It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
That seems to be how the Kindersley Klippers exhibition games have gone. They have played well but not achieved the success they desired. However, this IS just pre-season we are talking about. This is the time that the players the coaches have chosen to wear the blue and green this 2023 – 2024 season are put to the test to see what they are made of, how they interact with the returning players and also how they match up against more seasoned players on the other teams.
There have been a few stand-outs and some new signings. Zakery Anderson has been a bright star, as well as the Perlinger brothers, Cobe and Cam, who along with David Lebel and Nolan Smith are playing almost at the veteran level.
The Wednesday night tilt at home against the reigning SJHL champion Battleford Northstars was indeed a barnburner. Although the visitors won by a score of 3 to 2 (plus an empty netter), our guys played like champs and made it close to the end. Battleford certainly plays a disciplined game and that showed in their positional play as they always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. That being said, the Klippers showed intestinal fortitude as they never gave up and played hard until the end.
In this reporter’s humble opinion, Coach Jardine has some hard choices to make in who stays and plays, and these past couple of games was a good indicator to their play. All the players have been giving their heart and soul to this wonderful, crazy game called hockey.
These 2 teams start the regular season in Battleford next week Friday the 22nd and the return match here on Saturday the 23rd. This is shaping up to be a very exciting team to watch and with new seats being installed in the WCEC in early October, you won’t freeze your butt on the wooden bench. Ah. It’s the small things in life!
By Kevin Martin
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