After the opening weekend of the regular season, several teams saw their power-plays light up the scoresheet. The Kimberley Dynamiters struck six times on 22 opportunities (27.3 per cent), while the Beaver Valley Nitehawks went 5-for-17 (29.4 per cent). Four teams tied with four power-play goals: the Osoyoos Coyotes (4-for-7, 57.1 per cent), Grand Forks Border Bruins (4-for-10, 40 per cent), Revelstoke Grizzlies (4-for-12, 33.3 per cent) and Princeton Posse (4-for-14, 28.6 per cent).
The first KIJHL Notebook has coaches share their thoughts on the power-play, especially from a development perspective.
Terry Jones – Beaver Valley Nitehawks
Jones liked how his power-play units generated shots and traffic in front of the net.
“With more traffic you have a chance to get pucks through. It sets up rebounds and deflections.”
Jones said success on the man-advantage requires players to have different skill sets depending on their role.
“The number one thing is the ability to compete to get to the loose puck,” he said. “There are gonna be situations where there’s a shot towards the net and the puck is loose. You want guys who are equipped to retrieve and get themselves in situations where they can win that puck.”
He added that being on the power-play helps players develop valuable skills in reading and reacting to plays.
Derek Stuart – Kimberley Dynamiters
Stuart liked the puck movement on their man-advantage.
“We’ve given different looks and scored in a bunch of different ways – deflection shots, one timers – I like the variety they’re showing right now.”
With a veteran lineup, Stuart said they are fortunate to have “quite a few proven players” on their units.
“Guys who picked up what we wanted to do right away, so it worked out pretty effortlessly.”
Nolan Kelly and Nate Tillmanns each have two power-play goals.
“Nolan’s been fantastic since he got back here. He’s getting the chance on a power play unit and he’s capitalized so far. Nate’s a big body (6-4, 211-pounds) that is net-front on one of our units. He’s got a deflection goal and is a real handful in front of the net,” said Stuart.
One key trait Stuart emphasizes his players possess is pre-scanning.
“It’s about knowing your options before you get the puck. It’s always thinking about what’s coming next so you’re ready for the puck.”
Jackson Playfair – Osoyoos Coyotes
The Coyotes head coach-general manager liked that the units took an intense mentality with the power-play.
“The big thing we’ve been preaching is they have one less guy, and you have to find ways to get pucks to the net, find ways to get there and outnumber them,” he said. “Our first power-play goal came off a nice funnel towards the net where our guys got inside and competed. They are able to bang one in.”
He encourages players to be assertive.
“I’m a big believer that shots lead to more shots, and you have to shoot the puck to score,” said Playfair, who played 193 regular season games in the WHL and 116 games over four seasons in U Sports.
Playfair said their early success came from keeping things simple, competitive, and shot-focused. Beyond skill, he wants players who can process the game quickly.
“Our whole group has been adjusting and trying to pick up that everything happens one step faster,” he said. “For me, it’s guys that see the ice well, that can execute on the simplicity of our power-play, while also seeing a play and making it right.”
He added that the man-advantage helps players develop confidence with the puck.
“The skill is being able to make plays under pressure — making a clean pass, picking your head up, then skating for the breakout,” he said. “The biggest piece we’re trying to instill is confidence. It’s another thing to know you can make an impact every time you step on the ice — empowering the guys.”
Chiefs help young family move
Earlier this week the Chiefs volunteered to help long-time fan Lynette Schellenberg, and her son Blayden move into their new apartment in Kelowna. Schellenberg reached out to Chiefs marketing person Alex Draper and asked if a couple of players could lend a hand. She was overwhelmed when 22 players arrived.
“It was the last step in the things that I needed to get done and it was just a huge help to know those boys carried everything up,” said Schellenberg. “Half the stuff didn’t even fit in the elevator, so they manhandled it up the stairs.”
The players didn’t let Schellenberg lift a box. She simply told them where it should go. It took them less than 30 minutes to do and they were careful with the items. Schellenberg’s son was impressed.
“He thought it was really cool to see the older boys show up and help move all of his stuff,” she said. “He mentioned how strong they were carrying everything up. That’s kind of inspiring him to want to go to the gym.”
Schellenberg and Blayden go to Chiefs games regularly – she enjoys the family atmosphere, while Blayden loves the physicality.
Chiefs assistant captain Owen Ivanov said it was a rewarding opportunity for the group.
“It was a really good chance for us to get involved in the community,” he said. “We look forward to doing more community initiatives.”
