Webcast Interview with Lucas Chilton

Podcast: Weekend Review; Bloggers Blurb(s); Visiting Local Player; Preview of Kelowna Chiefs

Webcast Interview with Luke Recchi

Story: Kimberley Dynamiters sloppily win two games this past weekend

The Kimberley Dynamiters had a "false sense of achievement" weekend winning both of their games against teams from the Doug Birks Division, according to head coach and general manager Derek Stuart.

Up first was the Chase Heat. They started Cranbrook native Geoff Drought in net.

The Dynamiters were quick to score the first goal as Neil Kingston hustled to chase down the puck on the penalty kill and scored on the wrap around.

The Heat scored moments later on the PP. To only have Captain Chase Gedny score 14 seconds later.

Spencer Kennedy gave the Nitro's a 3-1 lead with a power play goal to round out the scoring in the first.

In the second, emotions got a little out of control. In the midst of all the penalties Erik Delaire scored on the breakaway to give the Nitro's a 4-1 lead.

The Nitro's added to their lead with two goals in the third; Connor Zdan and Gedny with the goals.

It took an eye seeing wrist shot from the point for the Heat to get their second goal of the game.

Adam Andersen would earn star of the game recognition as he made 25 saves for the win.

"Our emotions got ahead of us," Andersen said. "but we came out with a win."

After the game, Stuart was not impressed with the teams defensive effort.

"Adam Andersen was the reason why they only scored two goals. If it was not for him, they could have easily had four or five.

"Mentally we were not ready to play," Stuart said. "Good result, not so great actions to get the result. If we can learn from that game, hopefully earn our result."

Next up on Saturday was the Sicamous Eagles. Two past Nitro's, Colby Sherlock and Brandon Pelletier started for the Eagles.

The first 20 minutes was fast paced but scoreless.

Shortly after the halfway point of the game in the second, Captain Gedny capitalized on a short handed break away chance, his third goal of the weekend. The only goal in the second.

To start the third, Braiden Koran scored on the power play to make it 2-0.

Then the Nitro's collapsed in the final minute.

With 34 seconds left, and the net empty, the Eagles pulled within one. Then with the clock winding down, the Nitro's were trying to kill the remaining time, to only give the puck away in the slot with three seconds left. Luckily the surprised Eagles player didn't score.

The Nitro's escaped with the win, and Andersen was again the star of the game with 23 saves.

"I didn't like how they played tonight," Stuart said after the game. "We got the result, but that was a false sense of achievement."

"If we continue to play like that, and we run into Kelowna or Nelson, it is going to be a big big loss."

Looking back over the past two games, Captain Gedny saw opportunities for improvement.

"They were OK." He said. "We definitely need to get off to better starts, and execute better. If we do that we will be fine."

"We have a lot better in us, we need to play a full 60."

The Nitro's now go on the road to the Okanagan Division where they will play the North Okangan Knights (1-3-0-0-1) on Friday and the Kelowna Chiefs (6-0-0-0) on Saturday.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton. Adam Andersen with Subawy 7th Player Cooper.

Podcast: Weekend Review; New Captain; Century Mark; 'Riders are home

Story: Kimberley Dynamiters win one and lose one in high scoring games

The Kimberley Dynamiters went on a road trip to the Neil Murdoch Division this past weekend. First visiting the Spokane Braves, and then the Grand Forks Border Bruins on Saturday.

It was a high scoring weekend, with a total of 23 goals being scored in the two games.

In Spokane, the Braves would score first. But before the period ended Brandt Bertoia tied the game at one.

The Nitro's would take the lead in the game with a goal by Keegan McDowell, his first KIJHL goal. The Braves would respond with two of their own, taking a 3-2 lead. Then Chad MciLwain would notch his first KI goal, tying the game at three after two periods.

The Braves would score back to back power play goals, taking a 5-3 lead. McDowell would respond with a power play goal of his own.

"It was actually a really decent hockey game." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said.

"Unfortunately neither teams penalty kill was unable to stop the other teams power play."

The Braves would win this game 5-4. Adam Andersen made 25 saves in the loss.

McDowell was a stand out player, "He played like we know he can, with the scoring touch and offensive ability that we know he has. It was good to see him break out on the scoresheet."

If nine goals in one game wasn't enough, I present the Dynamiters vs Border Bruins game.

The Dynamiters jumped to a quick lead, with Bryce McDonald scoring 20 seconds into the game. Debuting forward Spencer Kennedy followed up with another goal; 2-0 at the midway point of the first. When the period ended though, it was tied 2-all.

