Interview With The Coach, “I’d say very shortly we’ll have something concrete on whether Logan will be here.”

Some notes from Killer’s interview this morning on the TEAM 1200/Dave Gross and AJ Jakubec. [paraphrasing]

(On recent trip to visit recruits’ families) We went over a 1000 miles in 3 days. I’ve always felt it’s important to go to people’s homes and explain what’s going on, what to expect, answer any questions. When they come to training camp we don’t really have time to talk. We’re trying to select the team and that’s the focus.

(On Logan Couture’s status) I felt great about the meeting. We went in there and talked; spent some good time there. I really feel good. There’s just a couple things that are going to be settled. I’d say very shortly we’ll have something concrete on whether Logan will be here. We’re looking forward to that.

(On second pick Pat Daley) He’s a boy that wanted to play in Ottawa. He watched us play in Belleville, Oshawa, and Peterborough. He wanted to play for the 67s and had other teams interested in him but he wasn’t interested in them. When we selected him, he was just overjoyed.

(What type of player is Pat) He can be a right winter and a centreman. A right hand shot. He’s a big kid at 6’1”. Don Cherry told us that this young kid comes to play. He comes back into his own end and helps out and finishes his checks.

(What type of player is Logan Couture) He’s a great skater with a tremendous shot and great vision. He’s an ideal playmaker and goal-scorer, a hockey player. That’s his game. Pierre Maguire mentioned him on his show on up and coming kids. I really believe it is good for Logan and for Ottawa. He’s a combination of Corey Locke and Andrew Cassels. He moves the puck and has a good shot.

(On the Import Draft) We’ll know more next week. Walsh has gone over and I imagine when he comes back some time next week he’ll have some information for us. What players are available and when they can be released. You want to make sure, especially with the number one pick, that with the player you select there’s no obstacles. I’m looking for my second pick to move in to a better position as well.

(On Frolic being available, who has been identified as number one pick) I have no idea. The people that heard - everyone knows how good he is. People that are in the know say maybe or maybe not. But the host team have the say in the matter because they hold his rights. That’s something that we’ll know next week. The draft is not until the 29th. If it does become Frolic that’s great, but if not, well we want to have it locked up.

(What Killer's looking for – forward, defence) Sometimes you have to pick what’s there. We’re going to hopefully get two players that want to come over and be a part of our team. If one happens to be a defenceman and one happens to be forward that’s great, but if they’re both forwards well that’s great too. As long as there’s no obstacles and they’ll be part of the team

(On McGinn’s invite to U-18 team) You know he earned it. He started off not even dressing in the home opener and then moved to the 4th line. He moved up and became a force. Whatever he got, he earned. He was a hard working kid. Just improved greatly. You saw the improvement, especially him and Alphonso.

(On the team going to Newfoundland St. Johns and Cornerbrook for exhibition games) Jeff mentioned that a while back. Jeff being from there. We’re a respected team down in Newfoundland. They know a lot about Jeff and the 67s. I think it will be something for the kids to look forward to. We’ll go down early and have a sightseeing tour. The kids well see something that they wouldn’t necessarily see. We’ll go down there and play a few games, and it will be good will and enjoyable for the kids. Not sure how many are going because of seats.

[/paraphrasing]

Useful link: Meet our newest players