Written by Josh Lockhart
Chabot joins Smoke Eaters
The Kimberley Dynamiters leading goal and point scorer, Korbyn Chabot, has signed with the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) for the remainder of the season.
“I’m looking forward to a new start in [the BCHL],” Chabot said. “The speed of the game is quicker, but most of all [I’m excited] to meet new guys and have a new start with a new team.”
Chabot collected 20 goals and 14 assists in 25 games with the Nitros this season and has amassed 33 goals and 21 assists in 71 career KIJHL games, including 11 power play goals and five game-winners.
The Cranbrook native first suited up for the Dynamiters as an AP in the 2014-15 season for four games and became a regular in 2015-16.
“It’s always tough when you lose your top goal scorer and point getter,” head coach and general manager Derek Stuart said. “At the same time, if any team loses just one guy, I don’t think it should have too much of an effect if they are deep enough and I believe we are.”
As hard as it may be to lose the top scorer, the goal of the Kimberley Dynamiters is not just to win, but to develop players.
“One of our main objectives as an organization is moving players on to the next level,” Stuart said. “We are very proud to help another player achieve his goals.”
Chabot has since registered his first point with his new team on December 14.
Risdon and Sterzer named to KIJHL Top Prospects team
The KIJHL has released their Top Junior Prospects roster and the Dynamiters have two players representing the Kootenay conference team: forward Caige Sterzer and defenceman Harrison Risdon.
The Eddie Mountain Division is sending two other players to the game, forward Jake Gudjonson from the Golden Rockets and defenceman Derek Green from the Fernie Ghostriders.
Risdon (‘00) has played in 23 games scoring one goal and one assist while adding 80 penalty minutes.
Sterzer (‘00) has scored eight goals and eight assists, including five power play goals, in 24 games this season.
“I’m pretty excited,” Risdon said. “It’s an honour being selected [and] it will be a great experience.”
Both players are looking to prove themselves at the event.
“I want to prove that I am able to play at the level that they are scouting for,” said Risdon. “Prove that in maybe a year or two that I am able to play that level.”
“I just want to play my game for the scouts that are watching,” Sterzer said. “Play as hard as I can. Hopefully, they will see that I am a hard worker.”
The Top Junior Prospects game, a showcase of the 2000 and 1999 born players in the KIJHL, will be held in Kelowna on January 14th.
Jared Marchi has number retired
On December 17, the Dynamiters surprised alumni Jared Marchi by retiring his number 15.
“I had no idea,” Marchi said. “I thought I was just coming to drop the puck.”
Marchi’s number now hangs with Ryan Bennato’s number 25.
“It means so much to me, it’s huge,” Marchi said. “This organization was a big part of my life for five years. The countless volunteers, the staff, the coaches, the players, it’s just an all-around great place to play. It’s just huge to have a number retired.”
Marchi played five seasons for the Nitros from 2010-2016. He scored 97 goals, 117 assists for a total of 214 points in 228 games. He was also a part of the 2015 KIJHL Championship team.
He is first in total points, second in goals, third in assists, and first in games played since the Dynamiters joined the KIJHL.
Amongst KIJHL all-time leaders, Marchi currently sits tied for 8th in goals, tied for 17th in assists and 12th in points.
For up-to-date Kimberley Dynamiter information visit: www.kimberleydynamiters.net/blog. Also follow Josh on twitter @joshuaklockhart.