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