The first big news of the Kindersley Jr. Klippers offseason came on Wednesday. The team announced that captain Logan Linklater, and alternate captain Tylin Hilbig will both be playing hockey next season at the University of Windsor.
Both Kindersley natives, Linklater played parts of four seasons between the Klippers and the Western Hockey League, before finally settling in for a full season in 2023-2024. Hilbig on the other hand played 3 seasons from start to finish with the club, after spending time playing AAA in Swift Current.
Linklater was the Klippers MVP this past season with 58 points in 51 games, and finished just outside of the leagues top ten in assists with 41 on the season. Windsor will look to benefit from Linklaters ease with the puck, in addition to his over 200 games of junior hockey experience.
Hilbig accounted for 131 points across his 169 games total for the Klippers. In his three years Hilbig led the team in scoring twice, even achieving the 30-goal milestone this season. Windsor is getting another exceptional leader out of Kindersley, and also an imposing figure in the forward group with Hilbig's hulking 6'4, roughly 200 lbs frame.
(Kindersley Klippers on Facebook)Klippers assistant GM Ryan Gibson had nothing but praise for the local players that poured their heart and soul into the hometown team.
"“I think it is extremely exciting to see Ty and Links have the opportunity to continue their post secondary education and hockey careers together. It is not often you get to play with your best friend for almost your entire hockey career from minor hockey up and have the ability to play your final junior season together." stated Gibson inside the team release. "As an organization we will be forever indebted to these two men for sticking around and turning the ship here in Kindersley, I think it was very special for both of them, to be hometown kids and be able to bring this team back to the postseason. They both were excellent leaders, great hockey players and most importantly great people, we cannot wait to see them on the ice together again in Ontario come the fall.”
After becoming two of the Klippers most important players, the duo will be continuing their hockey careers together in Ontario, continuing what's been a blossoming connection ever since their days in AA.
Linklater and Hilbig combined for 131 points playing with the West Central Wheat Kings back in 2017-2018 (Photo via Klippers Hockey)Playing for the Lancers, Linklater and Hilbig will compete out of the Ontario University Athletics Conference (USPORTS). The team wishes nothing but the best for their two hometown players as they continue their hockey careers.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
