SWHL Klippers look to continue winning ways, while Tigers looking for a new beginning

By Jordan Parker

The SWHL Kindersley Klippers have had a near-flawless start to the 2022 season, and things only look brighter.

The Klippers have dominated the league standings, and don’t appear to be ready to slow down any time soon.

“We’re just keeping it rolling. We’ve had a few injuries though, which will make things difficult. Tate Page is out,” said team manager Brady Newmeyer.

“Also, David Dziurzynski took a puck to the face and his eye is swelled shut. It’s always difficult without some key guys.”

One of the keys to the Klippers’ success is the fact there’s a deep lineup and everyone is chipping in where they can.

“We’re fortunate with the guys this year. It’s not like that all the time. Young guys are stepping in and stepping up to the plate too,” he said.

“With provincials and playoffs on the horizon, the guys will be tested. They have to be ready to do that work.”

A major reason the Klippers have seen some important wins is the play of their tandem of goaltenders.

“You don’t often see teams with two quality guys. Luke Sproule has been with us four-and-a-half years, and Travis Child is a newcomer,” he said.

“Having that tandem means we find the guys have a really great chance to win every single night.”

The group is tight-knit, and the Klippers seem to all be working toward a common goal, something that allows them to be successful.

“It’s just a really solid group of guys keeping things together. The young guys are buying in and the older players give stability,” he said.

“From the board of directors to every line, everyone is invested. The game is being played well and it’s a team effort.”

Newmeyer says the team is excited to get off the ice and enjoy a break off with family.

“It’ll be good to get that time. We’ll be back at it in January, play our last four league games, and then playoffs is coming,” he said. “Guys will be getting rested and spending time with their family in the lead-up to that.”

On the other side of the SWHL coin, the Kerrobert Tigers finished 2022 second-to-last, with a 1-6-1 record.

“We played the last few games short-handed, as guys had trips and injury issues,” said coach Brad Murphy. “Some guys even played injured, but that’s difficult. In two games last weekend, we lost four more guys to injuries.”

One major injury this year that has hurt the squad is that of Landon Gross, sustained on his first game of the season, during which he had a goal and assist.

“He’s an import from Lethbridge, and he tore his hamstring. It was entertaining to see him play,” said Murphy.

“He’s a guy with a lot of promise. It was nice to see him out, but that may be all we see of him this year. He just had surgery.”

But with a few weeks for the holidays, there’s a hope from Murphy some of the guys with nagging injuries will be back soon enough.

“”We would love to have as many guys back after the break as possible,” he said. “With three weeks of rest, that will really help. Some guys can do physio and get massages and relax.”

It can be hard to maintain morale when you’re on a skid like that of the Tigers, but Murphy had some interesting words.

“It’s been a long time since the Tigers were really good. Our guys are accustomed to not winning as much as other teams in the league,” he said.

“Our guys just come out and have fun and try to play good hockey. We had hoped this year would have more upside in terms of wins, but we’ll see how things go in the new year.”

Their next game will be against the Kindersley Sr. Klippers on Friday, January 6, 2023.