The Kimberley Dynamiters fell to the Fernie Ghostriders on Tuesday night, dropping an early first period lead to post a 9-5 loss by the end of the game to wrap up the preseason.

The team also released some players last night to pare down the roster to roughly 23 skaters, however a few injuries will make 21 healthy bodies, according to Rick Allen, general manager for the Dynamiter club.

Netminder Tal Klaudt, along with Luke Geortz, Conner Anderson and Kevin MacDonald, have been released, and Jordan McLuckie and Zack Singer have been listed as affiliate players and sent back into the Cranbrook and Kimberley minor hockey systems.

"There are two other kids that we need to make a decision on. We'll probably give them a game or two this weekend and see how they perform," Allen added.

In Fernie, the Nitros grabbed an early two-goal lead off markers from Mitch Gallagher and Jordan McLuckie; Gallagher on the powerplay and McLuckie with an individual effort.

However, the Riders tied it up and traded goals against the Dynamiters, which came from Connor McLuckie and Richard Hubscher to even the score at three going into the second.

"The first period was our best period and this was a game where you make a mistake, you should probably pay for it, and we made three mistakes in the first period, and we paid for it," Allen said. "They capitalized."

The Riders held off a scoreless Nitro offense in the second period, adding three goals in the latter half of the period, doubling their lead.

Nitro forward Richard Hubscher added two powerplay goals in the third for his hat trick, but the Riders pounded away another three markers to seal the deal.

It was the second time the two met during the exhibition schedule-the Nitros taking their first meeting and the Riders prevailing in the second-and it's clear that the rivalry between the two is alive and well.

"When Kimberley comes into Fernie, they have more fans than for anybody else and definitely now, that's the way it is with us and them in our rink," said Allen. "Fernie always has a competitive team, Phil (Iddon) and Will (Verner) have done a good job there bringing in top players and that makes the league better."

Alberta import Gallagher made his mark on the game, as he has throughout the preseason, and Allen likes what he sees.

"He wants to be a part of this team, he wants to do anything he can to help us win and he's prepared to take on any role," Allen explained. "He's been an excellent kid to have around. He's personable, he's upbeat, the coaches like him and I think fans will like him."

Allen praised the efforts of Connor Kutzner, calling him the "best overall player on the ice" during the game. Rylen Duley and Colton Vannucci also got a nod for their play; Duley took one of the Fernie boys to task for getting in the face of some Nitro players and Vannucci for his heads-up play and hockey sense.

"All the guys we've brought in so far have brought something to the game," Allen continued.

The Nitros will open the regular season in Golden against the Rockets this Friday, but will return to the Kimberley Civic Centre on Saturday for a tilt against the Creston Valley Thundercats.

Allen encourages fans to come down for a volunteer-organized tailgate party kicking off at 4 p.m. in the parking lot.

Members of the Nitro team will be out and about, and refreshments and prizes will be given away. The game will start at 7 p.m.