The Klippers are clearly struggling right now and it seems that all the players have hit a cold skid at the same time. The offense has not been coming for the last 5 or so games and its starting to become a concern. I am not going to say the offense is a big concern because at times this season we have seen this team pump in 7 or more goals in a hockey game. The Klippers tried a few new line combos after the 6-0 loss against Weyburn. I really liked the lines on paper , but none of the lines overly clicked in Estevan. It was tough to judge after just one game. I would like to see these line combos at least one or two more games before going back. We will see what Rockie decides to do heading in to the upcoming home game against Battlefords.
A few people have asked me what I think the problem with this club is at the current time. To be honest I don't know , I have talked with a few players on the team about this aswell and they don't seem to know. At this time I feel it is just a bad slump , where all the players are cold , the confidence is down , and they are missing their captain Andrew Dommett. The fact is the Klippers are still a decent 8-8-1-0 record, now cleary they would like to be better , and should be better , but 8-8 is nothing to panic over. It's still very early in the SJHL season, and the Klippers could quickly turn things around with 2 or 3 straight wins.
Three things that need to improve though that I have really started to notice in the past few games....
1. The passing has been really bad, especially through neutral ice. They seem to be able to make the initial pass for the most part in their own end , but after that head manning the puck or going cross ice , has really been a struggle. They have gone offside numerous times because of it , had alot of icing calls on missed passes, and neglected a ton of scoring chances on the rush.
2. Missed scoring chances, the Klippers have been struggling creating good quality scoring chances but the odd few they have had the past few games just wont go in the net. Sure goals are being missed by a number of players. It really turns the momentum when you miss a sure goal.
3. Coverage down low in their own end , and in front of the net. The Klippers have been really struggling controlling other teams down low on the cycle or in front of the net.
I don't really have to much more to say about this past road trip , it was a bad road trip which every team goes through at some time in the season. If the Klippers continue to struggle then it will be a big cause for concern, but for now the team is still a 500 hockey club and could turn things around with a win at home Wednesday.
Here is head coach Larry Wintoneak talking about the road trip and the lose to Estevan on Saturday...
Larry Wintoneak Interview
Other Notes
- Sean Flanagan and Larry Winoneak are already in Penticton B.C. A big loss for the club who is already struggling but clearly a huge opportunity and honor for both Larry and Sean to be part of. I will have some updates on Sean throughout the Junior A challenge.
- The RBC SJHL players of the month were dished out yesterday and here they are..
PLAYER OF THE MONTH – JUSTIN BUZZEO (HUMBOLDT)
After being held off the scoresheet in Humboldt’s first game of the season, Buzzeo has had at least one point in every other game meaning he goes into November riding a 15 game point streak.
HONORABLE MENTION: Marc-Andre Carre (La Ronge), Ryan Fox (Flin Flon), Jeremy Boyer (Humboldt)
DEFENCEMAN OF THE MONTH – JAMES HOWDEN (NOTRE DAME)
The Notre Dame Hounds have been very stingy at the start of the SJHL season when it comes to allowing goals. One of the main reasons for that has been the play of James Howden. The 19 year old forward from Edgeley, Saskatchewan has led the way for the Hounds in shutting down the opposition’s top forwards. He has also chipped in offensively with 14 points.HONORABLE MENTION: Josh Roach (Humboldt), Joel Kot (Estevan), Blaine Tendler (Yorkton)
GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH – CHARLES CORSI (MELFORT)
Melfort Mustangs coach Darrell Mann acquired the 20 year old Corsi in a trade just after the season started. The trade has proven to be very beneficial for the Mustangs as the Rosemere, Quebec native has gone 9-2-1 while posting a goals against average of 2.88 and a save percentage of .905 as the Mustangs try to chase down the Humboldt Broncos atop the Sherwood Division. HONORABLE MENTION: Russell Abbott (Notre Dame), Devin Peters (Yorkton), Andrew Bodnarchuk (Humboldt)
ROOKIE OF THE MONTH – COLTYN SANDERSON (WEYBURN)
The 19 year old from Moose Jaw has had no problems adjusting to life in the SJHL after spending last season with the Assiniboia Junior Rebels of the Prairie Junior “B” Hockey League. Sanderson had 11 goals and 9 assists in 15 games to help the Red Wings sit in the middle of what is a very competitive Sherwood Conference. HONORABLE MENTION: Zak Majkowski (Yorkton), Eli Lichtenwald (Nipawin), Devon McMullen (Yorkton)
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