Catching up with the Klippers

SOME NEW FACES AND A BIG W
After struggling to find their scoring touch opening weekend vs Battleford, the Klippers got that monkey (gorilla) off their backs in week two action scoring nine times over the two game stretch.

Wednesday night’s contest versus the Humboldt Broncos carried within it a consistent theme as the Klippers couldn’t hold a lead for more than a minute after scoring. In the second period Nik Malenica scored at the 15:17 minute mark only to have the Broncos respond with one of their own :57 seconds later. Fast forward to the third period at the 8:31 minute mark the Klippers take the lead on a goal from Tanner Thompson; but guess what… :12 seconds later Derek Patter catches the Klippers revelling in their brief ecstasy and pots one to level the score again!

The Broncos game-winner came off the stick of Quinn Schneidmiller with a little more than 8 minutes remaining in the third period.

The Klippers were backstopped by Kindersley born netminder Justen Close who faced 22 shots on the night.

Conner Lukan and Tristen Elder left their fingerprints all over the winning effort for the Broncos as they had 2 points apiece on the night.

Offensive Explosion vs Bruins

Seems like Wednesday’s taste of putting the puck in the net only served to tease the appetite of an improved offensive club as the Klippers broke out in a big way Friday night in front of a receptive Goose Fest infused crowd at the WEC en-route to an impressive win over last season’s conference Champions Estevan Bruins.

The Klippers got on the board early and often jumping out to a commanding 6-2 lead on goals from Hodgson (2) van der Sloot (first SJHL goal) Malenica, Derynck, and Thompson. The four goal deficit did not dampen the Bruins’ efforts however as they fought back and made it a 1-goal game late in the third period when Hayden Guilderson netted his second of the game with 1:46 to play. Malenica capped off the scoring with an empty netter seconds before the final horn sounded.

The win was the first for recently acquired goaltender Liam McCloskey, a 98 born player who came to Kindersley from the Victoria Cougars organization.

Hodgson and Thompson both contributed 3 points with Malenica adding 2 points in the win.

The Klippers next game action comes in Saskatoon playing Weyburn on Monday and Nipawin Wednesday in the annual SJHL Showcase.

Hey, Who’s the New Guy?

McCloskey wasn’t the only new Klipper making his presence known in this past week’s action, let’s take a look at some Klippers additions since camp opened.

#9-Eddie May: Comes to the Klippers after playing 38 games in the Alberta Junior Hockey league with the Calgary Canucks and Camrose Kodiaks. Eddie is a 98 born winger who plays hard and will bring a high pace of play to the Klippers lineup.

#10-Austin Nault: Born in Winnipeg, MB Austin has spent the previous three seasons in the States playing with the Omaha Lancers NAPHL organization. Austin is a 99 born winger.

#22- Devon Cyr: Devon is a rookie to the SJHL but comes with 2 games playing experience with the Bonneville Pontiacs of the AJHL. Devon is a 99 born athlete and brings with him a gritty style of play that will be valuable in Klippers penalty kill situations.

#25-Will van der Sloot: A 99 born forward from Medicine Hat, AB Will brings a nice mix of skill to the lineup. Will was brought in from the Drumheller Dragons organization after coming up through the Edge School system.

#3-Brett Pekar: A 99 born defenseman, Brett joins the Klippers as a rookie following a nice midget career with the MLAC Maple Leafs. Brett is a good skating, puck moving defenseman who figures to fit in well with a new look Klippers D corps.

#12-Brock Shwaluk: A 98 born D-man, Brock joins the Klippers after playing 79 games in the Manitoba Junior league with the Winnipeg Blues. Brock is a big, strong defender who is tough to play against at 6’1″ and 215 pounds. Brock jumped right into game action after his late acquisition from the Blues for a Player Development Fee.

#15-Noah Turanski: A 6’6″ giant of a D-man; Noah comes to Kindersley after competing in 151 career games in the BCHL with the Coquitlam Express. Noah is a 98 born athlete.

Billy Girard- A 99 born Goaltender from Boca Raton, Florida. Billy previously played for the Selects Hockey Academy of the USPHL.

Liam McCloskey- A 98 born Goaltender from Pitt Meadows, BC. Liam comes to Kindersley with 38 games experience in the BCHL and 11 games in the AJHL.