As promised, here is the interview with Larry Wintoneak from yesterday. We discuss every aspect of the team and how badly this club wants to win a league championship. There's also some new information. One bit that isn't on the tape is that the Klippers have their eye on several WHL players who might come down, including Braeden Johnson, of course, and Wheaton King (Sanfred's 18-year-old brother).
I "shortened" this to 32 minutes.
Of course, the Klippers are in Humboldt tonight and, not surprisingly, they're icing a veteran-heavy line-up. The only non-returning players in tonight are Gourley, Long, Penner, Gerwing and Thiel.
Kindersley's Jeff Olson has been sent back to midget AAA, leaving three more cuts to make up front.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Never let it be said...
...that Larry Wintoneak doesn't say much.
I just met with the coach for my annual Klippers season preview. We often spend over an hour at Tim Hortons when we meet for interviews, but I think this one set a new record.
Let's just say the interview itself lasted 40 minutes, 26 seconds - and that's just what's on the tape.
Larry talked about how excruciating the decisions will be up front, addressed the current blueline situation and had some strong words for critics of his team's goaltending, among many, many other things.
I'll try to get some of this up in a while, but I'm guessing it'll take me until next year's playoffs to transcribe this stuff and organize it...
For now, here are the players still on the 27-man roster. Eighteen of them are forwards.
Forwards
Dommett - Calkins - Adamyk
Duzan - Hoffman - Mysiorek
Gourley - King - Exner
Benn - Taylor - Wasden
Gerwing - Penner - Kissick
Olson - Bosovich - Long
Larry says he'll start with 14 forwards. I don't envy him one bit, trying to decide which four kids to let go.
Defencemen
Leedahl - Flanagan
Tabin - Sonntag
Down - Bartel
Thiel
Goalies
Hellyer
McDonald
I just met with the coach for my annual Klippers season preview. We often spend over an hour at Tim Hortons when we meet for interviews, but I think this one set a new record.
Let's just say the interview itself lasted 40 minutes, 26 seconds - and that's just what's on the tape.
Larry talked about how excruciating the decisions will be up front, addressed the current blueline situation and had some strong words for critics of his team's goaltending, among many, many other things.
I'll try to get some of this up in a while, but I'm guessing it'll take me until next year's playoffs to transcribe this stuff and organize it...
For now, here are the players still on the 27-man roster. Eighteen of them are forwards.
Forwards
Dommett - Calkins - Adamyk
Duzan - Hoffman - Mysiorek
Gourley - King - Exner
Benn - Taylor - Wasden
Gerwing - Penner - Kissick
Olson - Bosovich - Long
Larry says he'll start with 14 forwards. I don't envy him one bit, trying to decide which four kids to let go.
Defencemen
Leedahl - Flanagan
Tabin - Sonntag
Down - Bartel
Thiel
Goalies
Hellyer
McDonald
Contest!
Here's the deal. I'm in the middle of writing a story on Andrew Dommett, Johnny Calkins and Braeden Adamyk. It just struck me that after more than a year playing together, their line doesn't have a name yet.
I'm having trouble coming up with anything good, so I'm going to turn it over to the readers to submit a few suggestions. The one I like the best is what I'll start calling them.
I always love it when you can string together a good nickname using the players' initials. Sadly, "CAD" and "JAB" aren't exactly winners.
Or there's the Banjo Line - Braeden Andrew Johnny - but that's also a little lame.
Suggestions, please!
I'm having trouble coming up with anything good, so I'm going to turn it over to the readers to submit a few suggestions. The one I like the best is what I'll start calling them.
I always love it when you can string together a good nickname using the players' initials. Sadly, "CAD" and "JAB" aren't exactly winners.
Or there's the Banjo Line - Braeden Andrew Johnny - but that's also a little lame.
Suggestions, please!
Big words from Estevan coach
In the audio section of the SJHL website, you'll find a new interview with Estevan Bruins coach Karry Biette talking about his team's chances going into the season. I didn't have time to listen to the whole thing, but the last thing he said was:
"Fire me by Christmas if we're not in the top three."
Ballsy.
I think the B's have a great chance of being there - but it's still a gutsy thing to say.
"Fire me by Christmas if we're not in the top three."
Ballsy.
I think the B's have a great chance of being there - but it's still a gutsy thing to say.
*****************************************
Elsewhere in the SJ, the Yorkton Terriers have acquired 19-year-old defenceman Troy Dumais from the Sioux Lookout Flyers of the Superior International junior league. According to Craig Stein's blog, he's a big kid at 6'3" who produced 14 points in 51 games last year.
I know nothing else about him, but any help is good help for a Yorkton blueline that just lost Clark Byczynski and Austin Bourhis.
