Klippers rebound with win over Yorkton
By Jordan Parker
The Kindersley Klippers suffered two back-to-back losses against the Battlefords North Stars. But with their shootout victory against Yorkton, they’re back to winning ways.
They sit at the bottom of the Global Ag Risk Solutions division with a 10-10-0-1 record, while overall in the league they sit seventh of 12 teams.
They saw a huge turnaround in the last few weeks and began winning games, but Assistant Coach Mitch Topinka saw the Battleford games as a set-back.
“I just wasn’t impressed with the play. It just seemed like they regressed, and were sitting back and watching play,” he said.
The dual 3-1 losses showed the Klippers on their heels for most of the games.
“They just weren’t putting in the work. It was tough to watch, and it wasn’t a fun time,” he said. “We keep telling the guys to be prepared and ready for games. We tell them to play a full 60 minutes, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
Topinka said there wasn’t as big an issue if the team loses while giving it their all.
“If we go down working hard, and the pucks don’t bounce our way, we get it. But we had a big week last week, and two wins and four points with a game in hand would have put us in a great place,” he said.
With a win over Yorkton, the Klippers started their latest stretch off right. They’re in the midst of four games in five nights.
“There are eight points on the table, and anything under six of those isn’t a successful week,” he said.
One asset that has come back to the lineup is forward and enforcer Cash Arsten, originally of Swift Current, SK.
“Cash was out for a few weeks with an injury. It’s definitely a different lineup with him in it. He has plenty of speed now that he’s back, he’s being physical and he’s staying involved,” he said.
Arnsten recorded an assist in Nov. 12’s 3-1 loss to the North Stars, and notched two penalty minutes the following game.
“I sprained my ankle against Estevan at home, but I’m feeling better now. It’s never fun sitting out, and I was happy to be back on the ice,” he said. “I love being back with the guys. I’m here to play hockey, and when I’m not it can be frustrating.”
Arnsten’s return marks a Klippers team breaking free of injuries and suspensions that marred them in the early portion of the season.
“It makes a big difference to have everyone back. We were short for a while and that was really hard,” he said.
“Once we got back into a rhythm and groove, things started to happen. We’re all in better spirits when we aren’t missing guys.”
The team is still struggling on the powerplay, and have been scoreless on the man advantage the last three games, despite nine chances. Arnsten – though he isn’t a powerplay player – thinks things will come.
“We just need to get pucks to the net. If we can get a few greasy ones, things will start flowing,” said Arnsten. “I’m feeling good about the team, and I’m feeling good about my play. I’m happy to be back.”
Cash Arsten
