Klippers blanked in final game of season
By Jordan Parker
In a result that’s emblematic of a lost season, the SJHL Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers were bested 8-0 by Battleford in their final game of the 2022-2023 campaign.
Their final game at the West Central Events Centre was also a home stand to forget – Battleford trounced them 10-1.
“The scoreboard obviously wasn’t great for that final home game. We were missing seven guys, and a defenseman took a puck to the face,” said Interim GM and Head Coach Tyler Traptow.
“They scored a goal with one second left in the second period to make it 3-1. It just deflated us. Then they got a couple early in the third, and we ran into penalty issues.”
With Logan Cox, John Vanden Elzen, Aidan Taylor, Nathan DeGraves, Cash Arnsten and Jaydon Jessiman out, it was an unfamiliar bench. Liam Bell was also serving a suspension.
“We just stopped playing. It wasn’t how we wanted to finish the year at home, but there’s lots to be proud of in terms of the year,” he said.
For their final game of the season, Cameron Rimstad was also sick, and Kyler Smith was recovering following the incident with the puck Friday.
“It’s just been a cursed year for injuries for this team. We lost over 200 man games due to injury and it’s been difficult,” he said.
It’s been quite a a year for Traptow as a coach. The team has finished last, and February saw the departure of Head Coach and GM Ken Plaquin.
“This was my first year coaching, and I came in as a super green Assistant Coach. Now I’ve taken over on an interim basis. I’ve learned a lot along the way,” he said.
“I can take what I’ve learned and bring it forward. There’s lots to be done with this organization, and I’m excited to apply what I know.”
Despite a rough final few weeks, some players have seen huge bright spots. Tylin Hilbig was voted co-Most Sportsmanlike player, and named as the RBC Community Ambassador.
“It’s just huge. It’s so good for him. He’s a massive part of this team and organization,” said Traptow. “It helps that he’s a local kid and knows everyone. He just does a ton, and it’s awesome to see him recognized.”
Hilbig’s brother Ethan also celebrated a milestone recently, with his 100th SJHL game.
“He’s only 18, and there’s potential for another 100-plus games. We do hope he hits 200, which not many do in junior hockey,” he said.
“He’s stayed healthy for the most part, and we can always trust him and have him be in the line-up. That’s a big feather in his cap.”
One upside to the season is the Klippers came home with the 2022/23 Fouillards Cup in an elevated season series against Melfort.
The Fouillard Carpet Sales Kindersley and Melfort were sponsors of the head-to-head trophy, something the team was happy to bring home.
“After the season we had, we’ll take the kudos we can get. I’d trade it for 10 more wins, but it’s nice to be recognized,” said Traptow.
With a year under his belt as a coach of the Klippers, Traptow knows what he’d want to look at next year.
“It depends on who’s head coach. They have things they’ll want to implement. But personally I’d look at culture. I’d rather 20-25 good kids than 20-25 good players,” he said.
“It starts in your dressing room, your community, and your billet houses. It’s about making sure the team is on the same page at all times. I would hope that would translate to success.”