SJHL Klippers hire familiar face as new GM/Head Coach
By Jordan Parker
A formidable past presence for the SJHL Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers is back as Head Coach and General Manager.
Clayton Jardine – who coached the Klippers in the 2018-2019 season – has returned with the team this season. He most recently spent four seasons with the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL.
Clayton Jardine will be back behind the Klipper’s bench next season. Submitted Photo
"I'm excited to be back," said Jardine in an interview with Your Southwest. "The board members were amazing through this process and willing to make all this work with my wife, daughter and myself.”
"I've always been struck by the beauty of this area, the tight-knit community, and the fact everyone helps and does what's best for each other.”
Jardine led the Klippers to a 36-16 record and won SJHL Coach of the Year during his first season with them, and could infuse new energy into a team that saw the departure of Jardine's predecessor Ken Plaquin near this season's end.
Much of the reason he went after the top gig was familiarity.
"I just know the people here, and being part of the Klippers before was huge for me. The people you're with and who you surround yourself with is huge," he said.
"The board is amazing, the staff and players are amazing, and to get back to the SJHL is what I wanted. The league is promoting themselves well, and I want to be a part of that. I want to see the Klippers continue to progress as an organization.”
Jardine had the pleasure of coaching now-Assistant Coach Tyler Traptow when he was playing, as well as Minnesota Gophers goalie Justen Close, who was lauded for his play with his university team right through their NCAA championship loss against Quinnipiac two weekends ago.
The new Klippers coach's ties to the community and hockey world run deep, and he's already "boots on the ground" with the Klippers.
"Everyone was happy to see me come back, and the players and I had some good conversations," said Jardine. "There's a lot of excitement here, and they understand the challenge ahead. It's unacceptable how things went last year.”
The Klippers placed second-last this year in league play with a 13-34-4-5 record. Mired by injuries, the team couldn't find discipline and chemistry. They missed the playoffs in 2021-2022 as well and were seven points behind the eight-seeded Notre Dame Hounds.
Jardine has every intention of changing the team's fortunes, and he knows exactly where to start.
"We see hockey teams becoming faster, more aggressive, and more on their toes. Teams can't stand around. They need to skate and move fast," he said.
"Watching the games from last year, I'm realizing we need at least a 50 percent increase in how fast and aggressive we play. Our style of play needs to change to achieve success.”