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.