Farewell: Nitros Fan Blogger, Signing Off

Everything has a time and a season.

After covering the Dynamiters, and at times the KIJHL, for six seasons, it is time for this blogger to take a step back from the keyboard and social media.

Blogging about the Dynamiters since the start of the 2013-14 season has been nothing but a delight and a joy. There have been highs, and there have been lows, and there have been many learning experiences.

It has been an absolute pleasure to watch the Nitros make the KIJHL Finals four times, see Jared Marchi's number be retired, watch Jerry Bancks coach his last game, watch an alumni game, cover the Cyclone Taylor Cup in Creston, see the walkway be constructed all the way around the arena, and watch Derek Stuart continue the Nitros winning tradition, and so on.

It has been a delight to get to know the players, report on their current experiences with the team, and then follow up with them as they pursue university, college, or career pursuits.

It has been overwhelming the positive support and appreciation from fans, but in particular, the parents and family of players who have sent their young men to a different community, city, and province to play a sport they love. I have enjoyed being that bridge of connection and information.

However, during those six years, my life has changed. My children are growing and have developed their own lives. My own professional and personal pursuits have changed and grown.

As I noticed frequently this past season, my children, family, and work schedule came at odds with the Nitros schedule. It resulted in a feeling of shortcoming, but also a realization of the time that has gone by, and that everything has a time and a season.

So, it is at this time I say thank you to the Dynamiters organization, and the KIJHL, for their support and encouragement. But it is now time for me to bid adieu.

This is Josh Lockhart, I'll see you (less frequently) at the Nitros games, signing off.

Story: Kimberley Dynamiters 2019 AGM

The Kimberley Dynamiters organization recently held their Annual General Meeting to nominate and elect new board members and committee chairs.

Prior to the nominations was the presidents and treasurer report.

Team President James Leroux was thrilled with the teams performance on and off the ice. He was pleased with head coach and general managers Derek Stuart's ability to continually build a competitive team, highlighting that this was supposed to be a "rebuilding" year.

Leroux is also anticipating another successful season for the Dynamiters in 2019-2020.

The Dynamiters Treasurer, Troy Pollock, reported an unaudited profit of $6,344.05 for the team this past season. It's a considerable improvement to last years loss of $15,846.19 (the loss was attributed to the cost of rebuilding the dressing room).

Pollock credits the success of the booster booth, concession, and an increase in season ticket holders for the teams financial success this season.

At the start of the nominations, it was announced that two board members: Al Rice, and Tasha Johnston, were not going to be returning next season.

During the nomination and elections, there was the addition of two new board members: Kim Leroux, and Tom Neale.

After the nomination and election period, the following is the Nitros board of directors:
President: James Leroux
Vice President: Mark Anderson, Glen Johnston
Past President: Vacant
Secretary: Karrie Hall
Treasurer: Troy Pollock
Directors at Large: Robyn Wardle, Jodi L'Heureux, Nancy Sebolsky, Kim Leroux, Tom Neale, Chad Koran, and Amber Anderson.

The following were elected as chairs of their committee:
Billet Coordinator: Jodi L'Heureux
Booster Booth: Amber Anderson
Ticket Booth: Mark Anderson
Game Night Event Coordinator: Robyn Wardle
Beer Booth: Nancy Sebolsky
Equipment: Chard Koran
Webcast: Troy Bobak
Social Media: Jodi L'Heureux and Melanie Holloway
Team Community Involvement: Derek Stuart
Fundraising: Jodi L'Heureux
50/50 Coordinators: Mark Anderson and Tom Neale
Season Ticket: Jodi L'Heurex and Kim Leroux
Security Coordinator: Kim Leroux

It was then emphasized to those in attendance that the team is always in need of volunteers in various capacities.

That concluded the Kimberley Dynamiters 2019 Annual General Meeting.

Story: Spencer Kennedy commits to Laronge Ice Wolves

A Dynamiter is moving on to the next level of junior hockey.

The Kimberley Dynamiters announced earlier this week that Spencer Kennedy committed to the Laronge Ice Wolves (SJHL) for the 2019-20 season.

"I'm pretty excited to get this opportunity," Kennedy said. "I hope I can make the most of it."

"Spencer had a great season with us and developed into a top player in our league." Nitros head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "We are very happy for him to be moving on to Junior A."

The Lethbridge, AB native is excited to be book-ending his home province as he moves from playing hockey in BC this past season to Saskatchewan next season.

"It's pretty cool that you get to experience different lifestyles. It will be different living in the trees of Kimberley to living in the farms in Saskatchewan. I'm excited for the new experience."

In 37 games this season with the Nitros, Kennedy scored 15 goals and 32 assists, adding 128 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, the 18 year old scored seven goals and three assists in 17 games while amassing 92 penalty minutes.

Reflecting on the season, Kennedy credits the teams work ethic for his success.

"With the team we had, everyone was pushing each other in practice to be better."

He also credited the playoff push, saying that the scouts tipping point for recruiting him happened during the KIJHL Finals against the Revelstoke Grizzlies.

As he leaves the organization, he was appreciative of the team, organization, and the community of Kimberley.

"It was one of the greatest years of hockey I have ever had."

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton

Podcast: Season Finale; Year in Review; Farewell to Skytt & Bamber

A Reflection of the Kimberley Dynamiters 2018/19 Season with HC/GM Derek Stuart

The Kimberley Dynamiters did an admirable job during the 2018-19 season as they defended their 2018 KIJHL title.

At the start of the season, there was a lot of questions. The camp was filled with new faces, as at the time of camp, there was only eight returning players: Derian Bamber, Brandt Bertoia, Lucas Chilton, Chase Gedny, Bryce McDonald, Brock Palmer, and Luke Recchi.

"We had a lot of question marks early in the year," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said reflecting on the season.

At the start of the season, assistant coach Jeff Keiver, said that fans could expect new faces, and "a younger team that is fast, likely with higher scoring games."

That's just what happened. The Nitros games had an average nine goals in them, this declined to six goals a game on average by the post season.

In September, the Nitros lost two out of eight games, then for the remainder of the regular season they only lost three more games in 41 games.

Stuart praised the team for gelling together quickly.

As the Dynamiters started to have success, they kept adding key players to bolster the lineup.

First was the surprise, but welcome return of Cam Russell.

"It was a huge boost. He's a really great all around player in every aspect of the game." Stuart said. "It gave us the McDowell, Russell, down the middle, one-two punch.

"It was pretty significant, and was definitely the first turning point."

Next the Dynamiters acquired depth down the middle, acquiring the Castlegar Rebels assistant captain, Brady Daniels. Daniels was apart of the Rebels amazing winstreak the previous season, and said when he was acquired that he could feel something special with the Nitros and their ability to string wins together.

Then the Nitros tangoed with their division opponent the Columbia Valley Rockies to acquire the Rockies captain Ryan Skytt. Then they added even more leadership by acquiring the captain of the Castlegar Rebels, defender Kole Halvorson.