*****************************************
I'm pretty busy at work today writing Klipper stuff for next week, including a feature on the Johnny Calkins line, and football stuff.
By the way, I wrote a story on the Calkins line last season, just before Christmas. We did the interview in Humboldt a couple hours before a Klipper win, and I took some abuse from Larry due to his rule of not interviewing players after 2:30 on a game day, which I had never been told about. The wires got crossed somewhere and the damn thing never even ran in the paper.
This is a funny business. Some days you don't want to stop, other days you don't want to stop drinking.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Klippers lose a tight one to North Stars
The Klippers lost a close one 4-3 in North Battleford tonight, moving them to 1-2 on the pre-season. It was a hard-fought game by the sounds of it, with the teams trading one-goal leads all night.
Johnny Calkins, Andrew Dommett and Beau Taylor scored for the Klips. Calder Neufeld had two for the Stars along with singles from Kyle Hall and Nathan Tomac.
Both line-ups were laden heavily with veterans. The Calkins line dressed for the Klippers (obviously) along with the likes of King, Exner, Sonntag, Leedahl (his first action since that minor injury), Tabin and Flanagan.
Cody Thiel dressed again - pretty solid for a kid who was about to be cut before his performances on Sunday and Monday. It might not be kosher, but I'm officially rooting for this kid to make the team.
Johnny Calkins, Andrew Dommett and Beau Taylor scored for the Klips. Calder Neufeld had two for the Stars along with singles from Kyle Hall and Nathan Tomac.
Both line-ups were laden heavily with veterans. The Calkins line dressed for the Klippers (obviously) along with the likes of King, Exner, Sonntag, Leedahl (his first action since that minor injury), Tabin and Flanagan.
Cody Thiel dressed again - pretty solid for a kid who was about to be cut before his performances on Sunday and Monday. It might not be kosher, but I'm officially rooting for this kid to make the team.
Tight competition at Klippers training camp
JOSH LEWIS
of The Clarion
Competition is fierce for the handful of forward spots up for grabs on the Kindersley Klippers, but there is no denying the team’s blueline depth is an area of concern.
Almost a week into training camp, head coach Larry Wintoneak is happy with what he’s seen from his young hopefuls but is actively seeking an experienced defenceman via trade.
The coach struck a deal with an out-of-province team to acquire a 20-year-old defenceman, but that fell through Monday when the player was claimed off waivers by another team within his league, which is part of the process when a player is shipped out of his league for futures.
“We had him and then we didn’t have him,” said Wintoneak, “A veteran would be good, but that’s not really the focus. We need a guy that’s maybe had a year under his belt, I’m not saying he has to be 20.”
Team Shea, wearing black jerseys, defeated Team Perkins in all three intra-squad games held on the weekend - including the annual Blue and White Game, which Shea won 7-5.
The Shea goal scorers were Tanner Kissick, Tanner Exner, Sanfred King, Jordon Hoffman, Taylor Duzan, Eric Webb, and Walker Wintoneak, the coach’s son, who suited up to help fill out the line-up.
Braeden Adamyk scored twice for Perkins, to go with singles from Jeff Olson, Mitchell Schwark and Taylor Wasden.
Ex-captain Jordan Braid played on the Perkins blueline throughout the weekend to get some ice time. Braid revealed that he will play for the Georgia-based Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League this season.
Webb created a stir by fighting Justin Gerwing, Nicholas Howell and Wasden over the course of two intra-squad games, leaving his face in rough shape. He was ready to fight captain Andrew Dommett to start the second period of the Blue and White Game, but had to settle for Wasden, who won the scrap handily.
He and his brother, ’92 goaltender Corey, were cut along with several 1994-born players. Goaltender Patrick Johnson returned to the Saskatoon Contacts, leaving Scott Hellyer and Justin McDonald safe in the crease.
The team’s blueline took another blow on Sunday when highly touted 1993-born Nick Eliason decided to return to the Contacts. The Klippers had hoped he could help fill out their back end.
“We did our best to try to lure them here,” Wintoneak said of Eliason and fellow ’93 Brett Blatz. “In our opinion, we think they’re ready to play, in their opinion they wanted to stay back.”
For the time being, Riley Down will start on defence and other players who have done it before, such as Wasden and Kissick, may be asked to shift back until a defenceman or two is acquired.
Wasden is having a strong camp after returning from a torn ACL that forced him to miss most of last season. He had a Gordie Howe hat trick in the Blue and White Game and said his knee feels much stronger than before the injury.
“It feels real good. Last year, watching everybody else get to do that, it killed me,” said Wasden. “I worked hard for eight months and now I’m back doing what I like to do.”
Defenceman John Sonntag said the training camp battles are exciting.
