Post-Game Stuff

Here we are at the Prince Albert Inn. First things first: Riley Down has gone back to Kindersley to have x-rays done on his shoulder, which he injured when he fell awkwardly in his own zone during the first period. It doesn't sound good. David Haaf will take his spot in the line-up against La Ronge.

I spoke with Larry Wintoneak as well as Sanfred King and Andrew Dommett after the game. Probably won't be able to get the audio up until we get back on Monday, but I can give you some tidbits.

Larry said we shouldn't expect to see much change in the forward line-up against the Ice Wolves. He basically said the players who dressed tonight have earned their opportunity until further notice. I'd expect to see the last two cuts made early this week.

Kinger had a goal and two assists tonight and said he felt great, that he had his game back. His line soaked up a ton of ice tonight and if he continues to play like this, he'll become a major go-to guy up front.

I asked Dommett about why he always seems to bring his best game against the Stars. He said there were a couple tricks he didn't want to share, although for him it's mainly the motivation of playing a huge rival. On the winning goal (paraphrasing): "Adamyk tried to hit it with a baseball swing and it bounced to me and I figured the goalie wouldn't be able to get over in time."

Other thoughts from the Klippers' 7-6 win in the season opener:

• It took some time for the big line to get their timing down, but once they did they were a force. By the time the second period rolled around, it was like they picked up from last year's playoffs, moving the puck effortlessly because they knew exactly where each guy was. Although Colin Phaneuf stood out for the Stars, I felt the Calkins line outplayed Battleford's top line as a unit.

• It was a pretty good night for the fourth line too. Brett Penner scored his first SJHL goal in front of his family (from nearby Medstead) and it was a hell of a shot. I had to double-check to make sure it wasn't Dommett. Penner flew down the right side and unleashed a pinpoint short side wrister that beat Sirard over the shoulder and just under the bar. The Stars also held Penner's rights for quite some time, so it had to be satisfying for him. Beau Taylor and Taylor Wasden also looked great and the unit seemed to gel pretty quickly, especially since Beau was playing the left side and Penner is still getting used to playing at centre.

• Kurt Leedahl was a horse, especially after Down got hurt in the first. The SJ doesn't track ice time, but I'm positive he was over 30 minutes. He was with Flanagan most of the time, but also spent some time with Tabin and the odd shift with Sonntag. Flanagan probably played more minutes than he did in any game last season and it didn't seem to affect him as the night went on. Jeff Bartel was impressive, making some sound decisions with the puck and showing a willingness to join the rush. He sure didn't look out of place in his first SJ game.

• Scott Hellyer may have allowed six goals, but he also made some huge saves and shut the door when he had to. Sirard allowed seven and the two points is the stat that matters.