Another outgoing Kindersley Jr. Klipper is going to be suiting up for Red Deer College of the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference) next season. The team announced on Thursday that Shayne Tibbles made his commitment to the Kings hockey program, following the commitment of his teammate Mason Bueckert to Red Deer earlier in the week.
Tibbles was acquired by the Klippers prior to last season, completing a "future considerations" trade with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. Brought in to be a steady scorer and veteran presence in the forward core, Tibbles did just that with 32 points (5 goals, 27 assists) in 42 regular season games, adding another four points in five playoff games against Melfort.
In studio for an interview during the playoffs, Klippers coach Clayton Jardine credited Tibbles as one of the players that really stepped up their game in the postseason. He's excited to see Tibbles moving on after a great year in Kindersley.
“We are excited to see Shayne move on to the next level. We thank him for his dedication and commitment to the team. Shayne played through a lot of pain all season and still produced for us. Red Deer is getting a great hockey player and an even better human being!”
Joining the Bueckert and Tibbles news this week, other Klippers heading to school next year include home captain Ethan Hilbig who committed to the University of Windsor, road captain Kyler Smith who will be playing at Dalhousie University, and goaltender Cody Jaman who is also in the ACAC, set to play for the University of Augustana Vikings in Camrose.
Bueckert isn't the only Klipper going to the post-secondary level next year. He joined hometown player and home captain Ethan Hilbig who committed to the University of Windsor, joining his brother Tylin Hilbig and another former Klipper captain Logan Linklater. That announcement came during the season, followed by Kyler Smith's commitment to Dalhousie University out east, and then goaltender Cody Jaman signing intent to play for the University of Augustana Vikings in Camrose.
Another player committed to the Kings program for next season is Kindersley native Carter Cormier. He played this past season with the Flin Flon Bombers after his junior career took him all around Canada.