Outlook bests Kindersley for provincial championship

By Jordan Parker

Despite a formidable effort, the Senior Kindersley Klippers lost out to the Outlook Ice Hawks in the provincial championship game.

The 3-1 game saw Outlook outshoot the Klippers 47-23 in an effort where all their goals came from special teams.

Despite missing out on the big win, Klippers Coach Chris Forsman is happy with the team’s effort.

“We had a lot of wins this year, and that’s always a positive. We had a solid group overall, and it just came down to that last game,” he said.

“We had a good chance, but it just didn’t go our way. That’s how it goes in sports.”

He called the final game in the Best-Of-Three Provincial B Championship a low-scoring game.

“Outlook definitely committed to a defensive game. Once they decide to do something, it’s clear they execute. They were blocking shots. We had our chances, but there were some breaks we didn’t get,” he said.

“They also had the benefit of being at home, putting pressure on us, and those two powerplay goals early in the third were tough.”

He said the Outlook team made for challenging opponents, and nothing came easy for the Klippers. After two periods, it was a 1-1 deadlock. But those two big powerplay goals were hard.

“They come at you hard. They have three good lines, and their two extra forwards are great too. They came out and weathered the storm,” he said. “We were in a good place after the third and second, but the third was a bit difficult.”

The team meshed well, and Coach Forsman was happy with everyone’s play throughout the year.

“Some young guys got some really good playing time. They have great experience now that will help going forward,” he said.

“Our regular performers are usually our veterans, and they did a great job. Goaltender Luke Sproule was also great, and got better as provincials went on. It was a positive thing.”

But Forsman says that special teams definitely made the difference in the deciding game.

“They had one shorty, and the rest were powerplay goals. Penalties were definitely a factor. It might have been a different game otherwise,” he said.

“While it was hard to lose and it was disappointing, we did lose to a great team.”

Forsman says the group of guys will be similar again next year, with a few minor changes likely.

“From the top of our organization at a board level to the players on the ice, everyone was just so committed. It was maximum effort,” he said.

“I was proud to be a part of this. They did everything we asked, and we just came up short. We were lucky to have this group of guys.”

But perhaps the biggest star of the playoffs for the Klippers was the fans and their town.

“They were just so great. They came out and always supported us. Everyone was so positive, and everyone was so happy to get in the rink after a two-year break,” he said.

“Fans were respectful, 50/50 and gate takes were great, and both towns were just so supportive through this series.”

Photo courtesy Outlook Ice Hawks