Klippers shake up their roster with trades
By Jordan Parker
The Kindersley Klippers look a little different following a 2-2 split road stint.
Captain Mark Snarr is missing from the roster – one of a flurry of trades and acquisitions that has seen the team begin to form a new identity.
Snarr was moved along with a fifth-round 2022 SJHL Draft pick to the Melfort Mustangs for young defenceman Brayden Koch and forward Karson Blanchette.
“We needed a facelift and to get a compete level-up,” said Klippers Assistant Coach Mitch Topinka. “This could get everyone going.”
Koch had three points in seven games with the Mustangs this season as well, and Blanchette was a third-round pick in the 2020 SJHL Draft, and is currently with the Prince Albert Mintos.
The Klippers also signed Sherwood Park, AB native Nathan DeGraves, who is currently playing in the U.S. For the Springfield Jr. Blues. And picked up Andrew Blocker from the La Ronge Ice Wolves.
Meanwhile, Assistant Captain Jack Michell went to the Nipawan Hawks with a third-round 2021 pick, a player development fee, and future considerations for 19-year-old defenceman Josh Morton and a fourth-round pick.
The moves add a grit and some fresh faces on the blueline, something Topinka says could help.
“We have eight defencemen now and six roster spots. I hope this gives some incentive,” he said. “We have had some good spurts and bad spurts this season. I was expecting more on this latest road trip, but four of eight points is still good.”
While the Klippers were blanked 2-0 against the Melville Millionaires and were felled by Yorkton 2-1 following that, one thing that has been strong has been the goaltending.
“Matt Pesenti and Brett Sweet are outstanding, and they’ve been especially good for the last few weeks,” said Topinka.
“Without them, we aren’t winning some of the games we have been. It’s been a relief knowing we have goalies who can stop that puck.”
Starter Pesenti currently has a 5-10-0 record with 47 goals against, one shutout, and a 0.910 save percentage on the season. Sweet, for his part, has a 6-2-0 record with a 3.19 GAA and a .893 save percentage.
The two have backstopped a net that has seen plenty of shots against and powerplay chances as well. During this latest road trip, the two combined for only eight goals against on 138 shot attempts, for a save percentage of .942.
“It gives the guys in front of them a lot of confidence, knowing our goalies have their backs. The guys might try things they normally wouldn’t and that can go well or not. We don’t want to give up bad chances, but the team believes in these goalies,” said Topinka.
“This is still anyone’s league. If you have a good week you can be in the top four, and if you have a bad one, you can be out of a playoff spot.”
The team is planning for the future with the LOI of goaltender Brayden Schenstead for the 2022-2023 season, which was signed this week.
The goalie currently plays with the Swift Current Legionnaires U18 AAA, and has a 8-3-0-2 record with a .894 save percentage.
“Brayden signed with us after camp for next year. We like how he’s come along the last few years, and he had an outstanding camp and pre-season,” said Topinka.
“We jumped on this opportunity, and we were happy to sign him. He comes from a great family, and he’s more than surpassed our expectations.”
The Klippers are in the midst of a week-long break from action this week, but will return on November 28, 2021, against the Notre Dame Hounds.
“We gave the guys a few days off, and they’re back on the ice. We want them to work hard and give their all every game, but they also need to have fun,” he said.
PHOTO KINDERSLEY KLIPPERS
