The North Stars were in Flin Flon this past weekend managing to take one point of a possible four. Head Coach/GM Kevin Hasselberg looks forward to their game against second place Melfort on Wednesday night and the upcoming trip to Humboldt and Kindersley.
If you could boil down your losses this past weekend to one or two problems, what would be responsible?
KH: Composure would have to be the first thing, our team played very well at times, however, when composure was lost, our team suffered. Composure first has to come from the head coach, and at times, I was lacking it, therefore the team lacked it. Secondly, special teams. Our power play was only able to contribute one goal in five-on-four situations and one other goal with a five-on-three advantage. With the amount of power plays we earned, we needed to generate more offence. We were able to generate scoring chances, however, Zac Robidoux (Flin Flon goaltender) met our shots and was able to keep us off the score sheet.
What kind of penalty killing adjustments did you make from Friday (only 1/4) to Saturday (8/8)?
KH: We needed to control the ice more efficiently with our positioning and use of our sticks. Our players killed off a full two-minute, five-on-three penalty, which really set the momentum for our penalty kill in game two of the weekend. Players were blocking shots and Rewerts made some big saves for us. Your goalie has to come up big when down a man and Ryan did that for us.
The power play went 2/17 this past weekend, are you and your coaches thinking of switching personnel? Are there any changes happening in practice to get ready for your upcoming games against Melfort, Humboldt, and Kindersley?
KH: We felt our power play generated some quality scoring chances while playing with the man advantage and won’t be making any significant changes moving forward. Against Melfort we will have to be sharp, they pressure the puck extremely hard. Coach Johnson and the players will be well prepared for that game and our power play will get back on track.
How important is it to get ahead early in this league, knowing that chasing the lead constantly is a dangerous thing?
KH: I think it is good to sometimes find yourself behind in a game, you never know when you might be faced with an uphill challenge in pivotal games throughout the playoffs. I think our team has responded very well when playing from behind. We have proven to be a team that never quits and a team that won’t stop working until the game is complete. It is certainly more comforting to our coaching staff when we earn a lead to start the game.
How are you going to stop Travis Mayan?
KH: We will need to ensure Travis does not have a lot of time or space. The challenge doesn’t stop there, both (Tristan) Frei and (Justin) Boyer, combined with Mayan make up one of the best lines in the SJHL. Our top offensive players are equally as threatening while on the ice. The same challenge exists for the Melfort coaching staff to try and shut down a team that has successful scoring like ours. One thing is for sure, the fans are in for a real treat with the skill that will be on display in that game.
Humboldt may be one of the teams that players tend to overlook, are you using the losses in Flin Flon as a lesson for the players?
KH: Not necessarily, the losses in Flin Flon were simply losses in Flin Flon. Every game we play is approached with detailed preparation and the same will be done in Humboldt. Our main goal is to “Earn Everything.” Each game we play is an opportunity to improve as a team and play with more composure and purpose. We are excited about the challenges each game brings.
Kindersley has played five less games than you but are in second place in the Finning Division. Out of everyone in the league, are they one of those teams that you look forward to playing?
KH: Absolutely, they are our natural rival and a team that knocked us out of the playoffs last season. Coach Grimwood has done a tremendous job of restructuring that team and they have played well. Every game against them this season has been a battle to the last minute and we expect nothing different on Saturday. They are a physical team that will challenge our skill to play with less time. Exactly what we are excited to do and become better at executing.
What were your thoughts on Rory Davidson and how do you tend to use him?
KH: Rory had a great game! His speed was dangerous every time he was on the ice. We hope to utilize Rory for his experience and determination. He will be a tremendous two-way player who will consistently compete every time he is on the ice. With more practice time and time spent with his teammates he will be a great fit for us with the ability to play in different roles.
