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