In the second, the Dynamiters pulled away with the game. Scoring four consecutive goals. Kennedy scored his second of the game, while Brandon Pelletier, Jackson Bohan, and Erik Delaire scored their first KIJHL goals. By then end of the second it was 6-3.

"We just continued to play our game. We used our speed and physicality. It was our goal to be more physical that Grand Forks.... They seemed to get frustrated, and take some penalties, and we were able to capitalize on the power play."

The scoring was not done. The Border Bruins would bookend the Nitro's three third period goals; with Luke Recchi, Braiden Koran, and Delaire scoring.

The Nitro's would win this 14-goal game 9-5. Brett Anderson made 23 saves for his 2nd with this season.

"I was very proud and impressed how physical we were. We looked pretty big, and played big. It was good to see that we can play that style of a game this early in the year."

Stuart was impressed with both debutants, Kennedy and Nathan Bailer; and also Delaire, who was the start of the game. Stuart added that he liked the pairing of Lucas Chilton and Jackson Bohan.

There was an ugly side to this game: 125 penalty minutes. Plus, Lucas Chilton and Nathan Bailer will most likely be facing suspensions.

Looking back on the weekend, the Nitro's scored 13 goals, yet only earned one win.

"We have a lot of fire power. Unfortunately this weekend we had difficulty keeping it out of our net. In terms of goals for, very pleased.

"Usually when you get 13 goals in two games you should win them both. We are just having a problem keeping them out of our net too."

This coming weekend the Doug Birks Division will be visiting. The Nitro's play the Chase Heat Friday, and the Sicamous Eagles Saturday.

There is one area of focus for this weeks practice, defense.

"Because we have so many offensively talented players, I think they think offense before we even get the puck out of our zone. It is creating too many chances for the opposition."

Lead photo by Frank Guill Photography

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Spokane Braves

Story: The Kimberley Dynamiters add two forwards to their roster

The Kimberley Dynamiters announced the signing of two forwards: Nathan Bailer, and Spencer Kennedy.

Bailer ('00) is a 6-foot forward from Okotoks, AB. In 24 games with the Okotoks Oilers (AMHL), he scored three goals and seven assists.

"Nathan is a big, strong winger who hits hard and plays a physical game." Nitro's head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said.

"His ability to cause turnovers on the fore-check and win puck battles will pose significant problems for the opposition."

Kennedy ('00) calls Lethbridge, AB home. The towering 6'4" forward played 33 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes Midget AA (SCAHL). He scored 27 goals and 25 assists, while adding 11 goals and six assists in seven playoff games. He also amassed a total of 164 penalty minutes.

"Spencer is a mean, physical winger that has immense size and strength along with a great shot." Stuart said.

"He dominated the SCAHL last year leading the league in goals, points and penalty minutes and we're confident he can use those tools to help our team."

Both players are listed as active on the Dynamiters roster and could debut with the team as early as this weekend.

The Dynamiters are in Spokane Friday, and then travel to play the Grand Forks Border Bruins on Saturday.

Story: Bryce McDonald plays his 100th KIJHL game

On Saturday September 8th, Bryce McDonald reached the century mark in games played. Playing his 100th KIJHL game against the Golden Rockets.

"It's a huge achievement. Especially with all the teams I have been through."

McDonald started his KIJHL career in the 2015-16 season. He's been somewhat of a journeyman, playing with the Revelstoke Grizzlies, Sicamous Eagles, Kamloops Storm, Golden Rockets, and finally Kimberley Dynamiters.

"Every team in this league welcomes players with big open arms.

"It's been nice to see BC. I have been all over the place with hockey. Seeing beautiful sites in Golden, going all the to Dryden, travelling across Canada. The places hockey has taken me has been great."

In his 100th game, he earned his 64th point. His next target is another century, the 100 point mark.

"It's my next goal. I am 46 points away from it, which is doable this year."

This is also a bittersweet year for McDonald, because it is his last year as a junior hockey player. He really hopes to soak in the experience, and the memories.

McDonald was also recently named an assistant captain for the Dynamiters.

On Friday against the Spokane Braves, he will be wearing the 'A' and will continue the pursuit of his 100th KIJHL point.

Story: The Kimberley Dynamiters name Chase Gedny as captain

The Kimberley Dynamiters announced their leadership for this coming season. Returning player Chase Gedny was selected by his peers to be captain.

"It's a huge honour." Gedny said. "It's a big responsibility. I am excited about it, it's going to be good.

"I lead by example. I am pretty talkative in the room and on the bench. So is the rest of the leadership group. It is a good fit."