"The guys we had were playing so good, we were in first place, top five in the league. The players forced us to make this a championship team.

"That's more than a coach could ever want, is for a team to force his hand like that."

In the mix of those trades the Nitros went on a massive 12-game winning streak, that came to a screeching halt at the hands of the Fernie Ghostriders.

The Nitros also lost one of their 20 year old players to injury. Bryce McDonald broke his leg and he made an incredible effort to score on a fast break.

Despite the heart-ache of losing a teammate, the Nitros found the motivation to string together another winning streak that would last several rounds into the playoffs.

"We really gelled," Stuart said, "after January 10th, and everyone knows they are here for sure, it is a huge relief, and they can just go have fun and play hockey.

"The guys had a lot of fun out there in practice and in a lot of the games.

"When you get guys that like playing with eachother and for eachother than it is really is to have fun if they are working hard and having success."

In the first round, the Dynamiters downed divisional opponent the Golden Rockets in four game. They would then sweep the Fernie Ghostriders to take the Eddie Mountain Division.

After winning the Eddie Mountain Division, Stuart said, "we are just expecting to win every game that we play."

It would take until Game Four of the Kootenay Conference Finals against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks for the Nitros to lose a game, winning an astounding 25 games in a row.

Sadly after that loss, the Nitros would only win two of their next six games.

One win would be good enough to become the Kootenay Conference Champions, and enter the KIJHL Finals for the fourth time in five years.

"To get there was a great testament to the guys and how hard they work.

"They worked extremely hard, and got themselves to the finals."

In the Finals, injuries would start to pile up, and the Nitros would only be able to muster one win as they faced an incredibly hot goalie. A goalie, for the record, that would lead the Revelstoke Grizzlies not just to being the KIJHL Champions, but also the Cyclone Taylor Cup.

Now that the season is done, the players have returned home.

It's too early to tell who is returning for next season, Stuart said, so for now he will be going to junior identification camps in Calgary and Edmonton.

Lastly, Stuart expressed gratitude for Nitro Nation, and the amazing fan support.

"On behalf of the team and fans, I'd like to thank the fans for another phenomenal year of support and loyalty.

"It's amazing everytime they come out. It's very loud in there, the boys love it, and it is one my biggest recruiting tools."

The Dynamiters will be holding their annual general meeting. It is a great opportunity for fans to see how they can be involved with the team.

MATCH STICKS: The Revelstoke Grizzlies won gold at the Cyclone Taylor Cup with a 5-1 win over the the Victoria Cougars (VIJHL).

Story: The Kimberley Dynamiters return home trailing the Revelstoke Grizzlies in the KIJHL Finals 3-1

Heading into Revelstoke the KIJHL Finals series was tied at one game each. Leaving Revelstoke, the Kimberley Dynamiters trail the Revelstoke Grizzlies 3-1 in the best of seven series.

Penalties early in the second stung the Nitros and they were not able to recover. Grizzlies Ethan Schaeffer scored on the power play. Shortly afterward the Grizzlies added two more goals by Ryan Pereverzoff and Ullar Wiatzka.

"We shot ourselves in the foot in the period by not sticking to our defensive zone system." Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "Two of their first three goals were scored from spots where we are supposed to have a guy.

"They are an opportunistic team, and made us pay for those mistakes. After that, it was an even game."

Stuart was even more frustrated with the three cross-checking penalties in a row called against his team.

"Two of the three were blatant dives by their players. I was warned before the series started from a coach in their conference that they dive a lot and we need to do a better job adjusting to it because they have the referee's completely fooled."

The second period was scoreless. The Dynamiters were playing without Brock Palmer and Captain Chase Gedny, and it seemed their presence was missed on the power play.

Stuart felt otherwise, "not having Palmer and Gedny in the lineup isn't an excuse." He then pointed out the opposition, "Revelstoke had their best forward and best defenceman out tonight, and their other top players were better than ours. Simple as that."

Then in the third, Nathan Bailer, who played 11 games for Kimberley to start the season before being traded to Revelstoke, scored back-to-back goals.

All of a sudden it was 5-0, and a repeat of Game Three.

The Grizzlies now have a strangle hold on the series, up three games to one, after back-to-back 5-0 victories in Revelstoke.

The series now returns to Kimberley for a decisive Game Five on Thursday at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

Stuart kept his answer simple for what the team needs to do in Game Five, "We need to score a goal."

That being said, the Nitros are looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd.

"We will definitely feed off the great fans that we have and hopefully play Nitros hockey like we have many times before at home."

Puck drop is 7pm.

Story: Kimberley Dynamiters shutout in Game Three of KIJHL Finals

It's fair to say that Game Three of the KIJHL Finals for the Kimberley Dynamiters against the Revelstoke Grizzlies did not go according to plan.

By the end of the first period, the Nitros were trailing the Grizzlies 2-0. Goals were by Grizzlies Brenden Vulcano and Raymond Speerbrecker.

"We had a good start until Palmer got hurt." Nitros head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "Then they scored on the power play on a terrible call on Cam Russell and that put us in a hole after 20 minutes."

In the second, the Nitros restricted the Grizzlies to one goal, scored by Matt Cadden. The Nitros, however, did outshoot the Grizz 17-5 in the middle period.

In the third, the Nitros edged out the Grizz in shots, 12-9; But the Grizzlies had two goals scored by Ryan Pereverzoff and former Nitro Nathan Bailer.

The Grizzlies won the game 5-0, and took a 2-1 series lead.

"After the first period we played great," Stuart said reflecting on the game. "Outshot them 29-14, and had way more scoring chances despite them having six power plays and us only having two."

Brett Anderson and Adam Andersen shared crease duties. This is the second game in a row where goalies were swapped. In Game Two the Grizzlies changed their goalies midway through the game.

This is also the first time the Nitros have been shutout all season.

"We had more than enough scoring chances to win." Stuart said confidently. "McGarva played great but we need to bear down on our chances."

Game Four is tonight. A win for the Nitros and the series becomes a best of three. A loss, and the Dynamiters will be facing elimination at home on Thursday.

For Stuart, he knows his team can and must play a 60-minute game, "We can’t have 14 minute lull like we did after Palmer got hurt.

"If we play the entire game like we did the last two periods I think we’ll get the result we want."

Faceoff is at 8PM tonight.

Story: The Kimberley Dynamiters and Revelstoke Grizzlies split Games One and Two

The Kimberley Dynamiters and Revelstoke Grizzlies split the opening weekend of the 2019 KIJHL Finals, a rematch of the 2018 KIJHL Finals.

Game One was played at the Kimberley Civic Centre in front of 1,524 fans.

The Nitros appeared to be in slow motion in the first period. The Grizzlies capitalized on that, and Cody Flann scored on the power play. silencing the large Nitros crowd.

