The Klippers picked up 19-year-old goalie Dustin Nickel from the AJHL’s Calgary Canucks late last week, but it doesn’t spell the end for current back-up Justin McDonald.
The move was made because McDonald tweaked a groin last week and was not available to make the road trip.
“We didn’t have a goalie to go with. Dusty was looking for a place to play,” said Zinger, who is familiar with the tender from his days with the Okotoks Oilers. “Calgary had a logjam there and they were looking to move somebody. They released him and he was free to us.”
Nickel got some game action quickly, entering both losses after Alex Peck was pulled.
McDonald will be ready to go at some point this week, but that doesn’t mean Nickel will be released right away. Zinger said he would play Tuesday or Thursday.
“Alexandre Peck was brought in to be the starter. I think we want one guy to be the guy to carry the ball, and the other guy be right there to catch it if he drops it. We don’t care who it is, as long as there’s someone who’s in there who’s hot,” said the coach.
“Right now I don’t think we have a bona fide number one. We have guys that are capable of that, but we haven’t had anyone step up yet.”
As for Nickel, Zinger said he is good laterally and covers the bottom of the net well.
“When he stays up and tracks the puck well, he’s a very strong goaltender. If he gets scrambling, there’s some holes. But that’s every goalie. His biggest asset is his quickness, his feet.”
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Thought I'd also share a few photos of Nickel in his first SJHL win, and Lance Tabin's fight with Jamie Johnson in the second period (the first of two for him, about 10 minutes apart).
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| Nickel shuts the door on Ceci |
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| The linesman is more intense than the guys fighting! |
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| I think that's Scott Witt of Kerrobert. Hard to tell though. He was wearing a suit last time I saw him! |
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| This decision definitely went to Tabin. |
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| Dusty flashes the leather late in the second. |
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