The Rockies could only endure half of last weekend’s fire power – they suppressed the Rockets but crumbled to the Dynamiters.
In Golden on Friday, January 30th, the first two periods were a scoreless stalemate.
“We played good in the first, but we didn’t really play that well in the second,” general manager Ross Bidinger said. “We were luck that we managed to come out of that period without being down.”
However The Rockets did scored the games first goal just 30 seconds into the third period, but the Rockies were ready to eclipse their lead.
During a three minute stretch midway through the third, Randy Teeple, Kale Johnston, and Dario Piva all scored to give Columbia Valley a 3 – 1 lead, which stayed in tact until the end of the game.
Rockies assists went to Malcolm Fenelon, Ryan St. Jean, Jaydon Jefferson, and Tyson Kapty. Goaltender Patrick Ostermann made 35 saves.
“We just outplayed them,” Mr. Bidinger said.
The Rockies game at home on the following night was much more lop-sided – but not to their favour.
“It didn’t start well. it was 6-0 after the first, and it was not good,” Mr. Bidinger said.
After 60 minutes, the score was 11 – 1.
The lone Rockies goal went to Ryan St. Jean on the power play, with assists to Malcolm Fenelon and Seth Bjorkman.
Dynamiter Keenan Haase scored a hat-trick, and Jason Richter registered two goals and two assists. Former Rockies goaltender Brody Nelson stopped 24 of 25 shots.
“Kimberley is a good team; probably the most hard-working team in our division,” he said. “They don’t let up – and for us to take time off during the game, we’re going to get scored on.”
The remainder of the season will see the players focus on personal development, as the coaches evaluate which players are showing the attributes that will be sought for next year’s roster.
The Rockies play again at home on Friday, February 6th and Saturday, February 7th, when the Creston Valley Thunder Cats and Grand Forks Border Bruins come to the valley. Both games start at 7 30 p.m.