The second period was scoreless.

In the third, the Grizzlies took a 2-0 lead with an early goal by Ryan Bedard. This was the first time in these playoffs that the Nitros trailed by two.

Keegan Mcdowell cut into the lead, giving the Nitros 14 minutes and 44 seconds to tie the game.

The Dynamiters couldn’t solve Liam McGarva, and the Grizzlies continue to remain undefeated on the road, now going 8-0.

"I really liked our second and third period. I didn't like our first period at all." Dynamiters head coach and general manager said. "That's three games in a row. It's probably about time that that's caught up to us and cost us a hockey game."

Grizzlies head coach and general manager Ryan Parent simply said, "We won." Then he added, "I feel [the game tonight] went well, on our end of it.

"It's one small piece. I don't read a lot into it, it is just one hockey game."

History doesn’t always predict the future, but, the last time the Nitros repeated a final appearance, they lost game one, and then eventually lost to the 100 Mile House Wranglers. Do keep in mind, that series was a 2-3-2 due to travel, instead of the typical 2-2-1-1-1.

This is the first time the Nitros have lost game one in a series since losing the 2017 Kootenay Conference Finals to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.

The last time that the Nitros lost game one and then won a series was in 2015. The Nitros lost the first game of the playoffs, game one round one to the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, and then went on to win the 2015 KIJHL Title.

The last time Revelstoke won a game one and then lost a series, was in 2017 against the Chase Heat.

Moving on to Game Two, 1,204 attended.

The Dynamiters have not lost back to back games all season, and it was not about to start in game two.

Ryan Skytt opened the scoring, in similar fashion to how they were scored against in game one. Early and on the power play.

Braiden Koran made it 2-nothing before the first period was complete.

The Dynamiters kept pressing. Erik Delaire made it 3-nothing on the power play. Then seconds later Neil Kingston made it 4-0.

When a team is having a bad game, you can’t pull the team, you can only pull the goalie. Liam McGarva, arguably the best goalie in the Okanagan Conference was pulled, and Noah Desouza entered the crease.

The Grizzlies did end Brett Andersons bid for a shutout as Raymond Speerbrecker scored on the power play.

The Grizzlies pulled their goalie, and controlled the play, but the Nitros held on and won 4-1.

"The start was the key," Stuart said, "we wanted to focus on. I thought that was our best first period probably since the Fernie series."

"I'm not happy with the result, obviously." Parent said. "We are going to have to take a good look at the game and dissect it."

The series now shifts to Revelstoke for Games Three and Four on Monday and Tuesday.

The series will return to Kimberley for Game Five on Thursday.

MATCH STICKS: You can hear the full interviews from games one and two, including player interviews on the Nitros Night in Kimberley Podcast at nitrosfan.blogspot.ca.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton.

Podcast: Game Two - KIJHL 2019 Finals

Podcast: Game One of the 2019 KIJHL Finals

Podcast: Kootenay Conference Champions! Series review against BV Nitehawks. KIJHL Finals Preview against Revelstoke Grizzlies

2019 KIJHL Finals: Kimberley Dynamiters vs Revelstoke Grizzlies; "It's like looking in a mirror"

When the Kimberley Dynamiters won the Kootenay Conference on Monday March 25, 2019; they didn't know who their opponent was going to be in the KIJHL Finals.

Now they do.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies. A rematch of the 2018 KIJHL Finals. The last time there was a rematch in the league finals was in 2003.

"We are elated to have the opportunity again." Grizzlies head coach and general manager Ryan Parent said. "Going back shows that Revelstoke is one of the perennial teams in the KI."

"This is the way it should be." Dynamiters head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "They were the best team in their conference, and we feel that we are the best team in our conference. The two best teams in the league are going at it."

For Dynamiters Stuart, though, he said, "it's like looking in a mirror," about playing the Grizzlies, and the many similarities between the two teams.

Both teams have eight veterans returning from last year.

The Grizzlies have: Bedard, Bodtker, Cadden, Flann, Irvine, McGarva, Pereverzoff, and Wiatzka.

"I'm a believer that you don't want to return everybody." Parent said. "We wanted to adjust some things from the year prior, we were able to do that."

The Dynamiters have: Andersen, Bamber, Bertoia, Chilton, Gedny, Palmer, Risdon, and Russell. The Dynamiters also have two rookies who were affiliates that dressed up in the finals: Koran, and Delaire.

"In terms of experience from last years final, there shouldn't be an advantage for either team, in my opinion." Stuart said.

Both teams current starters were backups last season. Andersen went 26-4-1 during the regular season posting a 1.84 GAA and .921 SV% while earning three shutouts. McGarva, posted a 2.01 GAA and .922 SV%, earning three shutouts and having a 27-4-0 record.

In the playoffs, Andersen is 9-1 with a 1.56 GAA, .943 SV% and two shutouts. McGarva has played a couple more games, but again, numbers are similar: 11-2, 1.89 GAA, .932 SV%, and two shutouts.

The rosters are also young. the Dynamiters have 11 rookies, while the Grizzlies have 12.

Both teams had 11 players with 30 or more points during the regular season. In the playoffs, both teams have six players with 10 or more points.

In the regular season, the two teams were separated by only three points in the standings. The Dynamiters with the edge, 88, to the Grizzlies 85.

During the regular season, the Dynamiters power play was second (25.43%), Grizzlies third (24.07%).  Grizzlies penalty kill was number one (92.11%), Nitros was a bit lower at fifth (86.35%).

In the playoffs, both the Grizz and Nitros are tied at 88.06% on the penalty kill. The Nitros have the slight edge on the power play 24.66% to 22.78%.

Even when you look at their playoff bracket, they are similar.

The Dynamiters swept their first two rounds against the Golden Rockets and Fernie Ghostriders. The Grizzlies swept their first two series against the Kamloops Storm and 100 Mile House Wranglers. The Nitros needed five games against Beaver Valley to advance to the league finals; the Grizz needed six to win their conference against the Kelowna Chiefs.

Anyway you look at it, these two teams are identical.

In the lone game the two teams have played against eachother. The Grizzlies won a nail-biter 3-2 at the Kimberley Civic Centre, the only game the Nitros have lost at home all season. However, that game was on October 13th, five months ago.

Stuart says that they will not be relying on that long ago one-game experience to prepare for this series. "So many things have changed. It doesn't mean anything heading into the series."

A difference between the two teams is travel. The furthest the Nitros have had to travel this post-season was 242 kilometers to Beaver Valley. For the Grizzlies, they had to go 406 kilometers to 100 Mile House.

"We are used to the travel." Parent said. "Travel for us is a norm."

Stuart didn't think that travel was going to be an impact. "We travel all year long. We will be going there a day early, it shouldn't have anything to do with it at all."

Going into this series, the Grizzlies are going to be relying on this years playoff push lessons, but also last years.

