Klippers prospects prep for training camp
By Jordan Parker
The Kindersley Klippers are set to welcome players to the rink for weekend training camp on September 3.
Assistant Coach Mitch Topinka eagerly awaits getting a look at what new and returning players have to offer in terms of talent.
“I’m really excited. We have so many guys returning, and we lost five due to them ageing out of the league,” he said.
“But I’m feeling good about the young guys we’ve brought in. Our scouting staff really did their homework. It’ll be cool to see what they put together.”
There are five new players and a veteran coming to camp, and Topinka says everyone has to hustle for their roster spot.
“Things change. The players come to camp, and we see how everything goes. I never say we have a full roster because how hard the guys work determines that” he said.
“We want the guys coming here and working for their spots. We are so privileged to have amazing young and returning players, and no one will take this for granted.”
Topinka himself is just going into his second year and says he couldn’t be happier with the choice he made.
“I was going through contract talks, and I was in Manitoba. Things weren’t working out. The Director Of Player Personnel said the Klippers were looking for an assistant coach, so I called Head Coach (Ken) Plaquin,” he said.
“We talked for a half-hour, and I knew I wanted to be with this organization. When he offered me the job, I hopped aboard instantly. It’s a small oil community, we all know each other, and it’s an opportunity I couldn’t say ‘no’ to.”
Forward Mason Svarich is heading in from the St. Albert Raiders. The 18-year-old notched four goals in four games last season in a shortened pandemic year.
“I’m excited to be back. They were ready to commit to me from the start, and that meant a lot to me,” he said. “I’ve talked to Head Coach Plaquin, and it seems like a good system. I’m really pumped.”
Svarich’s father owns a gym in their hometown Spruce Grove, AB. He’s been going five-to-six times a week to get stronger and is getting back into skating. He can’t wait to be back playing the game he loves after a long hiatus.
“This year, I’m just more excited than nervous to get back onto the ice. I just want to play the best I can, control what I can control, and play my best,” he said.
Kindersley-born 18-year-old Tylin Hilbig is looking forward to camp with his hometown team.
“It’s awesome to be at home this year and try out for the Klippers. We should have a good squad here,” he said. “Since I moved to Kindersley in Grade 5, I’ve wanted to play.”
“I always hoped I could do this, and I wanted to grow up and be a Klipper. I’m going to love playing for a hometown crowd.”
Hilbig has been preparing for this the entire summer.
“I’d like to think I have a good chance. I’m skating with them right now, and I did the summer camp. It’s fun being able to have little guys that look up to you. I went to Klipper camp myself as a kid, so it’s nice to run it now,” he said.
Forward Josh Danis is ready to get things going this season.
“I can’t wait. I’m so happy to be with the Klippers, and I can’t wait to skate with these guys. It’ll be a blast and a hard camp,” 18-year-old Danis said.
“It was such a hard year with six games, and I can’t wait to get back out there. It’s been eight months in the making. The last game was in November. I just want to get into the action.”
He said he has a good feeling about Kindersley and coming to play in the town.
“I love this organization. Coach Ken seems great, and it’s only four hours from my hometown Calgary. It’s a great arena, and seeing how the players are, I hear wonderful things from alumni,” he said.
“The town will be behind us for the whole season. I’ve never experienced it like this, and I can’t wait for that feeling. I’m happy to try out, and I think we’ll be a really strong team.”
Assistant Coach Topinka says bringing high-end players into camp bodes well for the upcoming season.
“Hockey is a huge part of this community, and everyone coming wants to be here. This community is behind us, and our players want to win as Klippers,” he said.
“Especially with the Centennial Cup being hosted in Saskatchewan this year, we’ll be pushing as much as possible. It’d be great to see two teams from this province at the end.”
Click for larger images
