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KIJHL Notebook: Kootenay Conference
Catch up on local Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) clubs as they head down the stretch to the playoffs.
Eddie Mountain Division
Kimberley Dynamiters
During their current five-game winning streak, Kimberley Dynamiters captain Trey Stephenson said they like how “relentless we’ve been in this stretch.”
“We’re just sticking with the game plan and not wavering when things don’t go well. It’s a next shift, next man up mentality,” said Stephenson. “We’re trying to gear up for the playoffs and treating these last games like playoffs, so nailing down the little details that separates you from the next team.”
Rookie Luke Davies is their points leader with 47 in 36 games and Stephenson said “he’s super dynamic.”
“His overall 200-foot game has been really impressive, and he can play in any situation and is trusted everywhere.”
Fernie Ghostriders
The Fernie Ghostriders are fresh off a 2-0 win over the Creston Valley Thunder Cats. Assistant captain Eric Martin said it was an important win, especially against an Eddie Mountain division team.
“I think that was a big win for us coming off a good weekend against Grand Forks and Spokane,” he said. “We wanted to keep it going.We’ve been playing more as a team recently and guys are starting to figure out their roles – it took a little bit after the trade deadline.”
The 20-year-old blueliner has been happy with his own play.
“I’ve been trying to work more on my two-way game, playing more defensively and I think I’ve started to piece that together as well, so it’s been good,” said Martin, who is second on the team with 48 points in 37 games, which leads all KIJHL defencemen.
Columbia Valley Rockies
The Columbia Valley Rockies are very happy with their play. This weekend they face Kimberley and Beaver Valley and Noah Asmundson said they are treating those “as playoff games and especially with Kimberley, as we are in the same division.”
“It’s about establishing our playoff hockey and carrying the momentum into the postseason,” he said.
The Rockies had left a roster spot open if the right player became available. And a familiar face did. Jonah Fournier, who has 39 points in 64 career KIJHL games with the Rockies, has been a solid addition.
“He has already been a great guy and leader for the team,” said Asmundson of the 20-year-old.
Asmundson is on a five-game point streak with six points and credits his linemates for his production.
“I benefit from playing with Carter Velker and Carter Hensch, who I have lots of chemistry with,” said the White City, Sask., native. “Personally, holding on and carrying the puck more has helped me create more plays to allow my teammates to find open ice.”
Since Dec. 10, Asmundson has eight goals and 17 points in 14 games. He has 32 points in 34 games.
Creston Valley Thunder Cats
Chase Bambrick has been enjoying playing for his hometown Creston Valley Thunder Cats.
“When you’re having fun, you tend to play well and contribute,” said Bambrick. “I think that’s been a big part of my performance since joining the team.”
Bambrick, who has played 59 WHL games with a brief BCHL stint, knows what he’s capable of and what makes him successful on the ice.
“I aim to bring an offensive impact from the back end, relying on my experience to play in important situations,” said Bambrick, who has six points in six games. “My goal is to help the team succeed in those critical moments.”
As they battle with the Golden Rockets for the final divisional playoff spot, the 5-11, 185-pound defenceman said they “know what we need to do to make it into the playoffs.”
“We can’t afford to look too far ahead. Every game matters from here on out, and we’re focused on giving our best effort in each one,” he said.
Golden Rockets
Golden Rockets captain Evan Tsadilas said the team has been playing a lot more coherently since the new year.
“I think everyone realizes that we have the chance to make the playoffs, but it’s going to take the effort from everyone,” he said. “It does feel like playoffs with how important each game is and I believe everyone feels that way. We know that these last regular season games can essentially be do or die for us. We have been putting it all on the line for this final stretch.”
As the captain, he shows leadership by having a personal connection with each player and being their friend.
“I like to lead by example when it comes to on-and off-ice effort, I try to push players to be their best whilst also being at my best.”
Captaining his hometown team means a lot.
“The players are some of my closest friends, so to be their captain is an awesome opportunity,” he said. “Also, being from Golden, having the opportunity to be captain and be in the community, around kids where I was in their shoes when I was younger, is a pretty special thing.”
Click here to read about the Neil Murdoch Division.
Stephanie Stevens file photo
KIJHL
