The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has 25 goalies with a save percentage of .902 and higher. That group begins with Kael Svenson of the Sicamous Eagles who has a .943 save rate in 482 minutes played. Mathis Perron of the Merritt Centennials completes that list and has played 605 minutes.
Fifteen goalies have recorded shutouts and four are tied with a league-leading of two – Gibson Horne and Blake Sittler of the Princeton Posse, Andrew Krakora of the Centennials and Connor Stojan of the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
Now let’s get into this week’s KIJHL Notebook.
Neil Murdoch Division
The Grand Forks Border Bruins feel they’re playing really good as a group, said forward Brandon Gray. They’re currently on a four-game winning streak and an emphasis on defence continues. While they scored 15 goals in their last two games combined, Gray has noticed the difference in their play. With an exception to allowing six goals to Kelowna, since Nov. 15, they have given up 13 goals in seven games.
“Our games feel a lot more comfortable because we’ve been playing a lot more responsible defensively,” said Gray, this week’s Young Guns selection. “In the offensive zone, just being in a good spot and not being too aggressive. It helps keep the puck away from the defensive zone in general.”
Beaver Valley Nitehawks head coach-general manager Terry Jones remembers how hard Ethan Bloomquist was to play against when they lost to the Kimberley Dynamiters in the playoffs two years ago.
So Jones decided to trade for him, sending Marcus Cyr to the Dynamiters.
“He’s a big, strong kid who is quick,” said Jones. “I really look to him to bring lots of different things, not just leadership, but a will to win. He’s a guy who wants to keep playing hockey past this year. He’s only been here a short time, but fits in really well. We’re really excited about what he brings.”
The Nitehawks made another move, trading Connor Martel and Simon Mendiola to Golden for future considerations.
“Unfortunately, our roster needed to be trimmed, and in making this move, we hope that Simon and Conner get more opportunity to contribute offensively for the Rockets,” said Jones.
Below is a post the Nitehawks shared in support of Everest, who tragically died in a car accident.
Nelson Leafs Interim head coach-general manager Gianni Mangone wants to see a consistent compete level and work ethic. With four games leading into the Christmas break, he’s excited.
“I know how fast and skilled this team is, so I want us to play very quick,” he said. “What comes with that though is some physicality. If you’re always good on the forecheck, you can lay some body backchecking through the middle to secure our defence zone. I want these kids to play with a sense of creativity whether it’s offensively or defensively. Create more offence, but also on the defensive side of things, be able to make the play to generate our offence.”
Josh Gamble likes how the Castlegar Rebels are playing.
“We’ve been feeling pretty good, we just beat Princeton, the top team in the league right now and we found our game,” said Gamble, the Rebels forward who leads the team with 23 points in 23 games.
Gamble also feels as though he’s found his own game.
“I’ve been playing pretty good defensively,” he said. “I’ve been able to produce at my kind of level with the players I’ve been playing with. Nothing helps me being a point-per-game producer other than my teammates.”
If Gamble,19, maintains his current pace of production the rest of the season, he will surpass his rookie totals of 40 points in 44 games.
Owen Ames likes that the Spokane Braves have embraced a ‘never say die’ mindset lately.
“No matter the score or the situation, there’s always a belief within the group that we can turn things around,” said Ames, third on the Braves with 14 points in 16 games. “I’ve been really proud to see how everyone rallies together as one, stays positive, and plays for each other.”
That mentality has been a big factor in their success and makes them tough to play against as of late, he said.
Eddie Mountain Division
Remy Spooner has four points in three games since joining the Kimberley Dynamiters from the Central Canada Hockey League’s Rockland Nationals.
“I’ve loved my time in Kimberley so far,” said Spooner. “I feel like my start has been decent, but I can definitely elevate my game and take it to another level.”
Spooner, who comes with 83 regular season games of Junior A experience from the BCHL, AJHL and CCHL, is looking to add strong leadership into a room that as he puts it, is “full of great leaders.”
“My strengths are definitely my speed and shot. When I’m playing my game, I know that not many players can stop me. Most importantly, I look to be a positive role model not only to the younger players, but also in the community.”
“Remy has been a great addition,” said head coach-general manager Derek Stuart. “He is a great guy, he’s here for the right reasons and he’s shown he is a serious offensive threat in this league.”
The Dynamiters were helping Marysville School students with presents.
Fernie Ghostriders captain Taylor Haggerty said the group really likes their compete and attention to detail right now.
“I think our coaches have pushed us to play a certain way and really focus on little details that will help us,” he said. “Things are starting to go well. There is a closeness with everyone in the locker room. We have a nice tight-knit group and that goes a long way on the ice – having each other’s backs.”
Congratulations to Gaege Johnson on reaching this games played milestone.
“I feel like I’m playing great, I have a little bit more to give, but it’s been a big step from last year in the goal scoring department,” said Columbia Valley Rockies forward Carter Velker, on his play as he leads the team with 15 goals, surpassing the nine he scored as a rookie last season. “My teammates contributed to that and I think finding the quiet areas in the offensive zone.”
Velker is shooting more – five to six shots a game compared to one to two last season. He’s watched video and feels being in the right spots at the right time is helping.
A shift from wing to centre has proven effective for Taylor Schmideder of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats.
“I think I’ve been doing alright so far. I’m trying to work on my 200-foot game and be solid in the defensive zone, but also trying to capitalize in the offensive zone,” said Schmideder, who played on the wing his entire career. “It’s been good as I like to use my speed and being a centre gives me freedom to open up the ice a little bit and make some plays. It helps a lot that I have some great linemates in Sanjay Chalupiak and Daniel O’Handley.”
Chase Pilling recorded his first KIJHL goal for the Golden Rockets against the Kimberley Dynamiters on Dec. 10. The Calgary native also added an assist and now has three points in nine games after missing the start of the season recovering from an injury. He made his season debut on Nov. 8.
“I feel like I’ve been contributing pretty well,” said Pilling. “It’s nice to finally get on the scoresheet in the last two games. “I’ve been adding to the team and we’re getting more traction, getting better every game.”
Pilling likes to play the same as Edmonton Oilers star forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
“I’m a 200-foot centerman and I take pride in the defensive aspect, but also to contribute downlow in the offensive end and move pucks for my teammates to score.”
The Rockets were out in the community spreading Christmas cheer at a parade and with Golden Spec
