Two Teams, One Rivalry: Ghostriders host Dynamiters in premier division matchup

The Fernie Ghostriders host the defending champion Kimberley Dynamiters tonight (Nov. 10) at Fernie Memorial Arena in the latest chapter of their East Kootenay rivalry.

Kimberley is the defending Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) champion.

The KIJHL disbanded earlier this year, with the BCHC becoming B.C.’s sanctioned Junior A league.

Fernie sits second behind Kimberley in the Kootenay Division.

Fernie head coach Chad Scharff and Kimberley head coach Derek Stuart spoke to Pattison Media ahead of the game.

Scharff said the rivalry has become a highlight of the season, with the games being entertaining and intense.

“When I got here three years ago, people talked about it. I didn’t really understand why or how… They’ve been at the top of it for a little while now,” said Scharff.

“Sometimes I catch myself on the bench looking in the stands, whether we’re here or in Kimberley, and I go like, this is real, this is good.”

“They’re always great games. They’re always fun. They’re entertaining. They’re intense. And as a coach, that’s all you can ask for from your team.”

Stuart adds the energy is different for rivalry games, especially since Fernie poses a threat in both the division and the league.

“They’re a definite threat in our division and in the league,” he added.

“Especially since Fernie seems to be good this year. So it just enhances the rivalry that’s already there…It’ll be our first time playing them this year, so it should be a good one.”

Both coaches noted that many of the rivalry games are scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays rather than weekends.

“I know, unfortunately, it looks like we play them, a lot on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but, I think the crowds will still be there, and it’ll be good. They’re obviously a good team,” said Stuart.

“I think they’ll still be high energy, high intensity. Anytime we play Fernie,” said Stuart.

“The fans will be there. But the Friday, Saturday night games against Kimbo are always entertaining. And somehow, some way, the way the schedule shaped up, it didn’t work out that way,” said Scharff.

“But we still have our Christmas classic games that we play against them in the home and home over the Christmas break there, which, you know, are sellouts both nights for both teams.”

Despite the heated action on the ice, there is plenty of mutual respect behind the benches between the two bench bosses.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Fernie Memorial Arena.

Tickets can be purchased at fernieghostriders.com/tickets/