Klippers adjusting to new team chemistry
By Jordan Parker
After a trade deadline filled with changes and dealings, the Kindersley Klippers are settling into new roles and teammate dynamics.
Though they lost in overtime 5-4 to the rival Battlefords North Stars, the team managed a 4-1 win against they Weyburn Red Wings on Tuesday night. It’s a step in the right direction, according to their assistant coach.
“The last week has been alright, but we just didn’t fully show up on Friday,” said coach Mitch Topinka.
The Klippers went goal-for-goal with Battleford, tying things up after an early first period goal by the North Stars’ Tynan Ewart on the powerplay.
After two periods, the teams were deadlocked at 2-2, and Kindersley took a 4-2 lead. However, they would succumb to two goals in the final five minutes of the third and eventually lose in overtime.
“Our season has just been an up-and-down rollercoaster. We played well, but we couldn’t hold that lead and close it out. It’s just been happening all year,” he said.
The team has struggled to capitalize in close contests and play with discipline throughout the entirety of their games this season, and Topinka says that’s one reason for their fortunes this year.
The Klippers sit with 30 points and a 14-21-1-1 record with 37 games played. They rank ahead of only Weyburn, who they defeated Tuesday.
They sit three points back from the Notre Dame Hounds in their Global Ag Risk Solutions division as of Wednesday, while that team has three games in hand. The Klippers also maintain the lowest Goals For stat in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“We have 12 one-goal losses this year, and we’re in a different position in the standings because of that,” said Topinka. But he did see some bright spots in Tuesday’s tilt.
“We got it going, and the boys played really well. We had 37 shots after two periods, which was incredible. I hope we can continue to play like that.”
It’s been a year of change for the Klippers, and players have come and gone. Among them, however, is the impressive Andrew Schaab. The Centre has accounted for four points in three games since he was acquired from Nipawin at the trade deadline.
“It’s different from Nipawin, but my billets and teammates are awesome. I’m feeling really welcomed,” he said.
“My linemates are great players. Georget has speed and he’s easy to play with, and Hilbig has a wicked shot, and he’ll bury that puck from anywhere.”
Trade day was surprising for Schaab, but he’s adjusting well to his new surroundings.
“It kind of came out of the blue. But I’ve just been doing what I can to keep comfortable. I’m surprised with my start. I needed to learn the systems, but it’s been great,” he said.
Assistant Coach Topinka has been impressed with what he’s seen from the forward so far.
“He’s just quietly put up a point or two a game since her arrived. There’s a reason we got him. He’s playing with Tylin Hilbig, and his passes just keep finding the guy,” said Topinka.
“The chemistry was instant. It’s such an important thing. Schaab can put pucks in the net, but he’s more of a passer. Tylin is a shooter, and it’s just been working well.”
But that line isn’t the only one keeping things interesting. Topinka has loved how the forwards have been meshing.
“Cameron Rinstad has been playing with Andrew Blocker and Noah Lindsay, and they’ve been buzzing around the net. Prescot Senger had a great debut the other night, and he’s playing well with Aidan Bangs and Matt Mazzocchi. It’s just nice to see the new guys integrating.”
Their defensive core has seen numerous changes, including the shipping out of longtime Klipper and captain Mark Snair. But the changes, Topinka says, have led to a strong defensive core.
“These have all been good changes, and I think we got better making these deals. We’ve built out from the bag end, and it’s a wonderful thing. We still have Josh Pufahl and Ethan Hilbig, and they’re fantastic players,” he said.
“With the addition of Liam Bell, Brayden Koch, Josh Morton, and Karson Blanchette, we have an amazing six guys back there. I’m really happy with what we’ve built.”
One think the team has improved on is their penalty killer. The Klippers began as a rough-and-tumble team who couldn’t be pushed around. They haven’t lost their edge, but have become more disciplined.
“It’s always easier when we aren’t short a man on the ice, and it’s nice being five-on-five. It might sound weird, but given how we’re playing, sometimes there’s more urgency when were shorthanded,” he said.
“We got another shorthanded goal on Tuesday. It’s just nice to not spend time in the box constantly.”
Topinka says the team needs to get pushing as the season progresses, and things won’t be as easy.
“We’re going into a huge stretch here, and we need to keep some consistency. If we can push a little harder and keep nabbing points, that will be great,” he said.
Andrew Schaab
