Klippers VS Notre Dame Hounds
Well, it certainly was an entertaining evening at the WCEC open Friday night. First, Klipper defence man, # 44 Kyler Smith, was introduced as the Klippers RBC Community Ambassador for this season. Last year it was Tylin Hilbig who was nominated and won! Good luck Kyler. Also, former Klipper, John “Nasty” Mirasty from Meadow Lake came out to drop the ceremonial puck before the game. John was a pugilist of note and was known for laughing during his fights. And lets not forget the U-13 hockey tournament going on this weekend too!
And then the hockey game started! The visiting Notre Dame Hounds braved the cold weather and made the trip to the hangar. The start was not what the Klips wanted as Notre Dame got a goal of the “soft” variety as a shot went in off of goalie Logan “Falker” Falk. He was guilty of not getting back to the net quick enough after playing the puck behind the net. The Hounds also scored a 2nd goal before the hometown boys got their act together and solved the Notre Dame goalie. They didn’t play bad, but Notre Dame had stepped up their game since their last time here in December which the Klippers won 5 to 0.
Kindersley eventually tied the game at 2 and so to overtime we went. The 3-on-3 format for overtime is kind of a “don’t make a mistake” time. That being said, Captain Logan “Links” Linklater made a beauty of a pass to Tylin Hilbig who got off an seeing eye shot that got by Hounds goalie, Johann Trembley-Kau, who faced a total of 44 Klipper shots. He played well despite the score.
It was a physical game to be sure as there were a few fights and misconducts and it seemed like a steady stream to the penalty box by both teams. Newcomer D-man Simon Diaz looked good in his Kindersley debut. Forward Keenan Ingram had been traded earlier in the week.
This overtime win gives the Klippers 32 points for the season, tied with Estevan for 7th place overall. Notre Dame continues to occupy the basement.
Because of the extreme cold weather, only 400 + fans came out to cheer on the hometown heroes. The hockey rink in Rosetown will host the Kindersley Klippers and the Estevan Bruins on Tuesday evening at 7:30. Should be a great game!
By Kevin Martin