Klippers head into the Christmas break on losing note after 3-2 lose to Humboldt

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( THE PICTURES IN THIS POST ARE COURTESY OF KINDERSLEY CLARION SPORTS REPORTER KIRK VERNER. THANKS FOR THE SOLID SNAP SHOTS BUD )

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Despite the loss for the Kindersley Klippers they played a hard fought game and came very close to winning last nights contest against one of the best Junior A teams in the country.

The opening frame solved nothing in terms of the goals department but it was a fast paced and exciting opening period of hockey. Kindersley had alot of jump early, it was really nice to see this young Klippers squad step up to the challenge and play so well. The Bronocs had 8 20 year olds in their lineup where as Kindersley had none. Being scoreless after 20 in my mind was a opening period win for Kindersley.

In the second period the Klippers got into penalty trouble right out the gate. Just over a minute into the frame, Normand took a slashing penalty to send the Broncos to the powerplay. Kindersley was able to kill off the powerplay thanks to some solid goaltending by Brandon Stone, but the Broncos would keep coming after that. At the 3:17 mark off an offensive zone faceoff Adam Antkowiak was able to get a shot off from a sharp angle off the draw to put Humboldt on the board. The penalty troubles continued for Kindersley in the period as the Broncos would get 3 more cracks on the PP. Brandon Stone was the best Klipper penalty killer on the night giving Kindersley a chance to turn the tide. Howevev you dont want to get into penalty trouble no matter how good the penalty was looking especailly with all the firepower the Bronocs have. You could see it somwhat coming as on their 3rd chance of the period Robbie Ciolfi threw the puck out in front and it bounced off of John Lawrence in front and into the back of the net for a 2-0 Bronco lead.

Kindersley could have gave up at this point and checked in to the Christmas holidays but they didn't, they kept fighting and eventual some hard work payed off. Beau Stewart took a outlet feed from Colby Daniels down the wing as he used his blazing speed to blow past Ballas who tried to pivot to keep up to Stewarts speed which resulted in him blowing a tire. Stewart was off to the races on a partial breakaway and he wired home his 1st official snipe as a Klipper to give Kindersley some life.

The goal resulted in Kindersley heading into the locker room with rejuvenated confidence as they came out hard to start the 3rd period which would result in their 2nd goal. Kindersley was working hard down low on the forcheck and Geislinger was able to work the puck up top to Steve Normand who hammered home a perfectly placed shot past the new Bronco net minder Colin Dzijacky.

Following the goal it was for the most part a back and forth affair with both goaltenders making some big saves for their clubs. Dzijacky absolutely robbed Wheaton King of a sure goal and overall he was very impressive on the night in his Bronco debut.

At the 12:03 mark Tanner Kissick would take a hooking penalty which sent the Broncos back to the powerplay and they once again would score on the man advantage, on a pretty little dangle out in front by Matt Glowa for his 11th of the season.

Kindersley had 8 minutes to work with to try and get back into the game and they laid it all on the line to try and force extra time. Kindersley thought they had tied the game twice in the final minutes. The 1st on a wraparound stuff that the Klippers players claim indeed did pass the goal line. It was tough to see from my vantage point. The 2nd chance was an absolute riffle by Brad Buckingham from the high slot that the referees deemed hit the crossbar. The goal light came on and the Klippers protested that it hit the inside bar rather than the outside. It was to no avail as it was ruled no goal. Hard to tell if it went in without a replay but there was no crossbar ping sound which is what had most of the fans upset with the officials ruling it no goal. There was nothing the Klippers could do about it as their comeback bid fell short. Despite the loss Kindersley really showed alot of resilience and determination. I really do feel this team has taken significant strides in the past little while. Their defense is moving the puck more effectively, they have found great chemistry up front with a number of lines and there goaltending has been solid on both the Stone and McDonald front of late. We all know at this point this is a development season for Kindersley, but they do still have a shot at the playoffs and if they continue to play like they have in this recent span, than they may be able to catch the Hounds in the standings.

In terms of Taylor Duzans return, it was a quiet night for the former Klipper. He was his usual hardworking self but failed to register any points. He certainly fits in nicely with the Broncos, they actually haven't lost a game since Duzan has come over.

Below is a link to an interview with Rockie Zinger. He really felt his team deserved a better fate last night and felt they had tied things up in the 3rd. You can listen below.

Zinger Post Game Humboldt and 2011 Wrap

This may or may not be my final blog of 2011. I am heading back to Edmonton on Friday and wont be back in Kindersley until January 3rd. We will see if I find motivation to blog during the Christmas lull, if not I would like to wish all the blog viewers and Klipper fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Talk to ya in 2012.