The Fernie Ghostriders and the Kimberley Dynamiters traded shutout victories over the weekend in a home-and-home series that underscored the intensity of one of the KIJHL’s longest rivalries.
On Friday night in Kimberley, the Ghostriders were handed a 6–0 loss as the Dynamiters controlled play from the opening faceoff. Fernie was outshot 40–16 and struggled to establish momentum in any zone, falling behind early and never recovering.
Twenty-four hours later, the script flipped in Fernie.
Back on home ice Saturday, the Ghostriders delivered a disciplined, structured performance, earning a 5–0 shutout win and responding decisively to the previous night’s defeat.
Goaltender Leo den Besten recorded his third shutout of the season, turning aside every shot he faced. As of Sunday morning, den Besten ranked first overall in KIJHL goaltending with a .935 save percentage.
Fernie’s win was built on strong defensive play, limited second chances, and consistent puck management through the neutral zone. While the Ghostriders generated five goals, head coach Dante Raposo emphasized the importance of defensive structure and composure.
“I told the guys yesterday that I was the most embarrassed I had been on the bench as a coach,” Raposo said following Friday’s loss. “Today was some of the most proud I’ve been of a group — the resilience they showed to come back 24 hours later and just play our game.”
“We know what this group is capable of if we play like we did today. This is only game 30, and we have a long way to go, but tonight told us a lot about the group we have.”
Offensively, Brayden Vopat scored his first goal as a Ghostrider, while Ethan Watkins added his eighth of the season. Carter Singleton recorded a goal and an assist, with Boston Logan creating the opportunity on the goal by winning a footrace to negate an icing call.
One of the night’s highlights came on a three-way passing sequence finished by Sawyer Samycia, set up by Liam Breakenridge and newly acquired Carter Velker, who picked up his first point with the club. Jaden Piper rounded out the scoring, tipping in a point shot from Koa Percival.
The weekend series featured a physical edge typical of the Fernie–Kimberley rivalry, with both teams engaging in sustained contact and board battles throughout Saturday’s game. Officials assessed multiple minor penalties, including several for rough play, as emotions remained high.
Looking ahead, the Ghostriders return to action Friday night against Osoyoos before hosting Kimberley again on Saturday as the rivalry resumes in Fernie. They also be at Fernie Alpine Resort this weekend for Hockey Days!
Source: Rider News
Photo: Kevin Fowler
