DS: If you could pick out one practice, game or interaction with your team this year that first made you think the North Stars have the ability to dominate the Finning Division and the SJHL, what would it be?
KH: That's a difficult question, Dustin. Every year we approach the season with the same mindset and that's to be the best we can possibly be. We can't predict what might happen over the course of a season but we can control the things that we have control over; how we prepare, how hard we work, how we structure our hockey team. I think any coach will tell you it's a process and this particular team has respected that and made it the amazing experience and journey that it has been. I owe these players and staff a lot, they are all tremendous young men who are extremely dedicated to the North Stars and to each other.
DS: After a slow first period in the Yorkton game, did the 13-day break effect your players in any way? I'm sure the players and yourself were dying to get back onto the ice, what was the atmosphere like in the locker room prior to game time?
KH: The players were feeling great heading into the Yorkton game. We knew it would be a challenge after such a long layoff which was evident in this game. Our players problem solved between periods and then stuck to the game plan, for that reason, we were able to earn a win from that game in the third period.
DS: The ice seemed to tilt in the North Stars favour after the first intermission, outshooting the Terriers 9-2 in the middle frame before scoring three in the third en route to a 3-2 victory. Was it just a matter of time against a team you have all but dominated during the regular season? From your perspective, what changed between periods to light a fire in the North Stars offence to come out with a strong showing in the third?
KH: I want to choose my words carefully, I have a lot of respect for the coaches in our league and especially with Trent Cassan and his staff. The Terriers worked very hard and even though the shots were what they were, Yorkton applied pressure on us and worked extremely hard, not only in this game but every game we play them. We talked about a few things between periods and our players determined simply throwing more pucks at the Yorkton net would give us the momentum we were seeking. They were right and they earned the victory because of it.
DS: Another solid night in net from one of your three goaltenders. Tyler Fuhr made some big saves throughout the tilt to keep the Battlefords within striking distance, none bigger than his big post-to-post save in the first period. Have you ever had a three-way goalie situation like this in your coaching career?
KH: This is a first for me, Dustin. The three of them have been extremely professional and have all sacrificed for the team to make this work. All three are selfless and classy young men deserving of the net.
DS: With the win against Yorkton and Humboldt, the North Stars are now riding a six game winning streak, the second longest streak this season other than the seven game stretch that ended Oct. 23. What have you seen from your team over this course that has allowed them to have so much success?
KH: I like our players attitudes and consistency. They have remained focused on the goals that we set and simply put, have had FUN! I can not stress the importance of that word to all coaches, Let the kids play, and watch them grow!
DS: It's no secret that Humboldt has been struggling this year and is a team that will miss the playoffs. What was the mentality from the team and coaching staff heading into Tuesday’s tilt against a team that has won just two of their last 10 games?
KH: We are focused on earning the goals we have set as a team. We want to continue to improve our game and find ways to execute key things efficiently. Our players and staff have bought into this process and our match up with Humboldt gave us another opportunity to improve.
DS: The North Stars now have a long, four-game homestand. The four games will be tied for longest homestand of the season. How important is it to play at the Civic Centre and in front of your fans with first place continuously on the line?
KH: We have the best fans in the SJHL. They consistently show up with enthusiasm and support. What's important to us is that we provide them the entertainment they deserve. These are our paying customers that come to see an honest effort and a competitive match up. The fans will give us that extra boost when needing to keep a puck out of our net, or to score that come from behind goal. There is nothing like the eruption of your home crowd, including the horns, cheers and music, it's uplifting and inspirational.
DS: Flin Flon will be one of the three teams you see during your time at the Civic Centre in this final stretch of games. The one team the North Stars have yet to beat this year. What will be the message heading into the two-game series?
KH: Above all messages, simply have fun! Our players understand the situation, they are passionate about it and they want to “Earn It.” We will draw up a game plan, make minor adjustments as needed and respect the process of earning a victory. One shift, one period, and one game at a time.
DS: From your perspective, what needs to be done to limit the space and time from Kocur, Switzer and Smith? Flin Flon is a team where depth may be their biggest problem, seeing as their scoring drops off in a massive way after these three. Is it crucial to shut these three down and make their supporting cast beat you?
KH: It's not going to be an easy task but I know a group of players who are up for it and want that challenge. We will have to win races to loose pucks and keep these three skilled players from our net. The less time they have the puck, the less chance they have to score. I think if you evaluate Flin Flon's scoring since Christmas, depth won't seem like a problem. Scoring has spread out for that team since Christmas and come from other places, it will definitely be a game of determination and which team wants it more.
