Klippers get gritty versus La Ronge Ice Wolves

By Jordan Parker
Your Southwest Media Group

The Kindersley Klippers were downed 4-1 by the La Ronge Ice Wolves in SJHL action Wednesday, November 9.

It was the second of a double-header that also saw the team fall 7-3 the night prior. But it was the penalty minutes that told a more interesting story than the box score.

Two games and six game misconducts for the Klippers show something was afoot on the ice, but Assistant Coach Briar McNaney was mum on the exact details of the on-ice scrums.

“There are certain things best left on the ice. We’re focused on playing our game,” he told Your Southwest after game one of the series. What followed that night were misconducts for Kindersley’s Ethan Scriven and La Ronge’s Jacob Visentini, and a third-period ousting for recent trade acquisition Logan Cox.

Defenseman Kyler Smith – who had a press-box view for the first series game and an on-ice one for Wednesday’s – said things got “a little heated up.”

Despite two recent losses, Smith – who has been in and out of the lineup this season – says the team has something special.

“We don’t have the start we want record-wise, but we all really love playing together. It’s a matter of stringing a few wins together,” he said.

“There were chances in (the 7-3) La Ronge game. But there were a bit too many breakdowns. They packed the barn tight. When you play La Ronge, you know they’re bringing grit. We had to show them we won’t lay down and roll over.”

Smith has drawn into 13 games this season and accrued two assists and 12 penalty minutes. He is trying to find his place with the Klippers team.

“It’s tough being in and out of the lineup, but when I’m there, there’s a common belief we have a good group,” he said.

“We cheer each other on. I’m pumped for guys when they get opportunities to play, even if I’m not. It feels good as a team when we get the results we want.”

While Assistant Coach McNaney said the team looked strong at points, he wasn’t fully happy with the result during the first La Ronge game.

“We do have positives to take out if you don’t look at the scoreboard,” he said. “If we keep working hard, we hope good things will happen.”

A bright spot lately has been recent trade acquisition Logan Cox, who came over from the Melfort Mustangs this season. He scored two goals during the first La Ronge, and received a misconduct in the second. He has ten points in 19 games overall.

“He’s been playing well lately. He’s transitioned seamlessly and has good chemistry with his linemates. Logan is a workhorse,” said the coach. “He deserves every bit of praise he’s received. We’re happy with that acquisition.”

Another bright point has been the goaltending. Logan Falk and Cody Jaman have been sharing the Klippers crease this year. The coach spoke about the former, who has gone 1-5-0-1, has a 3.58 GAA but maintains a .904 SV %.

“Logan’s been playing well. The boxscore didn’t indicate the (7-3) game. We outshot them. Sometimes pucks go in, and sometimes they don’t. We need to help our goaltenders as best we can,” he said.

While he didn’t give specifics, McNaney spoke about the rough-and-tumble La Ronge play.

“Obviously, you never like being shorthanded on the ice, but sometimes that’s the game. People get heated, and you need to know that’s going to happen as a coach,” he said.

“I’m not endorsing it. You want all your guys on the ice, which gives you a chance to win. But sometimes that’s the game.”

The Klippers lost a hard fought 5-4 contest in a shoot-out against the Nipawin Hawks on Friday, November 11.

The Klippers will host the Hawks again on Friday, November 18, 2023 and will look for redemption.