Interview With The Coach

Killer had his usual post-w/e interview on The TEAM 1200/Dean and Gord this afternoon. Some notes:

On the Tsimikalis trade, Killer responded with: [paraphrasing] Peter wants to get playing and we want to get a player in here. We want to get on with it. There is no chance for a change of heart at this point. He’ll move on to help another team and we’ll get someone for our team. It doesn’t put us in a bad position. He’s been such a good kid on and off the ice. He’s got talent. The problem is with him and me. You don’t ever look back on talent and that’s what he has. [/paraphrasing]

As to what specifically he is looking for, Killer responded with: [paraphrasing] We want a comparable age bracket – 18 yoa. Centre, left, or right, we could use any help up front. Not looking for defence because Reid and Lawrance are expected back. We’re looking for a forward. [/paraphrasing]

At this point, Killer thinks that it is boiling down to a one-for-one, not a multi-player trade deal.

When asked if there was a particular team or preference in getting Peter out of division, Killer responded with: [paraphrasing] Peter told Jeff and me that wherever you deal me I’ll be happy to go. I’ll go anywhere. So we’re not worried about conference or close teams. The team that gives me a player of equal talent is where he will go. [/paraphrasing]

Asked if the off ice distractions of the past week helped focus the team this w/e, Killer responded with: [paraphrasing] Well, we can’t say that. Who knows what turns kids on and off these days. They did practice well. Some nights the same team can play with different results. They came out with more spirit and emotion. [/paraphrasing]

On Talbot? Killer: [paraphrasing] He was the best man on the ice Friday night and rewarded with hard work last night. He plays everywhere, anywhere and never gets rewarded. Even though he got a hat trick he wasn’t awarded a star. [/paraphrasing] According to Killer, Talbot was the star of the w/e for the team.

On the PP: [paraphrasing] The power play took off this w/e. The fellows started working well, passing the puck around, getting good shots during the PP. [/paraphrasing]

Injury update (Reid/shoulder, Lawrance/hip): [paraphrasing] Lawrance could play this upcoming w/e. He will be skating this week. Reid needs rest, and with the treatment he is getting, looking possibly at the middle of December for a return. [/paraphrasing]

On losing players to the upcoming tournaments: [paraphrasing]
For the Under 17, Lahey and McGinn leave the team the day after Christmas. We will have a big hole in the line up with the Czech two, another defenceman and the two Under 17. Not looking forward to that time. Makes it hard on the team –-- losing four forwards and possibly a defenceman. I wish them well though. It’s exciting for them to play in these tournaments. Sometimes you get hit hard, sometimes you don’t but it’s the price you pay for good scouting I guess. [/paraphrasing]

On London: [paraphrasing] They’ve won on the road, they’ve won close games, shoot outs. Give them credit for what they’ve achieved. [/paraphrasing]

And finally, no practice today. He gave the kids the day off today. Some of the guys are watching the OHLers play the Russian Selects in Mississauga tonight.