Klippers bounce back following forced COVID-19 hiatus

By Jordan Parker

The Kindersley Klippers extended their win streak to three games, continuing to excel following postponements due to COVID-19.

While no games played between January 27, 2022 and February 4, it was a battle return over the weekend. The Klippers won two shootout games 4-3 back-to-back against Melford and La Ronge, cementing a three-game win streak.

“The guys are starting to realize they need to play the full 60, and do so with more intensity,” said Klippers Assistant Coach Mitch Topinka.

“It was a fun weekend to watch. There were times this weekend we could have taken big leads and didn’t though.”

The Klippers couldn’t fully capitalize on their powerplay chances. On Saturday, they converted on one of their six powerplays against the Mustangs.

“We could have had a stranglehold. We had two five-on-three powerplays and a five-minute major powerplay,” he said. “The team needs to learn to grab teams by the throat and squeeze. That said, it’s been better as of late.”

Topinka says the team works on powerplays often and hard.

“It might not always look like it, but we have long practices two-or-three times a week focused on powerplay. We just have an urgency when we’re behind and when we’re five-on-five that isn’t there on the powerplay,” he said.

“We’ve scored some powerplay goals in the last few. But we need to make sure we start capitalizing when giving these opportunities.”

After an unwanted pause, Topinka is happy with how the team came out of the gate.

“We weren’t all that happy to stop, but it ended up being a nice rest. We continue to succeed because the boys know every game is huge. We control our fate right now,” he said.

“The coaching staff wanted two-or-three points this weekend, and we came out with four. The guys know this won’t be a cakewalk, but we’re working every day.”

They’re becoming better at playing big and heavy teams.

“Melfort and La Ronge were big teams. We just need to keep using our speed to our advantage,” he said. “If we can keep shooting and getting good bounces, we’ll be where we need to be.”

Goaltender Matt Pesenti is pleased with what the Klippers have shown the last few weeks.

“We’ve kind of been on a roll. We’re heating up at the right time, heading into the playoffs. We’re trying to earn our spot,” he said.

“The fact the teams are all close together in points makes it tough. But there’s faith in this team, and I hope we can keep going and leapfrog a few teams.”

Though the deadline saw their captain and assistant captain move, Pesenti saw some positives in the roster changes.

“The coaches are doing their best to fill out the roster, and put is in the best position to win. I tried not to focus on the trades too much,” he said. “I’m happy with the team right now – both the new guys and the guys still here.”

Pesenti has had a tumultuous season, and plenty of games with 40+ shots against, and feels he’s only gotten better as things have progressed.

“Stats-wise I definitely look better than I did at the start. Things weren’t going our way at first, but it’s coming together,” he said.

“We have a lot of character in the dressing room, and the guys are driven to stay focused. We just can’t lose sight of what’s going on. We need to move forward as a group.”