Jonny Calkins threads the needle to linemate Shayne Neigum during Friday’s exhibition tilt against the Luseland Mallards in Kindersley.

Kevin McBain
of The Clarion

The Kindersley Red Lions hosted the Luseland Mallards Friday in what looks to be there only exhibition match prior to hosting Wilkie in the season and home opener Nov. 3.

The Red Lions proved to be too strong for the shorthanded Mallards, winning by a score of 12-2.

Coach Wayne Samson says the guys did well but there’s a lot of work to do before the Senior A team opens its Sask West Hockey League season.

“We have work to do,” he said. “You can’t argue too much, considering the score, but there are a lot of the little things that we have to work on.

“Basically the guys were freestyling it and they did well. We didn’t have too much for strategy considering we’ve only been on the ice twice,” he added.

Samson says that he is definitely excited for the season after watching the talent he has to work with Friday.

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“We have some great talent,” he said. “We have a great first line in Neigum, Calkins and Jesse Ismond, but we also have a great second and third line as well, they will be hard to beat.

“Our defensive pairing are solid as well as our goaltending. I’m excited.”

Starting in net for the Red Lions was Luke Sproule, who played for a period and a half before Craig Vogel came in to take over the crease. Both goaltenders only let one goal in.

Scoring for the Klippers was DJay McGrath with four goals; Jesse Ismond with three; Mike MacDiarmid; Jon Haughn; Jonny Calkins; J.D. Knutson; and Shayne Neigum.

Samson said they will be working hard in the next couple of weeks in preparation for the season opener.

“This week we will be working on some team chemistry and run a few breakout plays. Next week, we will be working on our specialty teams,” he said. “We are going to put in some extra work to get ready for Wilkie. They are a very good line, but I think we can pull out a win, which would be a great start for us.”

Notes

• The season and home opener for the Red Lions is on Nov. 3 against the defending league champion Wilkie Outlaws. The puck will drop at 8:30 p.m. at the Co-op arena.
It is also fan appreciation night. There will be a happy hour from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. with free wings and ribs sponsored by Fouillard Floors and More. There is also a $1,000 guaranteed 50/50 sponsored by Edge Realty and a $10,000 shootout sponsored by Ripper Well Servicing Ltd.

• Close to $1,400 was raised between gate admissions and the 50/50 for the Big Dippers pool fundraising committee.

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