Whatever the equation, Will Koop seemed to provide the missing added chemistry the top scorers have recently had for the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins.
Koop joined the Bruins in an elaborate five-team trade Saturday via the Steinbach Pistons and scored his first goal as a Bruin only 8:08 into the first period as the Bruins beat the visiting Nipawin Hawks 4-1 to win their second in a row.
“It’s exciting,” said Koop. “I didn’t know where I was at even 18 hours ago so just coming in here, all the guys are so accepting. It made me feel right at home right away and I just kind of found instant chemistry right away with my linemates.”
Koop was on a line with Bryce Platt and Isaiah Thomas and Platt scored the game’s first goal at 4:37 of the first period, followed soon by Koop’s marker.
“We clicked right away and we scored first or second shift,” said Platt. “I think I was just as surprised as everyone else about the chemistry we had right away. It’s pretty easy to play with a guy who knows the game and skates well.”
Bruisn head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood said he looked at their skill sets and determined that Koop would be a good fit with Platt.
“Those guys seemed to be a good match,” said Lewgood. “When you get two good guys who think the game well, you’re going to find some chemistry.”
The Bruins’ hard work earned them a power play later in the first and a Johnny Witzke point shot went into the net at 15:20 of the first period to give the Bruins a 3-0 lead on the defending Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions.
From there, with little resistance, the Bruins won 4-1. Turner Ripplinger scored the other goal for the Bruins and Grant Boldt, making his second start in as many days, earned the win with 32 saves in the Bruins net.
“Boldty was due for a start so we played him (Friday) night and we wanted to reward him so he came in and was strong again here,” said Lewgood. “We’ve got some good goaltenders here. We’ve got three guys who can play the game. Boldty’s hot right now and it was a night to take advantage of it.”
Koop was a coup for the Bruins, and the self-described two-way forward looked at ease in his first game as a Bruin.
“I pride myself on both ends,” said Koop. “I want to contribute in points and goals, but I don’t want to be on the ice for any goals against.
“I like that he’s a dynamic player who skates really well,” said Lewgood. “He handles the puck and can shoot it. Although he’s a natural winger, he’s played centre ice and played really well at this level. He kind of fit all the needs we have up front. And his versatility doesn’t hurt us either.”
Conditioning wasn’t much of a factor for Koop, who seemed to fit in easily with Platt and Thomas.
“It was OK,” said Koop. “I’ve worked hard to stay in shape waiting for the trade. Obviously it’s not exactly where I wanted it to be considering I hadn’t played in a month, so I was pretty happy with it.”
The Bruins will jump on the bus for four games in five nights in the Sherwood Division next week, starting with Tuesday in Nipawin.
