DS: Tyler Fuhr made his debut for the black and white in back-to-back games. What was your initial reaction seeing him in your net, knowing he stole a W away from you just the weekend before? Is his tremendous puck playing ability just another reason as to why you went out and got him? Will he be back in between the pipes this weekend?
KH: We knew what we were getting when we acquired Tyler. Honestly we just didn't know he was going to come available. He played very well against us in the playoffs the year before and played very well with Estevan to begin 2016. We added depth to the goaltending position when we added Tyler who is a goalie with a lot of Junior experience. With two very good goalies already in the mix, we are excited about the competition that exists in practice. Tyler's ability to play the puck is definitely an asset moving forward. We will know later in the week who will be starting this weekend.
DS: Coby Downs is simply having an incredible second half. He was recently named rookie of the week for the second straight week while putting up six points in three games. His confidence seems to be at an all-time high right now. How fun is it to come to work knowing that you have numerous players in the top 20 for scoring, they are continuously willing to learn, and have a team that expects to win every night?
KH: We are very fortunate to have the quality players we do. All of them have sacrificed for the team and each other. Coby has adapted well since coming to Canada to play hockey and he has earned the respect of his teammates. These young men continue to elevate the bar with their performance and we continue to challenge development in key areas of our game each week. Seeing them come together as a group and continue to improve daily is extremely rewarding.
DS: How sweet of a win was it to walk into hostile territory against Weyburn, a team that has had your number for most part of the year, and come out with a come from behind victory? Jack Burgart is a tough goaltender to solve, a lot of ugly goals, but is that what was needed to be done against him?
KH: Our guys found ways to score even strength goals this past road trip. In the Weyburn game, the team made a push in the third period and played the best 20 minutes of that game. Our players were rewarded for their effort and found ways to beat a very good goaltender. We have stressed from day one that anything worth while achieving in this league would have to be earned. Weyburn is a team that makes you earn everything, which was the case in that game last weekend.
DS: You said it best, on any given night a new line can emerge and contribute. On Friday it was Downs, Gorgi and Young. Saturday it was the line of Nachtegaele, Kanter and Davidson. Is this what it takes to truly be the number one team in the league, having the ability to roll four lines with confidence? Davidson is finally being rewarded for his efforts, is his scoring touch a sign of things to come.
KH: That was a huge positive for our team last weekend. Our power play was contained over the weekend and we needed to find contributions offensively from other sources. When the Davidson, Kanter, and Nachtegaele line earns 3 goals in a 3 - 1 win, it's huge. We have utilized that line to compete against opponent's’ top lines, making it even more of a challenge to score. The three of them work extremely hard and play the game the right way. They ignite the team with energy and in the Notre Dame game, they carried us to victory. Having the ability to play all four lines in this league is crucial, getting scoring from all four lines in different circumstances is definitely beneficial.
DS: Alexi Thibaudeau had a phenomenal game Saturday, stopping close to 60 shots on net. He also made a paddle save on Reed Delainey that was good enough for a TSN highlight reel. What were your thoughts on the way he kept Notre Dame in the game?
KH: Alexi is one of many amazingly talented goaltenders in this league. The SJHL continues to develop some of the best goaltenders in Jr. A hockey and Alexi is certainly one of those. Any college team would be foolish to not consider him as a prospect for their hockey team.
DS: Was Hockey Day in Saskatchewan something that you will always remember? From instructing with the initiation hockey program, to an incredible game at night, what can you say about the town of Wadena and how that day was special for you?
KH: To be a part of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan is such a privilege. We were so fortunate to work with Cameco, Hockey Saskatchewan, and the community of Wadena this past weekend. The energy and enthusiasm generated from this event will only grow the sport and encourage more kids to want to play. There is nothing more uplifting than to see the smiles, cheers, and support from small communities in Saskatchewan. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of that event and for allowing us to be a part of the celebration.
DS: Coach Johnson, Kotchorek, Nachtegaele, Fransoo, and Sych accompanied you for the morning skate with the minor hockey program. How important is it for the players to stay involved in the community, knowing that the children look up to you and them as role models?
KH: This is the cycle of the sport. At some point in all of our careers, someone contributed to the love we have developed for the game. All of the above mentioned would tell you of a role model they had growing up, or carrying sticks and filling water bottles for the North Stars. Junior teams simply would not survive if they didn't contribute back to the communities. This is not a responsibility, it is a privilege.
DS: Last week you said you wanted to get more out of your team when it comes to even strength. Each one of your goals this weekend was five-on-five. Would you say you accomplished your goal?
KH: We took steps in the right direction and found another piece of our game that will give us a chance to be successful. Our players should feel confident in our development as a team as we continue to improve every day. They are really starting to understand what “earning it” really is.
DS: Without a mid week game you have a full four days with the team. What is the week like when you have until Friday to prepare? What messages are you trying to get across in practice?
KH: Each one of our days is detailed and purposeful. We try to combine development in practice with continuity off the ice. Conditioning and proper rest are paramount during this time as well. In addition to all of this, our team makes time to contribute to the community. We have a lot of community events planned, which range from reading in schools to volunteering as refs in a local charity tournament. We definitely stay busy.
DS: You will be seeing La Ronge once again this week as part of a home-and-home series. Will the game plan be much of the same in front of Kris Joyce, needing to get bodies in front of him? How important is it to get that first goal and move on from there against a team that has won just 2 of their last 10 games?
KH: Everyone has challenges throughout the season and this seems to be a challenging time for La Ronge. Coach Martin will have them prepared with the last game fresh in their minds. For us, we want to ensure elements of our game continue to get better. Our focus has been on how we play and how we manage the puck. We haven't always scored the first goal in games, but we have been able to gain momentum from period to period which I really like. We will definitely be looking to strike first this weekend.
