The Kindersley Jr. Klippers are seeing the benefits of a jam-packed spring camp early. The team announced five signings on Monday morning to the tune of three forwards, one goaltender, and one defenseman.
Beginning in the crease, the Klippers signed Calgary born goaltender Brett O’Halloran (06). Coming from Calgary Flames U18AAA, O’Halloran posted a regular season GAA of 3.14, and .913 SV% in 26 games this past season. O’Halloran is coming off a strong playoff for the Flames, posting a 2.69 GAA, and .925 SV% across all nine games played.
Starting with O’Halloran, Klippers assistant GM Ryan Gibson spoke on each of the recent signings.
“Our staff was very excited when we had learned Brett chose to commit to the Kindersley Klippers. He is a smaller goalie, and does not allow that to affect his game in the slightest, he is extremely athletic, and makes himself big in the net to stop pucks. He comes to us with significant playoff experience, having been a key part of two deep playoff runs in the last two years for the Flames, including a trip to the Telus Cup last season. It will be exciting seeing Brett in a Klippers uniform next fall.”
The Klippers next addition on the defensive side of the puck saw them sign defenceman Mason Eggen (06), a Brooks, Alberta native who played for the Helena Bighorns of the NA3HL this past season. Eggen's season in Montana saw him put up 27 points in 42 games, with another 6 points in 8 games during the team's run to the league championship.
The front office feels the move could be just what the Klippers need, as Gibson compared the new defender to a now-graduated Klippers veteran.
"Mason came into spring camp and immediately jumped off the page. After the first scrimmage session we got chatting as a staff, and after the second scrimmage we were sold. He is a Nathan Degraves carbon copy," stated Gibson. "Excellent skating, vision and IQ, defends hard and moves pucks. It is not often you are able to acquire an 18 year old with two seasons of junior already under his belt. Adding some playoff pedigree to our team as well, he was a key part of two deep playoff runs in Helena, with the second resulting in a Fraser Cup Championship.”
The other three signings as mentioned bolstered the Klippers depth at forward. Originally from Juneau, Alaska, Stein Dostal (06) was signed out of the Okanagan Hockey Academy after captaining his U18 prep team this past season and picking up 15 points in 29 games.
“Stein is a player who comes very highly recommended from his coaching staff at OHA. He is a heart and soul player, and a true leader, that was very evident the first time I saw him live. He has sneaky speed, and is an excellent penalty killer, with the ability to chip in offensively. I am very excited to say that Stein chose to be a Klipper and am excited to see the impact he has on the ice come next season.”
The next player on the list also comes through the international variety, Nikita Kulikov (06) who hails from Krivoy Rog, Ukraine.
Kulikov was a member of the Edmonton Junior Oilers this past season, collecting 27 points in 35 contests, adding 40 penalty minutes, and was over a point per game in this year's AEHL playoffs.
“Nikita is another player in this great recruiting class we are excited to add to our team, he uses his large frame effectively by being a physical presence and creating opportunities for himself to use his excellent shot. He moves very well for a player his size and is incredibly strong." wrote Gibson, who then shared Kulikov's season isn't over. "Right now he is over in Europe playing for the Ukrainian National U18 team, so we wish him all the best with that, and hope he learns a lot that he can bring back and implement with the Klippers next fall.”
The Klippers certainly have some spots to fill next season, especially up front in losing Tylin Hilbig and Logan Linklater.
The last addition announced Monday in Dayton Tailfeathers (06) could bring both goals and grit to the Klippers. The Klippers are excited to add the player coming out of the Lethbridge U18AAA Hurricanes program.
“Dayton plays the game in a manner that is not easy to find these days. He has a big frame and moves well for a player of his size. He plays a heavy style of hockey, and adds a lot of skill along with that, he is the type of player we were very excited to add to our team for next season. By combining his size and strength with his IQ he creates a lot of space for himself and teammates on the ice to create chances. We are very excited to add Dayton to our lineup next season.”
These players will look to crack the Klippers roster come this fall (Kindersley Klippers on Facebook)The first batch of signings was a big one for the Klippers. Expect more announcements from the team in the coming weeks, and then the Klippers will be adding even more prospects in the SJHL Draft scheduled for June 1.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
