moment changed the blog. While I have always done posts and the occasional interview, this lead to covering the story in the game instead of sharing an opinion on the game. Since then, Barry, Brad, Corey, and Carolyn have had to put up with my submissions.

To the media booth! So many friendships have been formed in there.

To the Dynamiters board, staff, and players - thanks for creating such exciting hockey to make it so enjoyable to cover.

To the parents of the players, thanks for letting your sons come and play small town hockey.

Thanks to all of you who stop by and read, I wouldn't be blogging (and writing for the paper) if you didn't support me.

And lastly my better half. Sportsing has never been her thing. So I appreciate that she has allowed me for nearly five years to spend almost every weekend between September and March at the Civic Centre. She is the unsung hero in contributing to the blog.

So here's to 1,000 blog posts, and to 1,000 more!

The Kimberley Dynamiters advance to the Eddie Mountain Division finals with a 2-1 OT win against Fernie Ghostriders

The Kimberley Dynamiters used the home crowd to their advantage to secure their ticket to the Eddie Mountain Division Finals with a 2-1 overtime win against the Fernie Ghostriders.

The Dynamiters were wanting to put the Game Four overtime loss behind them. The Ghostriders, however, had an increase in hope after winning four of the past five periods in the series.

The Ghostriders continued to build on their hope going into Game Five, as they outshot the Nitro's 14-8 in the opening 20 minutes. The Nitro's struggled to get any sort of rhythm as they took four penalties in the first.

"We took too many stupid penalties in the first. That will kill any momentum" Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "We couldn't really establish any rhythm or flow."

The Dynamiters began peppering 'Riders keeper Zak Larson with 14 shots in the second period. Yet the 'Riders were able to take a one goal lead scoring on one of their five shots in the middle period.

"We gave the message [during the second intermission] that the first two periods were over and done with." Stuart said. "All that matters now is the third, it's been our best period all season long. Just go out there and throw everything you have at them."

And throwing everything they did, as the peppering continued in the third period, but 'Riders Larson was putting on a fantastic show. Each time the Nitro's had a chance, they were stopped; and with each save, the tension in the Civic Centre increased.

As the clock began to tick down, the closer the Ghostriders got to a win, and greater the fear was for the Nitro faithful. In the final minute, the Nitro's began to press, and with 53 seconds left on the clock Brock Palmer banged home a rebound to tie the game at one.

"It was crazy," Palmer said. "Words can't even describe it. It was crazy, everyone was so loud. It was awesome, even better that it was at home."

"We came out flat in the first" He added. "It all sunk in that there was a possibility that we would go back to Fernie, we woke up and finally started going."

For the second game in a row, overtime was needed to determine a winner.

There was a five minute break, and then the 10-minute first period of over time started.

In Game Four, the 'Riders needed only one shot to win the game. This time the Nitro's needed two shots. James Farmer slid into an opening, and the puck floated out to him from behind the net, and Farmer made no mistake, burying his opportunity for the series clinching goal.

"Scoring the OT winner felt great," Farmer said. "we hit a lot of posts and missed some great chances so when one finally goes in it was very relieving."

He also added, "It feels good moving onto the next round after a hard fought series, seeing our rivals eliminated makes us all happy."

Cody Campbell made 26 saves for the win, and Farmer was named the Home Star of the Game. An unsung hero, Cooper Page, had assists on both goals and was later named as Hot in the KIJHL.

For Stuart, he said that Mason Palaga was a standout player in the game, earning an assist.

"Mason Palaga was great yet again last night. He was definitely our most consistent player all series and each game he showed why he is an elite defenseman in this league."

This is the fifth series in a row that the Dynamiters have clinched against the Ghostriders.

"A big credit goes to Fernie and their coaches for giving us a lot harder battle the past couple of games." Stuart said, "For them to play as well on the road as they did last night, it was very impressive and difficult for us."

The Dynamiters now wait for the winner of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats and Columbia Valley Rockies series - hoping that it is a long series.

While they wait, the Dynamiters will have typical practices, and also heal from their bumps and bruises.

MATCH STICKS: James Rota and Ryan Keilty are listed as injured and are not expected to participate in the Eddie Mountain Division Finals. They may be available for the Kootenay Conference Finals, if necessary.