“It’s healthy competition. Everybody’s battling for spots. Nobody’s on the team for sure yet,” said the 20-year-old. “I’m getting ready to go battle hard in exhibition and get ready for the home opener. I’m getting pretty pumped to play. I think all the boys are, so it’s good to see.”
One player with a good shot at earning a spot on the blueline is Cody Thiel of Bruno. The 17-year-old is at his second Klipper training camp and scored twice in Monday’s rookie game against Battlefords.
“At last year’s camp, I was out there for the experience and to get used to the fast hockey that the SJHL plays,” he said. “My second year, it’s trying to make the team, do my best, make hard passes, do whatever I can to make the team.”
Left winger Pearce Gourley signed with the team last month and is also at his second camp.
“This year there’s a lot more veterans, so it’s a lot more competitive. Everyone’s working hard to earn a spot. I’m just trying to do the small things right,” said the 18-year-old.
“I’m a physical guy, I can put a few pucks in the net and just use my body down low to create openings for other people.”
With at least 16 players having some chance at making the team up front, Wintoneak said the final cuts won’t be easy.
“We’ve got some tough decisions. We’ve got some real good quality players here and it’s a really fine line between them all,” he said. “Their work ethic and their commitment is tremendous and it’s a pleasure to watch them compete at this level.”
He said all the youngsters have met his expectations as far as work ethic is concerned and will be judged in part on their intangibles, such as what they can bring to the club on special teams.
of The Clarion
Competition is fierce for the handful of forward spots up for grabs on the Kindersley Klippers, but there is no denying the team’s blueline depth is an area of concern.
Almost a week into training camp, head coach Larry Wintoneak is happy with what he’s seen from his young hopefuls but is actively seeking an experienced defenceman via trade.
The coach struck a deal with an out-of-province team to acquire a 20-year-old defenceman, but that fell through Monday when the player was claimed off waivers by another team within his league, which is part of the process when a player is shipped out of his league for futures.
“We had him and then we didn’t have him,” said Wintoneak, “A veteran would be good, but that’s not really the focus. We need a guy that’s maybe had a year under his belt, I’m not saying he has to be 20.”
Team Shea, wearing black jerseys, defeated Team Perkins in all three intra-squad games held on the weekend - including the annual Blue and White Game, which Shea won 7-5.
The Shea goal scorers were Tanner Kissick, Tanner Exner, Sanfred King, Jordon Hoffman, Taylor Duzan, Eric Webb, and Walker Wintoneak, the coach’s son, who suited up to help fill out the line-up.
Braeden Adamyk scored twice for Perkins, to go with singles from Jeff Olson, Mitchell Schwark and Taylor Wasden.
Ex-captain Jordan Braid played on the Perkins blueline throughout the weekend to get some ice time. Braid revealed that he will play for the Georgia-based Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League this season.
Webb created a stir by fighting Justin Gerwing, Nicholas Howell and Wasden over the course of two intra-squad games, leaving his face in rough shape. He was ready to fight captain Andrew Dommett to start the second period of the Blue and White Game, but had to settle for Wasden, who won the scrap handily.
He and his brother, ’92 goaltender Corey, were cut along with several 1994-born players. Goaltender Patrick Johnson returned to the Saskatoon Contacts, leaving Scott Hellyer and Justin McDonald safe in the crease.
The team’s blueline took another blow on Sunday when highly touted 1993-born Nick Eliason decided to return to the Contacts. The Klippers had hoped he could help fill out their back end.
“We did our best to try to lure them here,” Wintoneak said of Eliason and fellow ’93 Brett Blatz. “In our opinion, we think they’re ready to play, in their opinion they wanted to stay back.”
For the time being, Riley Down will start on defence and other players who have done it before, such as Wasden and Kissick, may be asked to shift back until a defenceman or two is acquired.
Wasden is having a strong camp after returning from a torn ACL that forced him to miss most of last season. He had a Gordie Howe hat trick in the Blue and White Game and said his knee feels much stronger than before the injury.
“It feels real good. Last year, watching everybody else get to do that, it killed me,” said Wasden. “I worked hard for eight months and now I’m back doing what I like to do.”
Defenceman John Sonntag said the training camp battles are exciting.
“It’s healthy competition. Everybody’s battling for spots. Nobody’s on the team for sure yet,” said the 20-year-old. “I’m getting ready to go battle hard in exhibition and get ready for the home opener. I’m getting pretty pumped to play. I think all the boys are, so it’s good to see.”
One player with a good shot at earning a spot on the blueline is Cody Thiel of Bruno. The 17-year-old is at his second Klipper training camp and scored twice in Monday’s rookie game against Battlefords.
“At last year’s camp, I was out there for the experience and to get used to the fast hockey that the SJHL plays,” he said. “My second year, it’s trying to make the team, do my best, make hard passes, do whatever I can to make the team.”
