Head Coach Kevin Hasselberg has time to reflect on the Battlefords recent string of games, life away from the Civic Centre, and SJHL dominance.
What is a day in the life like as a member of the North Stars when they are on the road? How about yourself?
KH: Heading out on the road is quality team building time. We mix business with pleasure remembering we have games to prepare for, and also quality time to bond as a team. We value every second of the day and try to maximize our time to strengthen our team. The bus can be a very enjoyable time, especially after earning wins. For the coaching staff, the bus is time to catch up with small tasks. We email coaches at higher levels, watch video of the opposing teams, catch up on sleep when needed, and also get to know our players. We always welcome the long talks with our MVP driver Larry!
How are you going to handle your goaltenders throughout the rest of the season with how effective Kotchorek has been?
KH: We like the competition that has been created with the emergence of Kotchorek, he has earned everything in his career and it's exciting to see his young Jr career progress. Rew is a veteran goaltender with valuable experience that will welcome the competition, which is equally as exciting. [Goalie coach] Travis has done a phenomenal job with both goaltenders and both will continue to earn everything, expecting nothing to be given to them.
Solving Jack Burgart must have been a huge boost for the team, and it seemed like you executed your scheme well, what was the feeling in the locker room like after your dominant 7-0 win?
KH: The dressing room was focused before the game like I have never seen it before, it gave our staff a sense of calmness and confidence that the team would perform and that's exactly what they did. I believe leadership was a huge factor in the result, the dressing room at the conclusion of the game was earned....exhausted, but extremely satisfied.
How do you manage in a game like that, one that has 151 penalty minutes and tensions are boiling over?
KH: Although this can be a challenge, composure is at the top. Making sure the right players are on the ice at the right time and ensuring players maintain focus and discipline is a team effort. The actions of our leaders in this game was with discipline, the reactions of the team was for each other, having one another's backs when needed. I was very proud at how the entire team handled this game.
In Estevan, the team seemed very disciplined, registering only eight minutes of penalties. After Weyburn, was this a big part of the game plan?
KH: Discipline isn't something that matters some of the time, it is critical all of the time. It is also something we stress every day in our preparations to become a more complete team.
Down two goals multiple times in Notre Dame, was there ever a doubt in your mind that you couldn't come back? What did you tell your team in between periods to get them going?
KH: Our players got better each period as the game went on. We challenged the team as a group, as well as individually with specific needs of the team to be successful, and our players responded. Our players have learned to play with composure and will continue to improve in that area. This composure that they are holding one another accountable for is making us stronger which was evident in this game. It was great to see players earn success that had been struggling previously.
With a complete stranglehold over the Finning division, is anything less than a first place finish a disappointment at this point?
KH: This league will challenge you until the last minute. We have learned this and on any given night, one team can defeat another. Winning the Finning Division would be an honour, however, it is the furthest thing from our mind right now. Our focus today is to prepare for Flin Flon and ensure that we are ready to play in a very difficult environment. The Whitney forum carries an identity that has been forged for decades.
You guys were 13/15 in killing penalties on the road, and are third in the league on the PP, how much stress do you put on special teams in practice?
KH: Special teams are huge, and whether directly or indirectly, we work on it every practice. Coach Johnson and the players have done an amazing job to get the power play to the level it is at. They will continue to improve and adjust as needed.
Are you surprised that certain members of your team haven't committed somewhere yet? After the big weekend from Layne Young, is it just a matter of time?
KH: We respect the process regarding this and will continue to ensure we are doing everything to prepare our players to be their best. I firmly believe our players will earn the success they seek when they take care of the process and do their very best to improve.
What are your emphasizing this week as you head out to Flin Flon?
KH: Prepare to COMPETE!
