Friday Hits - What does the team have planned moving forward

I took a day off from the blog scene on Thursday. We arrived back at 4 AM from Yorkton and I had to head right into work at the radio station for morning news. It was a rough morning that lead to me sleeping all afternoon. Now that I am rested up we can reflect on the past roadtrip, hit up a few rumors and tee up Saturdays contest.

- The roadtrip was clearly a disappointment as Kindersley dropped all 5 games. Away from home has not been kind to Kindersley this year as they have only picked up 2 road wins all season long. Looking at the 5 games on this road swing there were a few positives. Kindersley was competitive and in 4 out of the 5 games. A few bounces in their favor in games at Estevan, Weyburn, Melville or Yorkton and Kindersley may have had a few wins.

- The most disappointing game of the road trip clearly was Monday nights game out in Wilcox. Kindersley was preparing for this game like it was a playoff tilt but when they hit they ice they were flat. Notre Dame was a team that was playing their 3rd game in 3 nights. Kindersley had a day off and should of had that extra jump but for whatever reason the team didn't show up. The good news for Kindersley is they get a 2nd chance against the Hounds this Saturday on home ice.

- Team bonding was a big positive throughout the road trip. I know it didn't translate into wins on this previous road stand but moving forward I do think it will serve beneficial.

- Many people have asked me what is wrong with the Klippers right now. How can a team drop 10 straight games? That answer I do not have, but in order to get out of the skid Kindersley cant get down on themselves. They just have to work harder, they may think they are working as hard as they can but they need to dig deep and work as hard as they ever have. After a skid like this that first win after is going to feel amazing and should fuel them moving forward.

- In a pregame interview prior to the Melville game I asked Rockie Zinger straight up what the plans were for the club moving forward via the trade front. Here is what Zinger had to say. " What I can say is that moves made moving forward will made for the best intentions long term. I think when you step back and step out of your competitive shoes that your standing in right now in this very day and you look at what you have moving forward I think we have a good core. I was just taking to Jamie Fiesel downstairs in Melville's office and he was talking about how some of his young guys last year have really taken another step forward this year and been better than he expected. We are hoping that same course of action happens with our guys, and if given the opportunity it might even happen a little quicker than next year. There are alot of decisions needing to be made and you want to do whats best for the players and other whats belt for the organization so its a fine line that you gotta tilt. "

- There is no time table on when or if moves will be made but I really feel this clearly is the right move for the organization. Some of the younger players are starting to already emerge as leaders on this team. Watching this team you know that alot of the young guys are going to be top offensive players in the SJHL so why not give them a chance to run with it now and develop and gain confidence in their rookie seasons. As Rockie mentioned even though moves may be made they are not giving up on the season. The goal moving forward is to still make the playoffs and Kindersley certainly has a chance to squeak in.

- All kinds or rumors are circulating on the trade front right now. At this point of time I have nothing to report and as Rockie Zinger informed me, if a move is made I will be the first to know.

- In terms of comments on this blog there have been all kinds of negative comments that are really frustrating. Kindersley has been a top contender for a number of years. They lost 9 vets last season all of which were great players for this team. You look at guys that left, Johnny Calkins, Andrew Dommett, Kurt Leedahl and John Sonntag. This was a team that was built to win last season and didn't win. Those players graduate and you are left with a younger squad. There is no player on this team right now as offensively gifted as a player like John Calkins. There is no d man as sound defensively as a Kurt Leedahl at this moment, so I am not sure what some of you posters expect. Those players certainly weren't the players they are today when they were 18 years of age. Andrew Domment scored 2 goals in his 18 year old campaign. The tools have been put in place for a successful couple of years for Kindersley moving forward and now it is up to Rockie Zinger and Chris Forsman to develop these players into stars. This already is the youngest team in the league and it will likely be getting younger in the near future. At the start of the season I know the Klippers organization didn't come right out and say it was going to be a rebuild year. No team is going to come out and say that before the year starts, but at this point of time it clearly is just that. The fans should get behind these young players and support them. Make them want to be in Kindersley and want to win for this town moving forward. Some of these comments being posted on the blog make me sick and wont be published unless they have merrit and an explanation. Opinion is fine and I would love to hear from all of the educated fans, but for those of you coming on hear just to curse and chirp the organization, wont be published. Give the coaching staff a chance moving forward, give this team a chance. A plan is in place, the young players have the building tools to be great in the SJHL and who knows, they could creep into the playoffs and catch a few teams sleeping as early as this season.

- I for one have a ton of fun broadcasting these games and watching this team work hard and develop. They are showing signs and should continue to get better game in and game out. There is an extremely important game that is going to be played Saturday night here in town and I hope to see the fans come out and support this club. That's all I got for now, have a great weekend!