Serving alongside Gedny is Derian Bamber, Brandt Bertoia, Bryce McDonald, and Brock Palmer.

"They are going to be helping me out a lot," Gedny smiled.

The past two seasons the Nitro's have had 20-year old players as their captains: Ryan Hozjan, and Brett Roberts.

The last time the captain wasn't a 20-year old was when Jason Richter helped lead the team to a KIJHL title, and then back to the finals the following year.

The Taber, AB native feels the weight of the role, and understands the role that he needs to fill, "But," he added, "I just got to play my game, and be me."

He is looking forward to leading and representing the defending KIJHL champions.

"Lots of success is going to be the key to the season. A winning environment, and a good run again."

He has already had personal success this season, scoring three goals and five points in the first two games of the year.

Gedny will be sporting the 'C' on his sweater this Friday as the team travels to Spokane to play the Braves. Puck drop is 8:00 Mountain Time.

Podcast: Review of Home Opener; Prepare for Spokane Braves

Story: The Kimberley Dynamiters win both games on opening weekend

The Kimberley Dynamiters opened their 2018-19 KIJHL regular season this past weekend in style.

They opened the year off celebrating as they raised three banners to ceiling prior to their home opener: KIJHL Regular Season Champions, Kootenay Conference Champions, and the KIJHL Champions.

The game though, against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, did not start the way they wanted it to. On the first shot of the game, 22 seconds into the game, the Cats opened the scoring.

"That was the most nervous we were all game." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said.

It wasn't until the midway point of the second when Luke Recchi scored the Nitro's first goal of the season, that the team began to settle in.

However, the Cats came back the very next minute, regaining their one goal lead.

Before the period ended, Chase Gedny leveled the game at two.

As the third period progressed, the game seemed to be headed to OT tied at two. Neither team was giving the other space.

Given an opportunity, the Cats scored on the power play. Later, the Nitro's responded with a power play goal of their own with Recchi's second goal of the game.

This game was headed to overtime tied at three. An entertaining, yet intense, way to start the season.

"I was pleasantly surprised with the bench morale," Stuart said, "and the lack of panic and nervousness."

Just as quickly as the Cats scored to start the game, the Nitro's needed only that much time to finish the game in OT, was Gedny, deflecting in his second of the game.

Adam Andersen made 24 saves for his first victory of the season.

"I liked a lot of things." Stuart said after the game. "There was a lot of good things. There was obviously some mistakes, but you have to remind yourself that it is September 7th. For the most part, I liked a lot of the things that I saw for most of the game."

Stuart was impressed with the play of Brock Palmer, Recchi, and Gedny, and how that translated to success on the scoresheet. Off the scoresheet, Jackson Bohan, and Cole Jensen impressed on defense.

The star of the game, Palmer, was known for his scoring last season, but in his first game, he had four assists. "I like setting up my line mates." He said. "It was good that we were getting good chemistry going, starting off the year right."

The Nitro's then traveled north to Golden to play the Rockets, the teams first road game of the season.

The first period was flat, neither team really taking an edge until the end when Neil Kingston scored his first KIJHL goal for the Nitro's.

The second period was explosive. Five goals, three for the Nitro's, two for the rebranded Rockets. Connor Zdan scored his first KIJHL goal, Mitch Fargey scored his first goal as a Nitro, while Recchi scored his third of the weekend.

"Zdan made a great first impression," Stuart said, "especially since he's only practiced once with us."

He also added that the pairing of Tyson Meier and Fargey was excellent, as Fargey scored on the power play, which helped get the team going.

The Nitro's pulled away with the game in the third, with Palmer and Gedny scoring. With the lead came an increase in roughing calls. Seven were called on both teams in the final 10 minutes.

"Boxscores can be deceiving, there wasn't anything more than some minor pushing and shoving"

The Nitro's would win their second game of the year, 6-2, acquiring all four points up for grabs this past weekend.

"It took a while to get going." Stuart summarized on the bus ride home after the game. "The last six minutes of the second period, and the third period were exceptionally well."

Gedny was named the star of the game, earning three points in the game for a weekend total of five.

Palmer accumulated eight points over the weekend, earning the recognition as Hot in the KIJHL.

The Nitro's next game is this Friday in Spokane against the Braves.

Match Sticks: The Columbia Valley Rockies won both their weekend games. After the loss to the Nitro's the Thunder Cats won in Spokane. Golden won their first game of the season, prior to their loss to the Nitro's. The Fernie Ghostriders also split their opening weekend with a win and a loss.

