DS: After splitting the weekend, the North Stars are now 6-2 in 2016. What goals did you set in place for the second half of the season, and, in your opinion, are you achieving them?
KH: With respect to the goals the team set moving forward, we are on track and the team is excited to earn them.
DS: It is nice to see Dustin Gorgi contributing on a nightly basis. Scoring back-to-back goals, him and his linemates seem to really click. Do you see them sticking together as long as they continue to contribute or do you like giving players new looks?
KH: We have to be prepared to change things up at any time, should suspensions, injuries, or other circumstances that exist come into play that force our hands. In this case, when it isn't broken, why fix it. That line has clicked since early in the season, they have experienced set backs together and have worked through them together, it's a positive sign that is reassuring to the staff. It hasn't always gone in the net for Gorgi, he stays positive and continues to persevere and that is why he earns success. He is a tremendous role model to younger players about positive thinking and self belief.
DS: After going 0/12 on the man advantage against Weyburn and Notre Dame, the North Stars followed up with two goals on six attempts. Not only is your power play unit one of the best in the SJHL, but they have 60 more attempts than anyone else in the league. Do you attribute their ability to draw so many penalties to their size and speed?
KH: That's a good question, Dustin, that a lot of people have analyzed and come to their own conclusion on. We will continue to play hard when we earn the chance with a man advantage and not spend a lot of time trying to figure out something that is in the officials hands. Our team can be a hard team to contain and because of that, we are able to draw a lot of penalties.
DS: Speaking of the power play unit, Igor Leonenko loves that one-timer from the right wing. I feel like that spot should almost have his name carved in the ice. Is part of your game plan on the man advantage to tee up Leonenko so he can best utilize his deadly one-timer? Did he come to the team with that shot or is it something you and the coaching staff have been working on?
KH: Igor's one timer was the first thing we noticed about him when we first watched him on Fast Hockey four years ago. We want to create as many options as possible to keep the penalty kill guessing when that unit is on the ice. Having Igor out there with that strength is certainly an advantage.
DS: The hard work your energy line puts in seems to be working out for the entire team. Davidson/Nachtegaele/Kanter not only contribute offensively, but they scored the game winner Friday. What can you say about their recent uptick of offence?
KH: Davidson has been getting better every day. His determination in practice and in the games is a big reason for his recent success on the score sheets. I also believe both Logan and Baxter have been a huge part of that success matching that enthusiasm and energy every shift. As a unit, they are one of the hardest working lines in the SJHL.
DS: The North Stars made their third and final stop when it comes to neutral site games. Families and billets from around North Battleford made the trip to the Edam Community Centre. How was the atmosphere like for you and your team? What do you enjoy most about playing in front of these smaller communities?
KH: We loved it, all three rinks provided something unique and exciting. The fans were extremely passionate and the atmosphere was a lot of fun. For a lot of kids playing, it was these rinks where it all began. It gives a real sense of purpose and fulfillment to our coaching staff and players that we are leaving the game in a better place.
DS: One of your goals was to strike first this weekend. You accomplished that in both games. However, with the incredible run your team is having this season, one of those "it was just wasn't our night" games had to have happened sooner or later. Was the goal for the third period to come out and win the frame? What was the message after it was over?
KH: Each game brings a new lesson and losing 7-1 was no different. We accepted defeat graciously and put it behind us quickly. We all know that we could be better in certain situations during that game. Unfortunately, our mistakes ended up in the back of our net that night. I know our players took what that they needed from that game and they will be stronger now because of it.
DS: Despite being down 7-1, the game was still extremely competitive and multiple fights broke out. Were you pleased with the way your team battled and stuck up for each other, or did you just want to get out of there without injuries? How important is it to learn from a game like this and carry the chip on their shoulder into Wednesdays game?
KH: I was very pleased and proud that our players battled to the end. When things get a little crazy like they did in that game, you hope everyone comes out unharmed and suspensions or fines are not needed. It's extremely important that we not dwell on that defeat and quickly turn the page to our next opponent which happens to be Melfort on Wednesday night.
DS: The Mustangs have been struggling lately to their standards, going just 4-5 in their last nine games. How will you look to shut down the offence that is capable of breaking out on any given night?
KH: We have to be prepared to outwork them. At this time of the season and all teams simply tuning up their systems and structure, the one intangible that separates most games is one teams ability to outwork their opponent. For us, that looks like a team that wants the puck more than the other. We want to win races to all loose pucks, challenge the opposing teams net, and defend by committee. When we are playing hard together and in sync, we feel we are a very difficult team to play against. The Mustangs are very similar and are defending champs for a reason. We respect that and look forward to competing against that.
DS: Your 4th and final meeting against Nipawin is this Friday. Dunlop, Bolden and Mignault are some of the players I'm sure you are looking out for. How important is staying out of the box and limiting these players' scoring opportunities?
KH: Nipawin is a four-line team that plays hard. It doesn't really matter who is on the ice for them, they will lean on you, battle with you, and eliminate any space to play. They have really good goaltending and big, hard-to-play-against defence. The Hawks are a well-prepared hockey team. We will have to be at our best when it comes time to play them on Friday. Discipline will definitely play a big part in the outcome of that game.
