The Western Prairie Klippers haven't played a Saskatchewan Junior Female Hockey League game since battling the Outlook Ice Hawks to a 3-3 tie back on November 19. Kindersley's U22 girls currently sit last in the SJFHL for games played with only seven so far.
With their next SJFHL game not until January 6 following a league-wide break, the Klippers picked up some December action with an exhibition game in St. Brieux back on Sunday, December 10.
It was a memorable weekend judging by the team's social media post above. WestCentralOnline talked with the U22 Klippers head coach Dale Jackson to learn a little more about the special day.
"It was very-well attended, and we had a really good game there against the U18 North East Aces."
The Klippers were shorthanded entering the matchup. Coach shared that a sickness going through the room put them in a tough spot, eventually losing the exhibition by a tight score of 3-2.
"I believe we were down to 11 skaters, both our goalies ended up sick, so we had to use theirs to complete the game."
Jackson wanted to share just why the game was held in St. Brieux. Not only do the Klippers feature local players to the area in Bridgette Vedress and Kiana Leicht, but the game was also played to help recognize the league's title sponsor Bourgault Industries. The Leicht's have a family connection, and the Vedress family also played a big part in getting the game to St. Brieux.
"We thought it was really important that someone from our league gets over there and plays a game in their community."
The festivities didn't stop at the game. The Klippers made the most of their trip, doing their best to grow the game as well.
"We try to get around to some of the communities where our girls are from, get involved with the local female girls teams, and get them to the game, Host them, and get them on the ice with our players."
The U11 North East Aces were lucky enough to join the Klippers for a skate during their short time in St. Brieux (Photo via Western Prairie Junior Klippers on Facebook)The exhibition game was much-needed. Still, Jackson wants to get his team at least one more exhibition game before the SJFHL regular season resumes on January 6.
Setting up for an important second-half of the season, Jackson says the team's improvement has been very noticeable since their first game in franchise history against the U18 Western Prairie Thunder. He's had nothing but positive feedback from supporters. The coach believes the team is night-and-day different, and can't wait to see what the second half brings.
"The team is coming together, and it's unfortunate now that we have this long break, but we are going to try and get them on the ice a couple more times in December. Try to keep some momentum going." said Jackson as the league's break coincides with university players exams.
The U22 Klippers will be back to regular season play in the new year Outside of looking for another few exhibition games, Jackson and the team will look to resume practice after December 27.
"I believe we play in Swift Current on January 6, and then we are in Saskatoon the following day for an afternoon game."
Sitting second-last in the league with a record of 1-5-1, the Klippers know they have work to do in the standings. Starting off the second half in the win-column would do wonders for the team's confidence, and Jackson knows they can build off their recent performances.
"My expectations, and the groups, are we just need to obviously put some wins together. We are so close right now," said Jackson. "I felt like it was a letdown against Outlook that weekend where ended up with the tie. Only getting one point out of the possible four, we felt that's a team we compete well with and we needed those points."
Jackson just wants to see continual improvement from his team, getting consistently better for a chance to surprise teams in the SJFHL's inaugural championship weekend tournament set for March 9-10.
"The playoff tournament is hosted in Outlook, and for us to get there, hopefully we can put a scare into some of the teams there. We only have to find a way to beat those teams in front of us one game right." said Jackson of the elimination style tournament.
With 11 games left to play in the regular season, the U22 Klippers will be among the leagues busiest teams as the playoff tournament gets closer. Perhaps the busier schedule will grow the team closer together, and they can carry that momentum into a Cinderella run for the Bourgault Cup.
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