Young Klippers aiming for playoff-style hockey
By Jordan Parker
With six games in seven nights, the SJHL Kindersley Klippers felt the effects of a packed schedule.
They started Friday with a commanding 4-0 win versus Weyburn, but were felled by Estevan 5-3 the following day.
A strong rebound game 3-2 on Sunday against Notre Dame gave the Klippers a boost, but a 4-0 loss to Flin Flon was disheartening. Finally, their Wednesday night game ended in a 5-1 win.
“I’m happy with the weekend we had,” said Assistant Coach Mitch Topinka. “We went on a bit of a streak, and anytime you can get four points in a weekend, it’s welcome.”
He does, however, admit the 5-3 loss to the Estevan Bruins was disappointing. Goalie Brett Sweet did everything he could in a game where Estevan doubled the Klippers shots, with 41.
“Did we deserve to win that one? No. But when you play six games in seven nights, it might just bite you,” he said.
“I think some tiredness started to come out against Flin Flon, but it’s a long season and teams need to battle through these things. We just need that consistency.”
Wednesday saw a big rescheduled game against the Nipawin Hawks, who were two points behind Kindersley at the outset of that tilt. It gave Kindersley either a chance to get further ahead, our could serve as a springboard for Nipawin to tie them in the standings.
Andrew Blocker left the Friday game after a shoulder injury, but is skating and expected to be fine. Josh Danis was skating in his stead.
The production from Blocker, Cameron Rimstad and Noah Lindsay has been electric, and Assistant Captain Lindsay has seen five points in his last six games. It’s been a welcome change for the young forward.
“This year, I’ve been struggling to find the back of the net, and it’s been frustrating,” he said.
“I’ve been focused on simplifying my game, shooting the puck and going to the net. It’s been working out, so I’m happy.”
He was mostly pleased with the weekend play off the team, battling for the final playoff spot.
“This weekend was big for us. We got some much-needed points, but it also built up team confidence. That will carry over into this week,” he said.
Lindsay has been having a great time with his new linemates, and is finding a stride he’s enjoyed.
“Rimstad has fit like a glove into our lineup. Playing with him is a lot of fun, and we’re able to be a versatile pair on the ice,” he said.
“Blocker should be back from his shoulder injury, so I’m expecting really big things from the lineup.”
However, Lindsay is aware the compete level of the team has to stay high right now.
“Every game is of paramount importance for us right now, as we try to claw our way into the playoffs,” he said.
“It’s important we set the pace and don’t back down. We’re a good team when we want to be, but we need to stay focused to be that team all the time.”
Assistant Coach Topinka says the Klippers need to practice what he calls “playoff hockey.”
“Flin Flon was in that playoff mode this week, and they played fast and heavy. In my opinion, they’re the best team in the league right now,” he said.
“We need the guys to up their level, and they know they need to have speed, grit and discipline. They need to play with more intensity.”
Kindersley and Battleford will play in Kindersley on Saturday, January 29, 2022.