Lead photo by Hollie Bobak

It's Game Day! Kimberley Dynamiters at Golden Rockets

Eddie Mountain Division 2018-19 Preview & Predictions

It is time for the annual Eddie Mountain Division preview and predictions.

I have rarely been accurate - maybe going 3/5 once since the 2013-14 season. But it sure does create conversation.

1. Columbia Valley Rockies - This has been several years in the brewing for the Rockies. They had great success late last season. They maintained the core of their roster, including five 20 year olds. It's all familiar faces and systems for the Rockies. They have the potential to use that familiarity to build team chemistry and jump to an early season standings lead while the other teams are still getting to know eachother.
2. Kimberley Dynamiters - The defending KIJHL Champions are in tough, they will face every teams top game as they look to down the reigning champs. The Nitro's have nine returning championship players, plus another KI vet to add experience on the blueline. Their three 20 year olds: Derian Bamber, Brandt Bertoia, and Bryce McDonald are ready to take a leadership role for the team.
3. Fernie Ghostriders - The 'Riders have proved to be a resilient team, and they will continue to do so as they wait for their home barn to reopen. You can't minimize the stress that comes with having no place to call home on the players and the coaching staff. They have 12 returning KIJHL players, including four 20 year olds: Tristan Downe, Brendan Nemes, Keelan Saworski, and Zach Larson. They are primed for success, add stability, and they could soar.
4. Creston Valley Thunder Cats - It's amazing how two weeks worth of changes, changes everything. I would have had them listed higher, but as they search for a replacement coach, and then adjust to that coach, it could hamper their standings. They also lost a lot of scoring punch this off-season, and currently have no 20 year olds on their roster. That being said they have 10 returning KIJHL players. Tyler Witzke is prepared to lead the team this season, and Sam Burford looked sensational in the few games he played last season.
5. Golden Rockets - The Rockets are currently going through another rebranding, changing their logo and jersey for the third season in a row. They had a reported 60-80 players at their main camp. Among their currently listed players, they have a total 252 KIJHL games experience. They are a young inexperienced team that is trying to find their identity. They may find it this season, but maybe not in enough time to crack the top four spots.

And there you have it, the 2018-19 Eddie Mountain Division preview and predictions.

Agree or Disagree? Let's discuss!

Story: Kimberley Dynamiters HC/GM Derek Stuart is excited to get the 2018-19 season started

The Kimberley Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart took some time to offer his forecast for the upcoming 2018-19 KIJHL season.

Now that the exhibition games are complete, Stuart and the coaching staff have been busy getting players carded, papers signed, and into billets.

The team has continued to sign players that have returned from Junior A tryouts. Even though there are no more exhibition games, Stuart would prefer to evaluate the new arrivals in practice.

"Practice, in my opinion, is a better way to evaluate, to see their habits and if they listen properly and all."

Looking to start the season, Stuart is excited for all the off season changes, "I'm pretty excited with having this many new guys and fresh faces. Looking forward to getting off to a good start, and hopefully getting these guys all on the same page where we left off last year."

He added, "we have a real good core of veterans. There is a big difference between a champion veteran and a regular veteran. To have nine guys that know what it takes to get down to win a championship, is a huge advantage for us."

Those nine players are: Derian Bamber, Brandt Bertoia, Lucas Chilton, Chase Gedny, Bryce McDonald, Brock Palmer, Luke Recchi, Harrison Risdon, and Adam Andersen. The Nitro's also added defenceman Mitch Fargey from the Kamloops Storm during the off-season.

Stuart did caution that he doesn't want to compare this years team to last years team, but said that the team will continue to do the things that have brought them success in the past.

He knows that the team will have to work hard to defend the 2018 KIJHL title. "We are defending champions, we are going to get everyone's best game. We are going to have a bulls-eye on our back all season long.

"We have already seen it in an exhibition game, where one of our opponents tried to win the game by playing all their best players, and double shifting them."

While having success on the scoreboard is a goal, Stuart is also looking forward to developing players.

"At this level you get some guys that are happy to be here. You have another group that want to use this as a stepping stone to Junior A or the WHL or college."

He says the team will be setting goals from now until the Christmas break, and then set another group of goals from Christmas to the end of the year.

"It's up to the players, they will be in charge of setting their goals."

The last exciting item for the upcoming season, cross over games.

"We have played nine teams all season long, now we get to play 19 teams. It's excellent. It's good for coaches, players, and the fans."

To bring it back to this week, opening night against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, who the Nitro's now say is their number one rival.

"Opening night should be the easiest night, in terms of motivating these guys, we have our number one rival coming in, it's our home opener, and the banner will be raised.

