Had a chance to talk with D. Jay McGrath not long ago about the Klippers relieving Larry Wintoneak of his duties.
I will expand on all of the reaction as well as audio later today when I have a chance, but for now I'll pass on snippets of what I've been told.
D. Jay said he respected Larry and had no problem with him, but that some players didn't get along with him and "didn't like playing for him."
When I asked him if some players had tuned out the coach, he replied:
"Yeah, I can see that, (with) people quitting and people not having fun on the road trips. In general, people not having fun and not showing up to the rink with a smile on their face, people afraid to make a mistake."
He added that some players wouldn't accept his "rules" and that he'd heard some talk, but did not expect Wintoneak to be cut loose.
McGrath also said that a coach can only do so much and the players have to pick it up.
"It's us. We have to start playing better. Some guys will probably get more comfortable in the room and not have to worry about someone being on their case all the time. It could be a good thing or a bad thing. We'll have to wait and see."
Meanwhile, I've gotten calls from several newsy-type folks around the province regarding today's developments. I think this decision by the Klipper board has caught a lot of people off guard.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Larry Wintoneak out as head coach
Larry Wintoneak is no longer the head coach of the Kindersley Klippers.Rockie Zinger has been named interim coach.
Update
Klippers president Rod Perkins had no comment on the reasoning for the move this morning, but from what I've pieced together, Larry was asked by the board to resign last night. Rockie said he thought it was strange that board members were not at the dinner yesterday at the curling club, but didn't think anything of it. Later, a few minutes into the Red Lions game last night (Rockie and a few Klippers were there), he was called into the office and offered the interim head coach/DHO role.
I will have interviews with Rockie, Braeden Adamyk and Justin Gerwing up later today. For now, here is some of what I've found out.
- players were informed when they showed up for practice today
- Zinger and Adamyk both say they don't think Larry lost the room
- Adamyk did make some interesting comments, such as "Maybe the respect level wasn't there, but he definitely didn't lose it" and "A few guys had a little bit of relief on their faces. Spirits are definitely up today."
-Gerwing said he "heard talk about it, but I thought it wasn't going to happen ... this quick"
-Zinger said it's a bittersweet time for him. He wanted to be a Jr A head coach at some point, but "I didn't want it to happen this way"
-Adamyk said he counts Wintoneak as a friend, thought he gave players opportunities they might not have gotten elsewhere, and said "I feel bad because we should have been a better team for him"
If I'm able to reach Larry today, I will let you guys know ASAP what he has to say.
I will be on the Sports Fix with Dan O'Connor tonight to discuss the coaching change and what it means for the Klippers. It starts at 8 and you can listen here.
At some point when this all dies down, I'll post my personal thoughts on Wintoneak being cut loose.
For now, I will say I'm shocked that the board chose to do this half a season after he signed a two-year extension, especially considering they were already in debt due to the fire.
Another BCHL addition, this time up front
As expected, the Klippers have added another forward to bring their number up to 14 after the departure of Tanner Exner.
Ryan Elliot is an 18-year-old forward who last played with the Powell River Kings of the BCHL, where he had one goal in 21 games so far this season.
Elliot arrived in town yesterday, just in time for the annual Christmas party. The Stonewall, Man., native should give the Klippers some added depth should injuries strike, although I would not bet on him getting into many games while everyone is healthy.
Elliot had been dealt to the Winnipeg South Blues about two weeks ago after Powell River brought in Justin Bardarson from Melfort.
I was planning to get this up last night, but after the Christmas party I headed to a Red Lions game and was pretty tired out afterward.
Ryan Elliot is an 18-year-old forward who last played with the Powell River Kings of the BCHL, where he had one goal in 21 games so far this season.
Elliot arrived in town yesterday, just in time for the annual Christmas party. The Stonewall, Man., native should give the Klippers some added depth should injuries strike, although I would not bet on him getting into many games while everyone is healthy.
Elliot had been dealt to the Winnipeg South Blues about two weeks ago after Powell River brought in Justin Bardarson from Melfort.
I was planning to get this up last night, but after the Christmas party I headed to a Red Lions game and was pretty tired out afterward.
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Speaking of the Christmas party, it was a pretty good time. My bowling team got saddled with Wasden, Benn and Rogers but we tried to make the most of it. We had a great meal at the curling club after bowling.
A few tidbits...
- D Jay McGrath is a quitter
- Taylor Wasden is surprisingly good at bowling
- Casey Rogers proved that Americans have to do everything by force (I am surprised he didn't do any actual damage)
- D Jay McGrath is a quitter
- Ryan Benn and Jesse Mysiorek, like me, are big Michael Vick fans
- Bowling was pretty good to stickboy Ryley Kennedy. He did pretty well on our team, and then he took home a turkey when he won the turkey bowling contest at the Red Lions game
- D Jay McGrath is a quitter
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On the topic of Michael Vick, he and the Eagles put me in great position in my playoff match-up this week. I was down 12 points heading into last night, but thanks mostly to Vick and David Akers (and despite Jeremy Maclin doing absolutely nothing), I'm up 32 now heading into the Monday nighter.