Left winger Pearce Gourley signed with the team last month and is also at his second camp.
“This year there’s a lot more veterans, so it’s a lot more competitive. Everyone’s working hard to earn a spot. I’m just trying to do the small things right,” said the 18-year-old.
“I’m a physical guy, I can put a few pucks in the net and just use my body down low to create openings for other people.”
With at least 16 players having some chance at making the team up front, Wintoneak said the final cuts won’t be easy.
“We’ve got some tough decisions. We’ve got some real good quality players here and it’s a really fine line between them all,” he said. “Their work ethic and their commitment is tremendous and it’s a pleasure to watch them compete at this level.”
He said all the youngsters have met his expectations as far as work ethic is concerned and will be judged in part on their intangibles, such as what they can bring to the club on special teams.
Klipper rookies impress in rout over Battlefords
JOSH LEWIS
The Clarion
Judging by Monday’s rookie game in Eston, the future is every bit as bright as the present for the Kindersley Klippers.
Cody Thiel and Brennan Bosovich both scored twice to help the Klippers to a 8-3 victory over the Battlefords North Stars in the annual pre-season rookie game.
Kiley Long, Jeff Olson, Colby Daniels and Brett Penner also scored for Kindersley. Blake Young, Joel Blaquiere and Bryden Serafini had the Stars’ goals.
The Klippers had period leads of 4-2 and 6-3 and also dominated the shot clock.
“You always want to play to win and these kids wanted to win,” said head coach Larry Wintoneak. “That pace was good. I didn’t think they could keep up at times. We really hemmed them in good.”
It was another impressive outing for Thiel, a 17-year-old defenceman, and it earned him another chance to impress the brass. After Monday’s performance, Thiel was pencilled into the line-up for Tuesday’s game in Brooks.
“They felt good, right off the bat there. It got me going,” he said of the goals. “I felt confident. I made a couple of mistakes, but every game you’re going to have a couple. You just bounce back and forget about them and make good plays and everything goes good then.”
Thiel scored both markers from almost the same spot, just to the right of the net, one on a rebound and another on a slick cross-ice pass.
“I played forward my whole life in minor hockey, so I love being in the rush and getting up in there,” he explained. “I don’t care about points, I just like helping my team out and doing my best.”
Other players who impressed on Monday included Bosovich (‘93), Daniels (‘94), defenceman Nicholas Howell (‘94) and wingers Pearce Gourley (‘92) and Tanner Kissick (‘92).
Howell threw his weight around for a 16-year-old and impressed the Klippers enough that they listed him that day.
“You could see it on the bench. They were up and not one guy wanted to quit,” Wintoneak said of the energy. “There were no issues whatsoever with the way we played, I didn’t think.”
The Klippers have exhibition games tonight in Battlefords and Saturday in Humboldt.
The Clarion
Judging by Monday’s rookie game in Eston, the future is every bit as bright as the present for the Kindersley Klippers.
Cody Thiel and Brennan Bosovich both scored twice to help the Klippers to a 8-3 victory over the Battlefords North Stars in the annual pre-season rookie game.
Kiley Long, Jeff Olson, Colby Daniels and Brett Penner also scored for Kindersley. Blake Young, Joel Blaquiere and Bryden Serafini had the Stars’ goals.
The Klippers had period leads of 4-2 and 6-3 and also dominated the shot clock.
“You always want to play to win and these kids wanted to win,” said head coach Larry Wintoneak. “That pace was good. I didn’t think they could keep up at times. We really hemmed them in good.”
It was another impressive outing for Thiel, a 17-year-old defenceman, and it earned him another chance to impress the brass. After Monday’s performance, Thiel was pencilled into the line-up for Tuesday’s game in Brooks.
“They felt good, right off the bat there. It got me going,” he said of the goals. “I felt confident. I made a couple of mistakes, but every game you’re going to have a couple. You just bounce back and forget about them and make good plays and everything goes good then.”
Thiel scored both markers from almost the same spot, just to the right of the net, one on a rebound and another on a slick cross-ice pass.
“I played forward my whole life in minor hockey, so I love being in the rush and getting up in there,” he explained. “I don’t care about points, I just like helping my team out and doing my best.”
Other players who impressed on Monday included Bosovich (‘93), Daniels (‘94), defenceman Nicholas Howell (‘94) and wingers Pearce Gourley (‘92) and Tanner Kissick (‘92).
Howell threw his weight around for a 16-year-old and impressed the Klippers enough that they listed him that day.
“You could see it on the bench. They were up and not one guy wanted to quit,” Wintoneak said of the energy. “There were no issues whatsoever with the way we played, I didn’t think.”
The Klippers have exhibition games tonight in Battlefords and Saturday in Humboldt.
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