Trappers find respect for swimmers at Titans vs. Trappers Swim Meet

Trappers forward Brandon Janke diving in a race against some much younger and faster competition. Photo by Rick Tripp.

Cole Klippenstein has a whole new respect for swimmers.

The 6’3” Trappers defenceman was one of 18 Trappers that competed in the 3rd annual Trappers vs. Titans Swim Meet at the YMCA pool on Monday afternoon.

Klippenstein may have the height and reach of swimming legend Michael Phelps, but, like many of his Trappers’ teammates, he was humbled by some much younger and faster Titans swimmers.

"The swim meet was a great time and an eye opener as well,” admitted Klippenstein.

“Our team is in great shape on the ice but swimming seems to work a different set of muscles and we learned that the hard way. I have a new respect for swimmers and the shape they are in as I never understood how tough the sport was before the meet experience. Losing and all, it was a lot of fun and I think parents and kids alike enjoyed being out there today as well."

The Trappers and Titans competed in a number of events and were timed just like a competitive meet – taking part in individual and relay events.

Katie Tripp enjoyed the experience. The 13-year-old swimmer got a kick out of some of the Trappers “unique” swimming techniques.

“My favorite part of the ‘mini meet’ was during warm up and Olivia and I were trying to teach some of the boys to swim butterfly and ‘froggy stroke,’” said Tripp.

“The whole thing was really fun though and I'm excited to do it again next year.”

Trappers forward Brandon Janke brought his game face to the pool, and even had fun ribbing some of the young Titans during the event.

Well this being my second straight year participating in the swim meet,

“I had an amazing time doing this for the second year in a row,” said Janke.

“This event gives you a whole new respect for the sport of swimming, the meet was full of laughs and good fun. Can't say we got to many first place finishes but I know every guy on the team had a blast, hopefully we can keep this tradition continued for many years to come.”

The Trappers are back on the ice Friday as they host the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners. Game time is 7 pm at Memorial Gardens.