Your CalFrac Klippers Post Game Report : Klippers 7-0

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Alberta has not been kind to the young Klippers this preseason. After a 8-1 loss out in Drumheller, the Klippers fell last night by a score of 7-0 to the Brooks Bandits. The end result surprised me the way Kindersley came out off the hop. They had a lot of jump early and generated some high quality scoring chanced but couldn't beat the Bandits goaltender. At one point in the first the Klippers were outshooting Drumheller 9-1, but would get into some penalty trouble midway through the first. The Klippers were forced to kill off a lengthy 5 on 3 penalty and also lost the services of Taylor Wasden who got kicked out of the game for a questionable check from behind. I was sitting next to Klippers forward Jordon Hoffman at the time and he said, " this could be the turning point here for us, losing Taylor Wasden. "

He was certainly right as it seemed liked things kinda fell apart after that. I had really liked the way the line of Wasden, Elliot and Buckingham were playing in the early going. They had two really good shifts and had set the tone of the game until Wasden got tossed. Losing Wasden in last nights game was a big loss in my mind because the young Klippers need that veteran presence on the bench, especially when things get rough like they did near the end of last nights game. Some of the Bandits players were taking extra shots at the Klippers rookies, and no one really was doing anything about it. I know its just preseason and no one really wants to get hurt, but in my mind someone needs to step up in those types of situations. Landon Robin got injured at the end of the game and no one really did anything about it. (their is no word at the moment on Robins status after the injury)

I'm not saying fighting is going to win some of these rookies a spot on the team, but sticking up for your teammates will certainly impress the coaching staff and I didn't see much of that last night.

In terms of the good last night, their were some positives. The Klippers looked alot more organized, had some good looks on the powerplay and should of had a few goals to show for their efforts offensively. On the back end I focused in on Aaron Leterneau last night and was impressed with his play. He is quick and can move the puck well. Up front I thought Austin McDonald was one of the better Klipper forwards. He is always working hard and never giving up on the play and he had a strong game for the Klippers last night.

I know these two Alberta games were tough for the Klippers as many of the young players are still adjusting to the Junior A level. The Klippers haven't really had a full practice since training camp and haven't been able to work on team systems a whole lot. After tonight's game the Klippers will have over a week to prepare for the season opener which should be very beneficial to their team game. The two loses look lopsided but fans shouldn't be worried at this point, its just preseason. I expect the Klippers to come out strong tonight in their preseason finale against the Humboldt Broncos.
Post game interview with Taylor Duzan.
Tayor Duzan by Ullsy