"We are taking a look at Kimberley, and I am sure they are taking a look at us." Parent said. "It's going to be a fantastic series all around.

"You are going to see two very good hockey clubs go head-to-head over the next nine days."

The Dynamiters are going to be watching a lot of video of the Grizzlies previous series against Kelowna.

"Our focus is going to be on us, but we will have to prepare for them," Stuart said, "because they are such a good hockey team."

The series starts Friday at the Kimberley Civic Centre at 7pm. Game two will be Saturday at 7pm. Tickets are available for purchase at 3pm both days.

Relive Brock Palmer's Triple OT Winner to Advance to KIJHL Finals

The Kimberley Dynamiters are the 2019 Kootenay Conference Champions

For the fourth time in the past five years, the Kimberley Dynamiters are the Kootenay Conference Champions.

"It's a good run this organization has going." Head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "Jerry Bancks started all of this, I am just trying my best to keep up and keep it going."

It took triple overtime for the Nitros to down the Beaver Valley Nitehawks and to advance to the KIJHL Finals. Nearly replicating last years double overtime win in game six against the Nelson Leafs.

This game though, felt like deja-vu.

The Beaver Valley Nitehawks opened the scoring. The only other time they opened the scoring was in game four, and they went on to win. Bradley Ross scored on the power play in game four, he did the same thing in game five.

To make matters worse, the Nitros did not get their first shot on net until there was 8:45 left in the first. They were doubled in shots 10-5.

The Nitehawks literally quieted the Nitros fanbase.

The 1,342 in attendance got more and more into the game as it progressed.

In the second, it was the Nitros turn to dominate a period. Outshooting the Nitehawks 18-4.

One of those shots was by Captain Chase Gedny, tying the game at one. The Civic Centre erupted to 110.8 decibels, louder than a helicopter.

Brock Palmer said about the noise level of the fans, "I think the noise makes it easier to focus. It gets you in the zone. When everyone is cheering, it is just so mesmerizing."

During the third, the Dynamiters took a one goal lead during a wacky play. The puck lofted over the Nitehawks stellar goalie, Noah Decottignies, hit the cross bar, landing the crease. A scrum ensued and Palmer poked the puck in. 2-1 Nitros.

Late in the third, penalties got the better of the Nitros. On a subsequent 5-on-3, the Nitehawks scored their second power play goal of the game.

With 5:40 left in the third, the game felt like overtime.

When the third ended, there was a short break and then a ten minute first overtime period. Resolved nothing.

During the full intermission, players and fans found ways to snack and be hydrated to keep their energy level up during the second overtime period.

The second overtime period was penalty-less. Fans were holding their breath with every Nitehawks chance, and waiting to celebrate when the Nitros had a chance.

Adam Andersen and Decottignies made it feel like this game was going to be a stale mate with their fantastic goaltending.

The second overtime ended without a winner.

Meanwhile, the Revelstoke Grizzlies won  5-1 against the Kelowna Chiefs. A game that started and ended during the Nitros and Nitehawks game.

Third overtime. Brock Palmer. All alone as his linemates were changing. Found a weak spot in the Nitehawks goalies armour, and won the game 51 seconds into the third overtime period!

"It was crazy. It was nuts." Palmer said. "All the fans in the building, it's such a great atmosphere."

The crowd erupted.

The Nitros celebrated.

Kootenay Conference Champions.

"To get to where we are now feels outstanding," Stuart said, "the guys have earned it every step of the way. They should be proud of themselves."

After the game, the two teams kept the hockey tradition and shook hands. The Dynamiters were also presented with the 2019 Kootenay Conference Champions banner. No one touched it.

Now the Nitros wait for the outcome of the Revelstoke and Kelowna series. Revelstoke leads the series 3-2.

If Kelowna wins, the KIJHL Finals start in Kelowna. If Revelstoke wins, the KIJHL finals start in Kimberley.

In either case, the Finals start Friday March 29.

For now, the Nitros will enjoy the feeling of the win as they take a day off.

MATCH STICKS: In a terrible turn of events for the Kelowna Chiefs, their team President and General Manager, Grant Sheridan, was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. He is currently in ICU at Kamloops hospital.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton

The Dynamiters split the games in Beaver Valley, return home with a 3-1 series lead.

The Kimberley Dynamiters headed into the weekend games in Beaver Valley relying heavily on their experience against the Fernie Ghostriders. While the Nitehawks were going to bring their 'A' game.

In game three in Fruitvale, the Dynamiters took a first period lead as Brock Palmer scored on a pass from Keegan McDowell.

The teams then went scoreless in the middle period.

In he third, the Nitehawks tied the game on the power play.

Twenty-two seconds later, McDowell scored his seventh of the playoffs on a pass from Palmer.

"We worked so hard to tie the game up," Nitehawks head coach and general manager Terry Jones said, "and then to give it up right away the next shift. That was tough."

Brett Anderson made 17 saves for the win. It was the Nitros 25th win in a row, going back into the regular season.

Game four belonged to the Nitehawks.

The Nitehawks opened the scoring on the power play.

"Getting the lead was important," Jones said. "It was nice to get up and get our offensive game going."

In the second period, the Nitehawks continued to pour it on, scoring two goals a mere 65 seconds apart to take a 3-0 lead.

The Nitros couldn't recover. For the first time since December 15, 2018; the Nitros pulled their goalie. Anderson replaced Andersen in net.

"We were not ready to go," Nitros head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "We didn't play our game.

"We like to think that if we are playing the way we can, we control the outcome of the game. We didn't do that."

Even when Neil Kingston scored on the power play, the Nitehawks had an answer.

The Nitros tried to fight their way back, launching 20 shots on net in the third to the Nitehawks four, but they couldn't score.

Stuart said, "when you only play 20 minutes of Dynamiters hockey, you don't deserve to win."

Goaltending was the key to the Nitehawks success in the game four win.

"[Decottingies] was simply outstanding in the third period," Jones said. "He made every save look easy, and was very composed."

The Nitehawks survived an elimination game forcing game five.

"We really battled," Jones said. "It was good to get the win."

Derian Bamber noted that it has been a while since the Nitros lost, "It's bound to happen, we are not perfect."

Now the series returns back to Kimberley on Monday at the Civic Centre.

"We approach it one game at time." Jones said about how his team will be getting ready for the game.

"Our guys know how to play, and they know what they need to do."

As for the Nitros, Bamber said, "We need to get back to our normal game. Get our confidence back. We need to forget about what happened last game. The only thing that matters is your next shift.

He added that the fan support has been key to their success.

"The support we get is unbelievable. Close to half the fans in Fruitvale were Nitros fans."

He is looking forward to the fan support for game five at home.

Tickets can be purchased as early as 3pm on Monday.

