Kimberley Dynamiters 2018 AGM

The Kimberley Dynamiters held there annual general meeting on Wednesday July 23.

President James Leroux, who chaired the meeting, said in his report that he was overall, excited and pleased with the season.

He highlighted the teams success from winning the league in the regular season, winning the KIJHL title in the playoffs, and then winning bronze at the Cyclone Taylor Cup.

He concluded his remarks by saying how happy he is with the coaching staff and players.

Treasurer Troy Pollock reported that the team lost money during the season, approximately $17,000. However, he and President Leroux, did not express concern about the loss due to the ability to account for the extra costs accumulated and provided examples of the dressing room upgrades, and expanded affiliate roster during the playoffs.

Pollock said that it was a good season financially as the team had an income of about $512,000.

During the election of officers, many roles and positions stayed the same. Chris Hall is no longer a director, and in his place is Adam Perrins. Mark Anderson was also named as a co-vice president.

The board executive is: Leroux, president; Glen Johnston, vice-president; Anderson, vice-president; Karrie Hall, secretary; Pollock, treasurer; Al Rice, co-treasurer. The directors at large are: Tasha Johnston, Chad Koran, Jodi L'Heuruex, Scott Cameron, Robyn Wardle, Amber Anderson, and Nancy Sebolsky.

The team then assigned coordinators and roles for the different responsibilities of having the team function on and off the ice.

The board is looking forward to the 2018-19 season as cross-over games are expected to return.

First EVER Episode of the Nitro's Night in Kimberley Podcast

Kimberley Dynamiters Matt Davies commits to the University of Central Oklahoma

Forward Matt Davies, from Airdrie, AB committed to attend the University of Central Oklahoma for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

"It's a great opportunity for me." Davies said. "I flew down there the other weekend and was really impressed with everything I saw. Playing college hockey has been on my mind for the last couple years and I'm glad I get to do that with such a great school like UCO."

Davies played two seasons with the Nitro's posting 30 goals and 59 assists for 89 points in 81 regular season games. He also averaged a point per game in the playoffs, playing 39 games while scoring 11 goals and 28 assists.

Davies production for this most recent season earned him recognition as the Dynamiters Best Forward at the year end banquet.

"We are very happy and excited for Matt." Nitro's head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "He has earned the opportunity to move onto University and to continue playing a high level of hockey.

"During his time here Matt quickly developed into an elite player, a leader and was a very important part of our Championship team".

Davies feels he is prepared for the transition to college level hockey, "with the Nitros running probably the most high end program in the KI," he said. "I think I'm as prepared for college hockey as I could be at this stage.

"Plus coach Stuart had an idea of my interest in college hockey for the upcoming season so he was really good at making adjustments to my game throughout this season to make me more prepared for what I'm to expect in the states."

Davies will now join teammate Cody Campbell, who committed earlier in 2018 to Central Oklahoma.

"With Cody going there it kind of made the decision a little easier." Davies said. "We have become really close over the years. So being that far away from home, going to school and living with someone you know and is from the same hometown as you adds some comfort, for sure."

Davies becomes the Nitro's fourth player to move on to college, joining teammates Campbell, Nicholas Ketola (Bethel), and Devon Langelaar (Arizona).

Kimberley Dynamiters Nicholas Ketola commits to Bethel University

Kimberley Dynamiters Nicholas Ketola has committed to Bethel University (NCAA Div III) for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

Ketola just completed his third, and final year in the KIJHL. He played 133 games scoring 39 goals and 45 assists with the Nelson Leafs and Dynamiters.

Ketola joined the Nitro's at the started of the 2016-17 season when Derek Stuart started his tenure as head coach and general manager.

"The progress Nick has made in all areas of his game since arriving here are truly remarkable." Stuart said. "Through his hard work, dedication and commitment he developed into a top player in our league both offensively and defensively."

His hard work and commitment was a contributing factor in Ketola being named the Dynamiters Most Inspirational player this season.

"I think Derek instilled a work hard every day and a winning mentality that prepared me for the next level." Ketola said, "and the experience of winning a championship also helps a lot too."

He saved his best performance for the 2018 playoffs. He scored nine goals, including three power play, two game winning, and a short handed goal. Also, half his playoff points came in the KIJHL Finals against the Revelstoke Grizzlies, including a three-point game.

As the only American player on the team, he began to be known as Captain America. Especially for his heroic abilities to create and score on short-handed opportunities.

Now the aged out Captain America has found a new home in the USA at St. Paul, Minnesota with Bethel University.

"I love the game of hockey so for me to get to play while I pursue an education is awesome." Ketola said. "I'm looking forward to meeting all the guys and to get to school and start my journey."

As for Stuart and the Dynamiters, they are excited to see Ketola move on. "To see Nick develop in the KIJHL and end up at the NCAA level where a lot of Junior A players end up, is a testament to the Kimberley Dynamiters organization as well as to how good of a league the KIJHL is."

Ketola joins goaltender Cody Campbell and defender Devon Langelaar as college commits for the upcoming season. Campbell is going to the University of Central Oklahoma while Langelaar is off to the University of Arizona.

Kimberley Dynamiters Purdy and Rota hang up the skates to pursue education and work

Two local Kimberley Dynamiters players have decided to move on from hockey. Lucas Purdy and James Rota, both from Kimberley, have hung up the skates to pursue work and education.

Purdy played 106 regular season games and 29 playoff games with the Nitro's. He scored two goals and 16 assists, adding one assist in the playoffs, while amassing 255 penalty minutes.

"My favourite moment as a Nitro was the last game in Revelstoke, forsure." Purdy recalled "That's an experience I'll never forget and be able to look back on the rest of my life.

"Bringing home a championship and seeing the town rally around us was absolutely amazing. I remember watching games the last time the Nitro's won and feeling the town come alive and it's a pretty surreal experience to be on the other side of that."

Rota represented the Dynamiters in 116 regular season games and 27 playoff games. He scored 10 goals and 33 assists, and added one assist in the playoffs.

Rota felt similar to Purdy about the highlight, "My favourite moment while playing with the Kimberley Dynamiters was winning the KIJHL championship.

"It was an unforgettable feeling to win the championship with the great group of guys we had and being able to bring it back to my hometown was special... We have the best fans in the league who stuck with us through thick and thin this year and I will always appreciate what the fans and this town have done for us."

Dynamiters head coach and general manager coached Purdy and Rota for the past two seasons.

"When a local player dedicates three years to the Dynamiters everyone in the organization is very proud and grateful." Stuart said of Purdy. 

"Lucas worked extremely hard every day, truly cared about all of his teammates and always put the team first. It's very rare for today's athlete to posses all three of those qualities. Lucas is going out as a Champion and we all wish him the best."

Stuart was impressed by Rota's resiliency, "I've never seen a guy so unlucky with injuries as James was. Many players in his situation would have quit a long time ago out of sheer frustration, but James never complained or felt sorry for himself once. The toughness and perseverance he showed was impressive. 

"Seeing him hoist the KIJHL championship trophy was very special for the coaches and players. Another local player that is a leader with strong character that we will miss. We wish James all the best after hockey."

Playing for the Dynamiters and representing their own town is something neither player will forget.

"It was an honour to play for my home town for three years," Rota said., "and to be able to play in front of the best fans in the league was amazing"

"Playing for my home town was an incredible experience and a huge part of my life I will never forget." Purdy said. "Playing in front of friends and family every night is hard to beat. Growing up and watching the Nitro's my whole life, it's definitely been a goal to play for the Nitro's since I was young and it feels incredible to be able to accomplish it."

Both players leave the KIJHL as champions, and now pursue their off-ice dreams in education and work.