Taylor Rocca
The Kimberley Dynamiters dropped back-to-back outings this past weekend, falling to the Fernie Ghostriders on the road Friday, before hosting the Princeton Posse in a 5-1 defeat Saturday.
Friday night's test in Fernie was of particular importance. Earlier in the weeks, Bancks characterized the game as a measuring stick for the Dynamiters, who were neck-and-neck with the Ghostriders in pursuit of first place in the KIJHL's Eddie Mountain Division.
After two losses this weekend, the Dynamiters now find themselves five points behind the Ghostriders, and only four points ahead of the surging Creston Valley Thunder Cats and Golden Rockets.
Tyson Klingspohn maintained his lead atop the KIJHL goal-scoring charts, tallying the Nitros only goal Friday in Fernie. The marker gives the Penticton native 20 goals through 20 games. Fernie's Josh McCulloch, who registered the game-winning goal Friday night, is hot on Klingspohn's heels with 19 goals in 19 games.
After turning in a 40-save performance in defeat Friday, goaltender Liam McBain had a rough go of it on home ice, victimized five times on 28 shots.
The Princeton Posse used a three-goal second period and a three-goal performance from Kurtis Klinger to get out of Kimberley with a 5-1 victory.
Forward Jason Richter registered the only goal for the Nitros Saturday night.
The Dynamiters hit the road for three games in three nights start Friday night when they visit the Kelowna Chiefs. Saturday night, Kimberley gets a crack at revenge when they roll into Princeton. The three-game swing closes out Sunday evening when the Dynamiters visit the Summerland Steam.