Some of our fans awaiting the game!!! pic.twitter.com/vuLKx57Fr9

— Kimberley Dynamiters (@nitroshockey) March 24, 2019

The Kimberley Dynamiters take a 2-0 series lead against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in the Kootenay Conference Finals

The Kootenay Conference Finals are underway between the Kimberley Dynamiters and Beaver Valley Nitehawks, and the Dynamiters couldn't have asked for a better start to the series.

The two teams last met on November 23, 2018; so they took a moment to get to know eachother.

Spencer Kennedy opened the scoring just after the ten minute mark of the first, scoring on the power play. Brady Daniels collected the assist.

In the middle period, Derian Bamber scored on a wrist shot, to make it 2-0. Daniels, picked up another assist.

In the third, captain Chase Gedny made it 3-0; and again, Daniels earned an assist.

"I felt that we got stronger as the game went along," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. "We got better and better.

"There were no passengers tonight, everyone stood out in different times."

Adam Andersen made 19 saves for his second shutout in a row, while Daniels was named the Home Star of the game.

"Just finding the right areas on the ice," Daniels said about his performance. "Putting the puck on net and good things are happening."

In game two, things did not go as smoothly for the Nitros.

While Daniels did open the scoring for the Nitros. The Dynamiters got themselves into penalty trouble, and the Nitehawks scored on back-to-back five-on-three power plays.

This was the second time in the playoffs that the Nitros trailed in a game, unfamiliar territory.

Cam Russell tied the game at two, to only have the Nitehawks restore their one goal lead moments later.

Now twice in one game the Nitros were trailing.

In the third, Kennedy was able to swat home a rebound to score on the power play tying the game at three.

Then on a breakout poke-check pass by Bamber, Keegan McDowell charged in and was able to tuck the puck in. Nitros up, 4-3.

"It was a team effort," McDowell said after the game about the game winning goal. "We just battled through, we knew we could get them."

The Dynamiters would survive the Nitehawks third period push. The Nitehawks pulled their goalie for a sixth skater, however, the Dynamiters had their own support: the fans.

"The fans were a huge boost to the guys, especially in the third period. They were a big reason we were able to comeback and win."

With the support of the fans, the Nitro's overcame adversity and held on to take a 2-0 series lead. Kennedy was named the Home Star of the Game, and Andersen made 28 saves.

"We might have gotten a little bit fortunate there," a bearded Stuart said after the game, "We will take it, not going to complain, it's 2-0, and that's all that really matters now."

Reflecting on the game, Nitehawks head coach and general manager Terry Jones said, "I thought we had a pretty good game," he said. "Unfortunately we turned the puck over three times in our zone, and three times it went in the net."

The series now shifts to Fruitvale where the Nitehawks have not lost at home this playoffs, that being said, the Nitros have yet to lose a game these playoffs, winning ten in a row.

"We haven't lost at home," Jones said. "We gotta bring our 'A' game and our 'A' effort, and that's what we are going to do. We are not going to lay down, we are going to come out and play our hardest, and get game three."

For Stuart, he too feels confident going into Fridays game, using the Fernie series as a measuring stick, "it's not going to be louder than Fernie, there won't be more people than in Fernie, it's not going to be any smaller of a rink than Fernie. We feel like we are prepared."

Puck drop is at 7PM in Fruitvale for game three and four, on Friday and Saturday.

Podcast: Ghostriders Series Review; Nitehawks Series Preview

Series Recap & Review: Kimberley Dynamiters sweep the Fernie Ghostriders

Our tale of the Kimberley Dynamiters Eddie Mountain Division Finals sweep begins on Thursday March 7 at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

GAME ONE
The game went as fans hoped, tightly contested.

It wasn't until the third that the scoring began. Home Star of the Game Keegan McDowell opened the scoring on the power play early in the third period.

Braiden Koran added the Nitros second goal just after the halfway point of the period.

In the closing Ghostriders Nikolas Sombrowski brought his team to within one.

Then Nitros February Player of the Month Brady Daniels scored an empty net to seal this game, 3-1.

Adam Andersen made 27 saves in the win.

GAME TWO
March 8th, in Kimberley.

The fans doubled, from 716 to 1434 for this Friday night tilt.

Keelan Saworski opened the scoring giving the Ghostriders the lead.

This is only the fifth time that the Nitros have been scored on first in 2019. However, four of those five first goals have been scored by Fernie.

"I don't think there is any correlation to Fernie getting the first goal on us," head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said after the two games. "It's obviously not translating in to wins for them, it's not too concerning on our end."

As the first period wound down, Captain Chase Gedny scored on the power play to tie it at one.

In the middle frame, Neil Kingston scored the periods only goal. Nitros up 2-1.

In the third, the game was intense. Simon Bergsagel tied the game with just over twelve minutes left.

From then on the game felt like it was in overtime.

The first period of overtime, solved nothing.

In the second overtime period, Andersen made a fantastic 2-on-1 save to prevent the Ghostriders from winning, and the fans erupted in praising him for the save.

"I saw the two on one shape up," Andersen recounted, "I was thinking 'shot' the whole way. I just threw everything I had to pushing across, threw my arm out, it worked out well."

"That was the coolest moment of my time playing hockey in my entire life."

Moments later, Koran finished off a rush play with the overtime winner.

Andersen made 28 saves in the teams 20th straight win, going back into the regular season.

"It's obviously what we wanted [having a 2-0 start], we are halfway there," Stuart said after the two games, "no body is thinking that it is over with, we have a lot of work to do still."

Stuart highlighted the impressive unheralded play of Mitch Fargey, "he has been our best defencemen in the playoffs thus far."

And also added "Cam Russell has been great this series, he's dominated a lot of the time he's on the ice."

GAME THREE
March 10th, in Fernie.

A raucus 910 showed up in Fernie.

"We knew what to expect going in there," Tyson Meier said.

The fans were quickly silenced be Spencer Kennedy, the Away Star of the Game. He scored two power play goals 1:36 apart.

Bergsagel got the Ghostriders back into the game late in the second period. To only have Brady Daniels score minutes later. After 40 minutes, Nitros were up 3-1.

Koran, scoring for the third game in a row, made it 4-1. Then Erik Delaire potted an empty net goal.

It was Brett Anderson's first game in Fernie, and he turned aside 29 of 30 shots.

"Brett was outstanding and gave us a chance to win," Stuart said. "He was a huge reason why we won game three."


GAME FOUR
March 11th, in Fernie.

The Ghostriders season on the line.

Cam Russell, wearing the 'C' in Gedny's absence, scored on a lucky play giving the Nitros a 1-0 lead.

Jackson Bohan scored on the power play in the second period for the Nitros second goal.

Ryan Skytt added the third goal, in the third period, on the power play.

Andersen made 26 saves for his first career KIJHL playoff shutout, and was named the Away Star of the Game.

"It feels really good knowing that our goaltending is hot in playoffs right now," Meier said, "and our defense is doing really good too. Keeping it simple and keeping pucks out."