I have Adrian Peterson tonight and the other guy has Joe Flacco, so I'm pretty sure I can hang on and move into the semis.
And speaking of football, did you hear about the roof collapse at the Metrodome? Fox left a camera inside trained on the roof overnight, in case this happened. Just spectacular footage. The Vikings and Giants are now playing tonight at Ford Field in Detroit.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Big third period helps Klippers win on Pink Jersey Night
The first two periods were a bit of a snorefest, but the Klippers turned it on in the third to pull out a 5-2 victory over the Notre Dame Hounds in pink. Johnny Calkins scored twice along with singles from Andrew Dommett, Jordon Hoffman and Jesse Mysiorek.
Trevor Milner opened the scoring for the Hounds barely two minutes in after a bit of a puckhandling gaffe by Sean Cahill. Dommett tied it at 11:45 on the power play when he slipped a rebound past the right pad of Russell Abbott.
About three minutes later, with the Klippers playing keepaway on a delayed Hounds penalty, Calkins banged in a rebound in the crease to put his team ahead 2-1. But Notre Dame tied it with just 8.5 seconds left when James Howden's PP point shot was tipped by Todd Christian.
I felt the Klippers were lucky to get out of the first period tied. Their forecheck was virtually non-existent, they failed to get pucks in deep and had some turnovers. Cahill made some good saves in the first.
The second period? Four shots each. Nothing to report from that 20-minute snoozer.
Hoffman put the Klips ahead 3-2 at 2:17 of the third. He forced Abbott to make a big save on a 1-on-1 and the rebound skittered into the right corner. Hoffman got to it and fired from a really bad angle, but he was quick enough that the puck went in before Abbott had gotten up.
With about six minutes left, the Klippers were handed almost a full-length 5-on-3 and they took advantage quickly. Calkins, stationed at the right half-boards, took a pass from the point and one-timed it low short side to give his team some insurance. Then, with three minutes left, Jesse Mysiorek tapped in a loose puck sitting in the slot on a scramble in front.
The Klippers had two PP goals tonight and another one that was scored on a lengthy delayed penalty. That's good news for a team whose power play has not been setting the world on fire.
Taylor Duzan left the game after the first period. He took a hit late and was sent to the penalty box later on the same shift. He did not return after that. He hurt his ankle, but it doesn't sound serious.
Ryan Benn sat out tonight because he was feeling sick. It was good to see Tanner Kissick get in tonight. He had some dangerous chances.
Back to Russell Abbott for a sec. He was clearly frustrated with his team (maybe himself, but he made some phenomenal saves, especially in the third). After the Klippers' fifth goal, he smashed his stick over the net. At the end of the game, he threw each piece of his gear at the bench, one by one, as he skated off. He was livid. And as I mentioned on twitter, I can't blame him. He made some beautiful stops, especially with the glove, only to have his team get nothing done at the other end, and leave him hanging in their own end.
Johnny Calkins had a four-point night a day before his 20th birthday. After being named first star he got to open some birthday gifts with his family in the lobby.
Larry Wintoneak discusses the lulls early in the game and increased tempo in the third, Sean Cahill's WCEC debut, the departure of Tanner Exner and Pink Jersey Night.
Trevor Milner opened the scoring for the Hounds barely two minutes in after a bit of a puckhandling gaffe by Sean Cahill. Dommett tied it at 11:45 on the power play when he slipped a rebound past the right pad of Russell Abbott.
About three minutes later, with the Klippers playing keepaway on a delayed Hounds penalty, Calkins banged in a rebound in the crease to put his team ahead 2-1. But Notre Dame tied it with just 8.5 seconds left when James Howden's PP point shot was tipped by Todd Christian.
I felt the Klippers were lucky to get out of the first period tied. Their forecheck was virtually non-existent, they failed to get pucks in deep and had some turnovers. Cahill made some good saves in the first.
The second period? Four shots each. Nothing to report from that 20-minute snoozer.
Hoffman put the Klips ahead 3-2 at 2:17 of the third. He forced Abbott to make a big save on a 1-on-1 and the rebound skittered into the right corner. Hoffman got to it and fired from a really bad angle, but he was quick enough that the puck went in before Abbott had gotten up.
With about six minutes left, the Klippers were handed almost a full-length 5-on-3 and they took advantage quickly. Calkins, stationed at the right half-boards, took a pass from the point and one-timed it low short side to give his team some insurance. Then, with three minutes left, Jesse Mysiorek tapped in a loose puck sitting in the slot on a scramble in front.
The Klippers had two PP goals tonight and another one that was scored on a lengthy delayed penalty. That's good news for a team whose power play has not been setting the world on fire.
Taylor Duzan left the game after the first period. He took a hit late and was sent to the penalty box later on the same shift. He did not return after that. He hurt his ankle, but it doesn't sound serious.
Ryan Benn sat out tonight because he was feeling sick. It was good to see Tanner Kissick get in tonight. He had some dangerous chances.