"I am looking forward to the home opener and how excited our guys are going to be."

Home opener celebrations start at 3pm with a pregame BBQ sponsored by Chalet GM with B104 and The Drive live on location. The game will then start at 7pm at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

Match Sticks: Nitro's signed forward Chad MciLwain, and defender Connor Zdan.

Podcast: Eddie Mountain Division Predictions & Upcoming Season Opener

Story: The Kimberley Dynamiters lose exhibition game 7-5; Prepare for upcoming season opener

The Kimberley Dynamiters played their second exhibition game this past Saturday in Invermere against the Columbia Valley Rockies.

For the Rockies, this was their fourth preseason game, posting an 0-1-2 record.

After the first 20 minutes, the Dynamiters were up 2-1, with goals from Bryce McDonald and Ryan Bennett.

In the second, the Rockies took a 3-2 lead.

Then in the third, the scoring erupted for both sides. The Rockies scored four, while the Nitro's scored three. Goals were scored by Brock Palmer, Cole Jensen, and Brandt Bertoia.

By the end of the game, the Rockies would win 7-5. Brett Anderson and Ethan Mclhaney shared goaltending duties.

Assistant coach Jeff Keiver said that it is important to understand what a team is trying to get out of an exhibition game. For the Nitro's it was just an evaluation of individual talent, and they rolled all their lines.

"It was just an exhibition game, so we are just looking for players to show what they've got. It's more of an evaluation."

"You can't put too much into what the outcome is of an exhibition game."

Keiver was pleased to see the veterans stepping up to make plays and to contribute. He also added, "It was nice to see our younger players who are trying to make the team, giving it everything they had. 

"It was their last chance to make an impression on the coaching staff, before we have to trim down our final roster."

The Dynamiters now get ready for their season and home opener. In practice this week they will be focusing on implementing their Systems. And then this Friday at 7:00 pm the Nitro's host the Creston Valley Thunder Cats at the Civic Centre.

"You can expect to see a bunch of fresh new faces," Keiver said. "A younger team that is fast, likely with higher scoring games."

MATCH STICKS: The Kimberley Dynamiters have signed goaltender Brett Anderson ('00), and defenders: Fletcher Aleman ('00), Cole Jensen ('00), and Tyson Meier ('00). All four joined the team after Junior A tryouts. 

2017/18 Season Transactions

May 28, 2018
Forward Matt Davies commits to the University of Central Oklahoma (ACHA) for the 2018-19 season.

May 19, 2018
Forward Nicholas Ketola commits to Bethel University (NCAA Div III) for the 2018-19 season.

April 26, 2018
Devon Langelaar commits to Arizona University (ACHA) for the 2018-19 season.

January 11, 2018
The Kimberley Dynamiters announce they have extended HC/GM Derek Stuart contract for two more seasons, with the option for a third.

January 10, 2018
Forward Cooper Page returns from the AJHL and joins the Kimberley Dynamiters.

The Kimberley Dynamiters release forward Brant Mack.

December 1, 2017
The Kimberley Dynamiters trade for Ryan Kielty from the Nelson Leafs.

November 30, 2017
Austin Lawson and Tyler Van Steinburg were released by the Dynamiters as they pursue off-ice priorities.

The Kimberley Dynamiters acquire Colby Sherlock from the Columbia Valley Rockies.

November 27, 2017
Dynamiters trade Caleb Biesch to Chase Heat to complete July 2017 trade

November 16, 2017
Kimberley Dynamiters trade Brandon Langridge to the Coaldale Copperheads (HJHL).

November 12, 2017
The Kimberley Dynamiters acquire Bryce McDonald from the Kamloops Storm.

November 1, 2017
The Kimberley Dynamiters acquire Nicholas Graham from the Princeton Posse.

September 22, 2017
The Kimberley Dynamiters acquire Derian Bamber from Grande Prairie GDA (NWJHL) for Terrell Clarricoates.

July 26, 2017
Joe Karpyshyn signs with the Calgary Mustangs (AJHL)

July 11, 2017
Kimberley Dynamiters acquire Mason Palaga from Chase Heat.

July 1, 2017
The Kimberley Dynamiters trade goaltender Cody Call to the Oceanside Generals (VIJHL).

June 20, 2017
Adam Andersen joins the Kimberley Dynamiters

June 19, 2017
Cooper Page signs with the Calgary Canucks (AJHL)

June 16, 2017
Cam Russell joins the Kimberley Dynamiters

June 6, 2017
Chase Miller signs with Calgary Mustangs (AJHL)