And that's how our tale ends, with the Nitros sweeping the 'Riders.

AFTER MATH
"We got better as the series went on," Stuart said reflecting on the series. "Our physicality and conditioning took over.

"Winning on the road is huge in the playoffs."

One key aspect to the Dynamiters success was their defensive play, they limited the Ghostriders top three scorers (Tyler Witzke, Brandon Nemes, and Kyle Ford) to a combined three assists.

Stuart also added that the penalty kill, which did not allow a single goal the whole series, was another key contributing factor to the series sweep.

It's the first time in recent history that the Dynamiters have swept rounds one and two in the KIJHL playoffs.

"We are just expecting to win every game that we play," Stuart said.

They have also won 22 in a row going back to the regular season.

Also, it is the fifth season in a row that the Nitros have advanced to the Kootenay Conference Finals.

With the series now complete, the Nitros wait for the winner of the Nelson Leafs and Beaver Valley Nitehawks series.

"We are going to do our best to take care of our bodies, and prepare for the next series," Meier said, "And keep our habits good."

The Kootenay Conference Finals are anticipated to start Tuesday March 19 in Kimberley.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton after Nitros 3-2 OT win in Game Two.

Highlight: Game winning save by Andersen and GWG by Koran

Story: Update on Kidney Cancer Canada Fundraiser: $17,099 raised

Cliff Boychuk, a Kimberley resident diagnosed with kidney cancer, coordinated the Kidney Cancer Canada fundraiser with the Kimberley Dynamiters this past fall.

The fundraiser was in honour of Norma Ennis, a long-time Kimberley resident and Dynamiters fan, who died from kidney cancer in 2009.

As part of the fundraiser, the Dynamiters wore green kidney cancer jerseys that were then auctioned off. While wearing the jersey's the Nitros went undefeated.

Boychuk provided the following update and information regarding the conclusion of the fundraiser.

He announced in the letter: "The final amount donated to Kidney Cancer Canada Research Fund was $17,099"

The goal for the fundraiser was $10,000.

He then went on to say, "Kidney Cancer Canada and the Kimberley Dynamiters would like to thank the 29 people and businesses who each donated $200 to purchase the special Jersey’s which were worn for the month of November at home and away games.

"Thanks to the 29 generous buyers of the Game Worn Jerseys. The Kimberley Dynamiters went undefeated while wearing the Unique Green Kidney Cancer Logo Jerseys for five home and two away games during the month of November 2018."

Boychuk then expressed his gratitude,

"[Special thanks to the] Kimberley Dynamiters Junior Hockey team Board of Directors, Coaches and Players for their remarkable effort and co-operation during the fundraiser.

"Al Rice with his team of volunteer cooks and servers for arranging and hosting a fantastic Chicken, Ribs, Pulled Pork Sandwich Barbecue with salads at the silent auction. Preparing and barbequing the meat.

"R. Remington for driving from Calgary in winter conditions with his special barbecue trailer and then supervised the Barbeque and clean up before driving home.

"Calgary Flames for Team Autographed Jersey donation.

"Special Guest Al Coates former Calgary Flames GM for his donation of a Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames autographed Jersey, a Las Vegas Knights Marc Andre Fleury autographed Goalie Stick and a team autographed Montreal Alouettes Football.

"Jo-Anne Eckersley for the donation of the vintage Mark Messier Autographed Jersey and Photo.

"Josh Lockhart for providing coverage in his news articles and for his internet bidding support."

And last but not least, "all the people who donated to the cause in kind at the arena and online."

Boychuk ended the letter with the reminder that the fundraiser was in honour of Ennis.

For Boychuk, he was diagnosed five years ago with kidney cancer, and was given the prognosis of five years. He continues his fight, and can be found cheering on the Nitros at home games.

Personally, I want to say thank you to Cliff for letting me be involved in his awesome fundraiser. It was truly inspirational to be involved with such a motivated and passionate individual. We shall forever be Blackberry Passport fans forever!

Podcast: Nitros Sweep Golden Rockets; Division Awards; Prepare for Ghostriders

Story: The Dynamiters advance to round two after sweeping the Golden Rockets

The Kimberley Dynamiters finished out the Eddie Mountain Division Semi-Finals by outscoring the Golden Rockets 11-2 over two games.

Friday in Golden was the first playoff game in Golden in four seasons.

The Dynamiters scored five goals in a row before the Rockets responded in the third period.

Spencer Kennedy, a healthy scratch in game two on Wednesday, led the offensive charge, netting a hattrick before the completion of the second period.

"It was good to get back in the lineup, and help the team." Kennedy said. "Just do my best to help contribute. I got lucky with my goals, my linemates helped me out.

"I just need to be more consistent. I think I had a good response to being a healthy scratch."

Braiden Koran and Brady Daniels scored the Nitros first and fourth goals, respectively.

After the Rockets tally, Ryan Skytt would add the Nitros sixth goal on the power play. The Nitros third power play goal of the game.

By the end of the game, the Nitros had 16 power play opportunities to the Rockets 10, in a penalty filled game.

Brett Anderson made his KIJHL Playoff debut, making 20 saves, in the win.

Game four, a do or die game for the Rockets.

Jackson Bohan opened the scoring early in the first. This time, the Rockets had a response, as former Nitro Chad MciLwain tied the game at one.

After that, Keegan McDowell and the Nitros took over. McDowell scored two. Skytt made it 4-1.

Then Neil Kingston found the empty net for his first goal of the playoffs.

Adam Andersen made an astounding 41 saves as the Dynamiters swept the series.

Looking back at the series, Mitch Fargey said, "I think that as the series went on, the boys realized how important it was to play our game and consistently out work them."

For Nitros head coach and general manager Derek Stuart, he was pleased with how the eleven rookies have been performing, "They did great. There were obviously some times during the first two games where we might have been a little nervous.

"In Golden, I thought we played much better team hockey. It was good to see heading into the next round."

Kennedy added, "we went in and played our game. We used our size, we were good in the corners, we just executed good on plays, we used our speed."

Reflecting on the four game sweep, Stuart said, "I'm really happy with our team play in Golden, especially our team toughness... I thought all the guys played playoff hockey.

"I thought the first two games at home were a little lackluster in terms of energy and intensity. Those two games in Golden, those were true playoff games. I really liked how the guys played."

Shifting to the other series in the Eddie Mountain, the Fernie Ghostriders swept the Columbia Valley Rockies with an overtime win in their game four on Saturday night.

The Ghostriders and Dynamiters face off for the sixth year in a row in the playoffs. The last time the Ghostriders won a series against Kimberley was in 2012, and they needed seven games.

Unlike last year, when the Riders played really well in Kimberley, this year, the Riders have been a difficult opponent in their own barn. The Nitros have lost, tied, and won in overtime in Fernie.

"We have gotten better every time we have been there," Stuart said."I really like how we played the last two times we were there."

