SJHL Klippers return from disappointing road trip
By Jordan Parker
The SJHL Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers returned from their recent road trip with much to be desired from their performance.
They went 1-3 in the games, with their only win coming from a 6-2 performance against Notre Dame on January 25, 2023.
They would drop the rematch against Notre Dame 5-1 and follow it up with a 7-1 trouncing by Weyburn on January 28.
Assistant Coach Tyler Traptow envisioned better from a crucial set of games.
“This wasn’t what we had in mind. Things especially didn’t go our way in Weyburn,” he said.
“In our first Weyburn game (6-4 loss) we played well, but took 10 minutes off. They took advantage. We had an amazing win against Notre Dame next, but we lost things the next two games.”
The Klippers saw two of their guys head to the SJMJ Showcase: Tylin Hilbig and goaltender Cody Jaman represented the team well. PHOTO COURTESY KINDERSLEY KLIPPERS
In their latest loss, the Klippers were outshot by Weyburn, only converted once on six powerplay opportunities, and gave up one following a penalty. Cody Jaman backstopped 25 of 32 shots.
“We had a conversation with the guys, and we made clear we expect more. They realized that, took the onus, and we know this is our doing,” he said.
“There was a good week of practices, and the mood in the room is back up. Now we’re just excited to get back to things.”
One of the lone high points in the Weyburn tilt was a fight from winger Cash Arnsten. Assistant Coach Traptow sees a place for fights on the ice that may energize the team or change momentum.
“I’m a fan of fights in hockey. There’s a time and a place. In hockey you need to be in the game, and things aren’t how they used to be. It’s not just meatheads only the ice just to fight,” he said.
“We don’t see it much anymore, but Cash’s fight showed the frustration. He took it out on the other player. Fighting should always have a place, even if it’s no longer a big focus.”
The Klippers did hit a big milestone with Aidan Bangs playing his 100th game in the SJHL, a huge honour for him.
“Obviously he would have more like 150 games if not for the COVID year, but having a veteran presence like that on the team is a huge help,” he said.
“He plays the game the right way. He does things away from the rink to keep healthy, and having his voice in the locker room for three years is huge.”
Traptow said Bangs is a huge influence to those around him, and a constant good presence in the locker room.
“He comes to the rink, does the work, and his work ethic is a motivator for so many other guys,” says Traptow. “It’s a good reminder to young guys of what you have to do to keep playing in the league.”
The Klippers saw two of their guys head to the SJMJ Showcase as well: Tylin Hilbig and goaltender Cody Jaman represented the team well.
“I think we deserved a few more guys there, but these two deserved it. Tylin was a last-minute add, and he’s been playing so well as of late,” he said.
“I tuned into Hockey TV to watch them, and they looked like they belonged there. They played well, and we were happy to have them represent us.”
For the rest of the season, Traptow says it will all come down to buy-in from the Klippers to succeed.
“We have the skill and talent. But the guys need to listen to the things we tell them. We’re doing this to ourselves: We aren’t getting out-skilled,” he said.
“They need to trust the process, their coaches, and their teammates. We need that consistency and to continue improving.”
The Klippers next play Friday, February 10, in Kindersley against the Humboldt Broncos.