Iron Horse Klippers using Christmas Break for Reset
By Jordan Parker
This season, an injury bug and mental errors have plagued the Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers. But with a long holiday break ahead, they’d like to see their fortunes change.
A course correct is possible, as the last-place Klippers could see most of their hurt roster rejuvenated after some much-needed Christmas rest with family.
“This will be a good chance for us to get healthy, for the injured guys to rehab a bit, and hopefully, we can come back better in January,” said Klippers Captain Brayden Koch.
He himself is headed back to Lloydminster to see family, but says he has a second home in Kindersley.
“My billets are just amazing. This is also a great group of players and guys, and I’m so happy to be in this town,” he said. “We are excited for a bit of a reset, though. It could be good to get back in good habits.”
As a leader on the team, Koch realizes that giving a full effort as a squad is key to success.
“We need to realize the situation the game is in and do little things right. Whether it’s chipping pucks deep or playing a full 60, we need to make it work,” he said.
“We can use the break as a time to relax and come back for a fresh start. We will make a push for playoffs.”
One thing that has to be recognized about the Klippers is their commitment both on the ice and off of it. With events like Santa’s Hut and the Teddy Bear Toss, they’re always out and about in the town.
Wyatt Cook (#18) scored his first goal as a Klipper on Friday versus the Humboldt Broncos. PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
“They’ve been in the community all year. The guys helped hang Christmas lights at the museum and got that all set up. They directed traffic and spoke to folks,” said Assistant Coach Tyler Traptow.
“They went out shovelling and did 15 different spots and businesses. They just go out and have fun with people. When I played, it was a highlight of my time. People get to know you, and it can lead to kids being interested, and more billets also.”
Billets – families or community members who take in and have players from out-of-town live with them during the season – are integral to the game.
“They’re just so huge for what we do. They’re your adoptive second family, and they’re so important,” said Traptow. “I still talk to mine and go for supper at their home. If not for them, we wouldn’t have a team.”
The team has seen a lot of moving pieces with injuries, but everyone has been working hard to keep a positive environment. The play of two brothers has shone during injuries.
“Adam and Spencer Paplawski have been great. It took a bit to get them acclimated, but once they played with Logan Cox, there was instant chemistry,” he said.
“Losing Logan to injury hasn’t been helpful, and we’re battling through it. They haven’t found another great fit yet, but they’re amazing penalty killers. They play so well together.”
The final game before break was afternoon tilt against the Humboldt Broncos on Friday, December 16, 2022. The Broncos came away with a 5-2 win, but it was a special game for the team and the town especially.
“School kids were there, and it was a packed barn. That’s always a nice note to end on. With two weeks off coming, we just want to roll into a great new year,” he said.
Nathan DeGraves, Cash Arnsten, and Logan Falk should be back by the first game after break, on January 6, 2023. Ethan Hilbig may return in late January, but Logan Cox and Cameron Rimstad are looking at returns in February or March.
Traptow is happy the team will have this time off to get their bearings.
“This reset is good. Injured guys can get that time to heal, and the majority will be back after Christmas.”
The Klippers will return Friday, January 6th, 2023, with an away game against the Battlefords North Stars.