Overall in the regular season, the Nitros won the series 4-1-1, outscoring the 'Riders 17-11.

The fans are excited for this series to start, but so are the players.

"I'm excited. It's what the fans wants. It's what the players want. I'm looking forward to it."

"Fernie is our biggest rival," Fargey added, "So it will be a good battle and test for us."

According to Kennedy, there is one thing the Nitros need to do this series to overcome the 'Riders in Fernie: composure.

"Keep our heads, and keep consistent."

At this point in time, the schedule has not been released. The series will start in Kimberley, but could start as early as Thursday, or as late as Saturday; depending on ice availability in Fernie and Kimberley.

Lead photo by Robyn Wardle.

Match Sticks: Here is the recent history of the Kimberley vs Fernie series:
2018 first round, Nitros in 5
2017 first round, Nitros in 6
2016 first round, Nitros in 5
2015 second round, Nitros in 6
2014 first round, Nitros in 5
2013 - did not play eachother
2012 second round, Fernie in 7
2011 first round, Fernie in 4

Brock Palmer is the Eddie Mountain Division MVP and Top Scorer

Sitting third in KIJHL points, Brock Palmer was voted by the Eddie Mountain Division head coaches and general managers as the divisions Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player.

Palmer was succinct in how he felt about receiving the awards, "It feels great!"

In his second season with the Dynamiters, Palmer scored 27 goals and 54 assists in 47 games. Good enough for 81 points. He has a career total of 139 points, placing him 12th in Kimberley Dynamiters All-Time regular points, trailing Senate Patton by one point for 11th; and needing 11 points to surpass Leo Keefer to crack the top 10.

Palmer would need to post 75 points next season to surpass Jared Marchi (214 points) for the number one spot.

Until that point, Palmer is going to continue to be grateful for what brought him success this season, and continue it during the playoffs.

"I think the powerplay for sure had something to do with my success," He said. "Also Keegan and Gedny being able to score on my passes, made me look good.

"And I think being smart with the puck has led to almost all my success, so I have to make sure I am doing that all playoffs long."

In two playoff games so far, Palmer has one goal and six assists.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton

Keegan McDowell named the Eddie Mountain Division Top Rookie

Coaches and general managers from around the Eddie Mountain Division cast their ballots and Keegan McDowell was named the Top Rookie in the Eddie Mountain Division.

"Feels great to know the other coaches and general manager’s recognize the hard work I put in and how my teammates helped me achieve it," McDowell said about the award. "[I] couldn’t have done it without my teammates or coaches."

McDowell was third overall in the league among rookies for points. In 46 games he scored 33 goals and 25 assists. He was also named a game star in five games.

Looking to the playoffs, McDowell plans to keep his habits similar to how they have been in the regular season.

"I try not to change my routine or habits throughout the regular season to the playoffs," He said. "I’ve been through a long playoff run before so just got to keep the same routine and focus on myself and how I may contribute to the teams success."

It's apparent his routines continue to bring him individual and team success. Through his first two KIJHL playoff games he has already accumulated six points.

Adam Andersen named Eddie Mountain Division Top Goaltender

Adam Andersen was presented with the Top Goalie in the Eddie Mountain Division Award by Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Vice-President Kathy Merkl. The awarded is voted by coaches and general managers in the division.

"It feels great to be recognized and it means a lot to me but I can’t thank my teammates enough." Andersen said about receiving the award. "We have a very special group this year and they’ve allowed me to have a lot of individual success that would be very difficult to have without them."

Here are some of the success Andersen has had during the regular season, he had the second most wins (26), tied for fourth most shutouts (3), second best goals against average (1.84), and fourth best save percent (.920), amongst all KIJHL goaltenders.

Earlier in the season, Andersen was voted by various KIJHL media personnel as the top goaltender in the Kootenay Conference.

For Andersen when he reflected on the season, he was able to identify habits and routines that brought him individual success, a good chunk of his routine is mental.

"I don’t even think about the upcoming game at all until I get to the rink," he said. "By not thinking of the game at all I have a clear mind all day and I’m not able to overthink things and I don’t get too worked up,

"That has allowed me to be in a good frame of mind come game time which I think has helped me have success this year."

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton

The Kimberley Dynamiters take a 2-0 series lead as series shifts to Golden

The 2019 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) Playoffs have begun! The series between the Kimberley Dynamiters and Golden Rockets began Tuesday night.

The Nitros fed off the energy of the fans at the Civic Centre as Keegan McDowell scored his first two KIJHL playoff goals on his first shift of the game, with helpers from Brock Palmer.

The Dynamiters kept scoring in the first, with two more goals to make it a 4-0 game after 20 minutes. Plus outshooting the Rockets 12-6. Goals were by Brandt Bertoia and Ryan Skytt.

In the middle period, the Nitros fell flat, and the Rockets raised their game, and Kale Wareham scored the only game of the period.

In the third the Nitros returned. Braiden Koran got his first KIJHL playoff goal, and Chase Gedny closed out the scoring with the teams sixth goal.

Adam Andersen made 21 saves for his first KIJHL playoff win.

In game two on Wednesday, the Dynamiters started off with the same energy. This time it was Palmer scoring early.

Cam Russell made it 2-0 before the first period ended. The game felt very similar to Tuesday's game, and that the Nitros won the game in the first period.

Gedny credits the crowd for the teams quick starts, "the home crowd is awesome... it's pretty easy to be ready to go for that first puck drop."

But similar to the Tuesday game, the Nitros fell flat in the second. Former Nitro, Chad MciLwain brought the Rockets to within one. Then moments later Brendan Sime-Vivian tied the game at two. At the end of the second it was tied, and the Nitros were outshot in the period.

"Our second periods have not been good in this rink." Nitros head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said, but couldn't really explain why the team was struggling in the middle period.

Koran broke the tie in the third, and then Gedny followed it up with a power play goal, and the Nitros restored their two goal lead.

Only for a moment though.

Janson Pashniak drew the Rockets to within one. The remaining moments of the period were tense, and fans from both teams were chanting.

With 52 seconds left on the clock, and the Rockets net empty, Gedny sealed the Nitros victory with an empty net goal.

"The good thing is the score doesn't really matter to us right now," Stuart said. "We got the win, and that's the most important thing."

The Nitros now take a 2-0 series lead to Golden.

Despite being down in the series, Golden Rockets head coach and general manager Jeremy Blumes said "I am really proud of my guys." Adding that an overwhelming majority of his players have not played a KIJHL playoff game before.

"Obviously the first one did not go the way we wanted, but the second was a rocky start. We faced adversity and battled through it."

For Blume heading into the next two games in Golden, they are looking forward to playing their first playoff game in Golden in four years.

"I am expecting a heck of a turnout and a lot of energy in the building, I know I feed off of that, and I know our boys do to."

