Highlights of Nitro's OT win over Columbia Valley

Nitro's win 5-4 in OT over Columbia Valley

It was just 10 days ago that these two teams last faced off against each other at the civic centre, and this game was a wild one.

The Rockies jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period. Their three power plays in the first probably helped. The Rockies didn't have a penalty called against them until the third period. Despite Sibbald and Perpelitz taking obvious high sticks to the face. Of course the Nitro's scored on their only power play of the game in the third to add to their already unanswered three goals during the second. I barely caught the PP goal on video:

The Rockies took advantage of checking Nitros players into the players bench doors, as they gave way. Which led to the Rockies tying the game, scoring two goals within a minute of each other, tying the game 4-4

Overtime is always anxious, as the "next goal wins." But as I have learned by watching the Nitro's at home this year, you can never rule them out of tight games. They have won games in the final minute and have frequently come from behind to win the home game. So is it any surprise that this was the result:

And who says winning a fight isn't motivating for a team? Kinnon dropped the gloves with just over a minute remaining in the first, and the Nitro's responded with 4 goals.

My favourite line during the game was: Dartnall, Wolf and Revie. Even though the lineup did not produce a goal together, they physically wore down the Rockies, continually hitting them and getting under their skin.

Nitro's Player of the Game: Jason Richter, he completely undressed the Columbia Valley defenseman before tucking his backhand shot in. It was unreal, and deflating for the Rockies.

Check on the full boxscore on the KIJHL website, and if you missed the game you can always purchase a replay of the game.

Nitro's lose 4-1 on the road to the Rockies

The Nitro's were handed their worst lost of the season while visiting Columbia Valley. And apparently no one showed up for the game, according to the boxscore. But my ticket indicated there was just over 125 people there.

I knew this game wasn't going to go well from the moment I got there. And here are my reasons:

• I was almost not allowed into the game despite having a league pass. I was then asked if the name on the card, W. W. Ohlhausen, was me. Mr. Ohlhausen is the league president. So of course I said no. And then I was lectured about how Invermere season passes don't work in Kimberley. Which I agreed. Any how. It was messy and awkward. Hopefully next time I cover an away game this won't happen. So this didn't bode well.
• Ironically the league president WAS in attendance at the game (could you imagine if I said yes to the earlier question?). And usually when the president of any organization watches, nothing goes according to plan.
• When you are tops in the division, and playing on the road, the home team usually brings their 'A' game. Which Rockies goalie, Justin Miller, did. He stopped 43 of 44 shots.
• More fans were watching and interested the CFL game on the TV then the actual game in front of them.
• And lady luck was not on the Nitro's side. No bounces went their way.

I think their is a current conspiracy at work. The Nitro's had a very efficient power play. However, the past couple of games they have gotten 8+ power play chances in each. There is a point where it just becomes ridiculous, and seems that the officials are trying to bring down the power play efficiency. "Let's call a penalty with barely any time left in the period so that they get less time on the attack." "If we call a penalty now when the Nitro's were just hacked at, then they will be hurt." "During the face-off, guide it towards the Rockies."

Anyway, enough of my ranting. Nitro's Player of the Game was Darren Martin, the captain. Each of his point shots had effort behind them, including his power play goal.

Here is a vid of one the power which will highlight the unlucky bounces, and then some pictures from their compressed arena.

Remember to check out the full boxscore.

Highlights of Nitro's 3-1 win over Columbia Valley

Nitro's remain undefeated at home with 3-1 win over Rockies

About 440 fans showed up for the Nitro's mid-week game against the Rockies. The fans were not disappointed as the Nitro's jumped to an early 1-0 lead with Shubert's goal.

During the second the Nitro's skated laps around the Rockies, as their four shots (their total for the first period as well) came late in the second.

I was able to catch the Nitro's PP goal on video:

While Sibbald did have two assists, and his speed down the ice led to the third goal of the game. The Dynamiters Player of the Game (again for me) was recently acquired Alex Dartnall. His 6'2" self was a force to be reckoned with, his physical play dominated his shifts which allowed him to stuff in the third goal of the game.

The view from behind the bench

 

2nd Intermission. Preview of the upcoming figure skating tournament in Kimberley

You can check out more photos from the game by Jon Righton. The full boxscore is available on the KIJHL website.

Nitro's start three game weekend with tie to Rockies

Tyson Brouwer stopped 36 of 38 shots during 70 minutes of play to lead the Nitro's to a 2-2 tie with the Columbia Valley Rockies for his first game of the year (and with the Nitros). Easily making him the player of the game.

The game would have been 2-0 for the Nitros if:

• Columbia Valley had passed, because both goals were lone rangers.
• they didn't set Columbia Valley up so nicely

And just two other random musings:

1. If a player knocks over the official, like Columbia Valley did to the linesman (or in this case lines-person), there should be consequences.
2. I enjoy the double overtime to determine a winner. Playing 4-on-4 and then 3-on-3 to get a result is much more entertaining than a shootout. And if the teams skate to a tie after this, then it should be a tie.

Remember to go to the KIJHL website for the boxscore and for the webcast archive (when available).

Eddie Mountain Division Predictions

So here are my 2013-14 Eddie Mountain Division predictions:

In last place is: Fernie Ghostriders, because when you are ghosts and your bus is from hell, things don't bode well.
In fourth is: Columbia Valley Rockies, because they went winless against the Nitro's in pre-season play.
In third is Creston Thunder Cats. Well, just because it is Creston.
In second is Golden Rockets, just so we can ignite last years rivalry between our two clubs in the playoffs.
And in first: is the Kimberley Dynamiters. Duh!

Go Nitros Go!

Nitros tie Columbia Valley 3-3 in first pre-season game

It was the first exhibition game of the year for the Nitros and they skated to a 3-3 tie with Columbia Valley. But it looked like it could have been worse given the boys performance in the first period.

The Nitros were down 1-0 after 20 minutes and seemed to be out of sync. They were being skated around. My kids even noticed that I was getting upset about the poor clearing attempts, passes that were off, and play that was overall: sloppy.

And then after a scoreless 2nd and careless penalties, Columbia Valley went up 2-0. Then I started telling myself that it was only an exhibition game and that it shouldn't be taken to seriously. And then it was 2-1, 2-2 ....and 3-2 Nitros lead! And I started taking this exhibition game seriously.

Unfortunately in the final minute of play while on the power play in our own zone. The defenceman went to clear the puck out of the zone to go on the offensive, but his stick broke, the unlucky break, and then the game was tied.

It was an excellent showing, and has me excited for the season opener on September 14!

My kids love going to the game, because everyone from the opposing teams back-up players, to security all love to see my kids so excited about hockey. So much so, that the "Zee-boni" driver (as my kids say) came up and gave each of my kids a puck. Making it even more memorable.

I don't know if anyone else noticed, but the score clock is different this year. It doesn't just say "home" and "away" it is digital and says "Nitros"!

Dynamiters vs Columbia Valley Rockies

Dynamiters vs Columbia Valley Rockies