Cam Shorrock carries the puck around the North Stars net during the first period of Saturday’s game.
Kevin McBain
of The Clarion
The pre-season is over and the Jr. Klippers open their 25th anniversary season on Friday as they entertain the Battlefords North Stars.
Coach Geoff Grimwood hopes fans get behind the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team.
“We are celebrating our 25th anniversary and we hope that everyone can forget about the good weather and come on out to support the team,” he said.
The evening kicks off with a tailgate party at 6:30 p.m., with live music by the high school band Western Zephyr, followed by the puck drop at 7:30 p.m.
The Klippers travel to the Battlefords for the return matchup on Saturday. These will be their first of 10 games the two teams will play against each other this season.
The Klippers will also host Humboldt next Wednesday, Estevan on Friday and Weyburn on Sept. 25.
The Klippers played three pre-season games, going 1-2.
They lost 4-1 on Thursday to Notre Dame in a game hosted by the Ochawopace Nation.
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They dropped their second game 7-1 in the Battlefords on Friday, but made a nice comebackon Saturday, winning 5-3 at home in what turned out to be a penalty-filled affair.
In Thursday’s game, Jordan Funk scored the lone goal for the Klippers and Justen Close played the full 60 minutes in net for the squad.
In Friday’s loss, Nick Malencia was the only goal scorer for the green and white, while Vince Benedetto played the full 60 minutes in net.
On Saturday, a total of 102 minutes of penalties were called on both teams. The Klippers scored three power play goals on nine chances and the Battlefords scored all three of their goals on the power play, with seven chances being afforded to them.
Close earned the win in net, stopping 24 shots.
Scoring for the Klippers were Funk and Cody Hodgson, both with two goals, and Tanner Thompson.
Grimwood said things went well on the weekend and he was able to get a good look at his players.
“Of course, we’re always trying to win, but more or less you just want to take a good look at your players,” he said, adding that he likes what he sees.
“All in all we’re pretty happy. I really like our balance and depth. I don’t really think we have any superstars, but we have a very solid 23 players to fill our roster that will allow us to compete hard,” he added. “I think the depth of this team is the best since I began coaching here.”
A couple of young players stood out for him.
They include rookie forward Devon Cyr (born in 1999), who played midget AAA with Fort Saskatchewan last season.
“He is a smaller guy, but he’s really fast and works hard,” said Grimwood. “He is going to be a fan favourite.”
The other player who stood out was Medicine Hat’s Will Van Der Sloot (1999), the younger brother of Matt, who played in Kindersley a few years ago.
As for the results of the games …
“We didn’t necessarily dress our best lineup during the pre-season,” he said. “But Battleford is the class of the league and they have set the bar high that we are getting closer to reaching. They are a heavy, heavy favourite again. We’re not in an easy division with them and Notre Dame.”
Grimwood says, as of Monday, they were still tinkering with the lineup for Friday’s game and encouraged fans to check out the website Wednesday or Thursday to see the final roster.
Captains
This year’s captain is Cole Plotnikoff. His assistants are Jordan Funk, Cody Hodgson, Curtis Peck and Tanner Thompson.
Goaltenders
As of Monday, Grimwood said the only confirmed goaltender is local Justen Close. Vince Benedetto played all 60 minutes in the loss Friday. On Saturday, Close was backed up by Bill Girard.
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© Kindersley Clarion