Back to Russell Abbott for a sec. He was clearly frustrated with his team (maybe himself, but he made some phenomenal saves, especially in the third). After the Klippers' fifth goal, he smashed his stick over the net. At the end of the game, he threw each piece of his gear at the bench, one by one, as he skated off. He was livid. And as I mentioned on twitter, I can't blame him. He made some beautiful stops, especially with the glove, only to have his team get nothing done at the other end, and leave him hanging in their own end.
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Early returns suggest the Klippers along with their jersey sponsors raised about $7,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society tonight. I don't know whose jersey brought in the most in the silent auction, but I know Dommett and Duzan's jerseys were very high toward the end. It's great to see the Klippers and the local community able to contribute to such a worthy cause as breast cancer research.
And I must say, the pink jerseys looked very, very good this year. Last year's sweaters were kind of dull with a plain, black Klippers logo. These ones were snazzy.
Interviews
Johnny Calkins had a four-point night a day before his 20th birthday. After being named first star he got to open some birthday gifts with his family in the lobby.
Andrew Dommett chipped in two points tonight, including the Klippers' first goal. It was his first goal at the West Central Events Centre since the fire on January 8, as hard as that is to believe.
This interview was going just fine until it was sabotaged by a certain dad who will go unnamed... but it was Ken Calkins.
Larry Wintoneak discusses the lulls early in the game and increased tempo in the third, Sean Cahill's WCEC debut, the departure of Tanner Exner and Pink Jersey Night.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Pearce Gourley in Nipawin
I had heard about this a few days ago but completely forgot about it until now.
Former Klippers winger Pearce Gourley is now back in the SJHL with the Nipawin Hawks. I am not sure exactly when the Hawks picked him up, but it was a few days before Dec. 1. He has played in two games for them so far.
Pearce played seven games for the Swan Valley Stampeders and it apparently wasn't working out for him. Nipawin is a young team looking to the future so I'm sure he will get some good minutes for the Hawks.
Meanwhile, Beau Taylor is still in Swan and it sounds like he's loving it there. He has five points in seven games for them so far. Great to see him doing well.
Former Klippers winger Pearce Gourley is now back in the SJHL with the Nipawin Hawks. I am not sure exactly when the Hawks picked him up, but it was a few days before Dec. 1. He has played in two games for them so far.
Pearce played seven games for the Swan Valley Stampeders and it apparently wasn't working out for him. Nipawin is a young team looking to the future so I'm sure he will get some good minutes for the Hawks.
Meanwhile, Beau Taylor is still in Swan and it sounds like he's loving it there. He has five points in seven games for them so far. Great to see him doing well.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Exner goes home
As mentioned by Brenden on his blog yesterday, it is true that Tanner Exner has left the Kindersley Klippers.
From what I have been told, Exner informed Larry Wintoneak of his decision on Sunday night.
It seems there are personal issues involved, but I will not get into that here.
Exner had been pencilled in beside Sanfred King right from the start of training camp, but he struggled early in the year and eventually was dropped to the fourth line.
He had started to turn it around on the scoresheet recently, including three points in four road games last week.
Exner was acquired along with Lance Tabin for Travis Eggum midway through last season. Eggum, who wanted more ice time, is now third in the SJHL scoring race. With the departure of Exner, that deal isn't looking so hot now. That said, I don't believe Eggum would have gotten the opportunity here that he now has in La Ronge. This is a deep squad.
Exner's time in Kindersley will be remembered more than anything for that dramatic goal he scored last year with four seconds left in Game 6 in Yorkton, sending that series to a Game 7 in Eston. It was the definition of clutch, and it gave the team new life after some heartbreaking losses earlier in the series.
All of a sudden the Klippers are down to 13 forwards, along with seven defencemen and two goalies. Perhaps a little more trimming than Larry would have liked. I would not be surprised to see another '91 or '92 bottom-six forward brought in soon.
I spoke with Larry Monday afternoon about the road trip and the showcase, as well as the release of goaltender Alex Peck. I will try to get that up tonight, but it is a busy night for me so we'll see.
From what I have been told, Exner informed Larry Wintoneak of his decision on Sunday night.
It seems there are personal issues involved, but I will not get into that here.
Exner had been pencilled in beside Sanfred King right from the start of training camp, but he struggled early in the year and eventually was dropped to the fourth line.
He had started to turn it around on the scoresheet recently, including three points in four road games last week.
Exner was acquired along with Lance Tabin for Travis Eggum midway through last season. Eggum, who wanted more ice time, is now third in the SJHL scoring race. With the departure of Exner, that deal isn't looking so hot now. That said, I don't believe Eggum would have gotten the opportunity here that he now has in La Ronge. This is a deep squad.
Exner's time in Kindersley will be remembered more than anything for that dramatic goal he scored last year with four seconds left in Game 6 in Yorkton, sending that series to a Game 7 in Eston. It was the definition of clutch, and it gave the team new life after some heartbreaking losses earlier in the series.
All of a sudden the Klippers are down to 13 forwards, along with seven defencemen and two goalies. Perhaps a little more trimming than Larry would have liked. I would not be surprised to see another '91 or '92 bottom-six forward brought in soon.
I spoke with Larry Monday afternoon about the road trip and the showcase, as well as the release of goaltender Alex Peck. I will try to get that up tonight, but it is a busy night for me so we'll see.
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