For Dynamiters Captain, Gedny wants to see some more effort in the second period, "our starts have been awesome, and our third periods have been great. We just got to clean up the middle part of the game."

With fatigue being a concern for Stuart, he wants his team to rest - they have played four games in six nights, overlapping with that the first four games of this series are in five nights.

"We have to play one shift at a time."

The games on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30.

Lead photo by Jonathan Righton

Kimberley Dynamiters finish regular season on 14-game win streak; Prepare for playoffs

The Kimberley Dynamiters rounded out their regular season this past weekend as they prepared for the start of the playoffs.

On Friday, the Nitros traveled to Creston to play the Thunder Cats. The Cats were ready for this game, the Nitros were not.

Even though the Nitros escaped the first with a 2-1 lead, they were out played and out shot. Goals were by Chase Gedny and Daniels.

In the second, the Cats tied the game.

The Cats then took the lead in the third period with 14:10 remaining.

Just when it seemed like the Nitros win streak would come to an end, Daniels scored his 2nd of the game with 2:22 left in the third.

In overtime, the game continued to be Brady Daniels. With the faceoff in the offensive zone, he won the draw to the right to setup Brandt Bertoia for the overtime game winner!

Adam Andersen made 22 saves for his 26th win of the season.

After the game head coach and general manager Derek Stuart felt that the team only played 23 minutes, but that the still earned the win.

The win tied the team with their franchise best point record. During the 2015-16 season, the Nitros posted 86 points.

On Saturday, the Dynamiters had a chance to set a new record, in three less games than the 2015-16 season, against the Golden Rockets.

Gedny opened the scoring, with the first periods lone goal.

Six goals rained during the second period, four for the Nitros, two for the Golden Rockets. Gedny, Spencer Kennedy, Ryan Bennett, and Keegan McDowell scored for the Nitros, while the Rockets captain scored two goals.

In the third, the Rockets captain, Dominic Turner, finished his hattrick.

But Derian Bamber sealed the game with an empty net goal for the 6-3 win.

Brett Anderson stopped 21 pucks in his 17th win of the season.

The win set a franchise record 88 points in a regular season, plus the Nitros finished the regular season on a 14-game win streak.

The Nitros now get ready for the playoffs, as they will host the Golden Rockets Tuesday and Wednesday, before heading to Golden on Friday and Saturday.

In the six regular season meetings between the Rockets and Dynamiters, the Nitros won all six games, and outscored the Rockets 35-9.

Turner leads the Rockets offence, and was third in the league for goals scored with 38 in 43 games. On the backend, the Rockets rely on Jaden Callan (47 games, 28 points) and Terrell Vekved (37 games, 14 points), while Ryan Baker has carried the bulk of the workload, appearing in 35 games, going 16-14 and posting a 3.16 GAA.

Puck drop is 7pm at the Kimberley Civic Centre.

MATCH STICKS: The Fernie Ghostriders went 4-0-2 against the Columbia Valley Rockies. The Nelson Leafs won their season series against the Spokane Braves 4-2. The Grand Forks Border Bruins and Beaver Valley Nitehawks split their series, each winning three games. The Princeton Posse and Summerland split their series, three games a piece. The Kelowna Chiefs won all six of their games against the Osoyoos Coyotes. The Revelstoke Grizzlies blanked the Kamloops Storm 6-0 in their season series. The 100 Mile House Wranglers edged out their season series against the Sicamous Eagles 3-2-1.

Lead Photo By Jonathan Righton of the Therapeutic Paws of Canada.

Podcast: Season Review with Eric Blow; Weekend Review; Preparing for Playoffs; Bloggers Blurb

KIJHL Power Rankings: February 2019 & KIJHL Final Predictions

As we head into the last weekend of the KIJHL regular season, it seemed like a great opportunity to do the power rankings.

The Power Rankings looks at how a team is doing offensively, defensively, effectiveness on special teams, and goaltending. It then ranks those categories and compares them to the standings. The difference between he ranking and the standings shows (when positive) that a team is playing better than their record suggests, or (when negative) that a team is finding ways to win even despite their statistical execution.

A couple of highlights:

• Revelstoke Grizzlies are power ranked #1, which is two spots higher than their place in the standings.
• Which this means they are, in my opinion, the statistical favourite, to win the league.
• Osoyoos Coyotes, #13 and in the standings they are 16th, which is a difference of +3. The Princeton Posse are #16, in the standings 15th, for a difference of -1.
• Again, in my opinion, a 4th seed, in this case, is performing better than the 3rd seed. 
• See Also: Golden Rockets and Columbia Valley Rockies

Playoff Final Prediction:

Revelstoke Grizzlies vs Kimberley Dynamiters. With Grizzlies winning.

Before we get to the rankings, a quick word on eye-test (emotional) and stats (rational). Power Rankings are purely the statistical/rational side of analysis and our brain, and doesn't take into account the eye-test or emotional side of analyzing and our brain. So while I present the statistical outcome, it doesn't take into account the "human" factor, that emotions could end up driving a team and creating upsets. Also, if I went with the emotional side and relied just on my heart, I'd have Kimberley winning the finals, and number one in every category.

Now to the KIJHL Power Rankings (click to enlarge):

Podcast: It's All Rockets. Rockets Game Review and Preview. Plus meet Rockets PxP Lucas!

Kimberley Dynamiters 2018/19 Awards Banquet

The Kimberley Dynamiters held their annual Award Banquet on Sunday February 17th at the Kimberley Conference and Athletic Training Centre.

After a delicious meal and speeches, the Dynamiters Board of Directors and coaching staff brought out the hardware.

Here are this years awards winners:

Most Scholastic: Braiden Koran

Sponsored by: High Point Plumbing & Heating

Most Improved: Carter Spring

Sponsored by: Players Bench

Most Sportsmanlike: Brandt Bertoia

Sponsored by: Western Financial Group

Most Popular Player (As voted by fans): Brock Palmer

Sponsored by: The Sullivan Pub

Community Service Award: Noah Danforth

Sponsored by: BDO

Most Quotable: Brandt Bertoia

Sponsored by: Nitros Night in Kimberley

Unsung Hero: Ryan Bennett

Sponsored by: Coaches

Most Inspirational: Chase Gedny

Sponsored by: Chalet Chev Olds

Rookie of the Year: Keegan McDowell

Sponsored by: Grubstake Pizza

Best Defenseman: Lucas Chilton

Sponsored by: Mark Creek Market

Best Forward: Cam Russell

Sponsored by: Zen Mountain Float & Wellness

Coaches Award: Adam Andersen

Sponsored by: Coaches

Leading Scorer: Brock Palmer

Sponsored by: Remax/Caldwell Agencies

Most Valuable Player: Brock Palmer

Sponsored by: Melody Motors

20 Year Old Recognition: 

Brandt Bertoia, Derian Bamber, Ryan Skytt, Kole Halvorson

Photos by Tasha Johnston & Hollie Bobak