DS: The crowd of over 1,500 at the Civic Centre Friday night and 1,200 Tuesday was absolutely electric. Certainly a perk to playoff hockey. From your perspective, are there any differences between regular season games and playoff games?
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KH: Absolutely there is. When a season is on the line and everyone is excited, the energy, enthusiasm, and Ìýinternal battles between fans and communities is amazing. You see all of the signs posted around the rinks and attendance numbers up, it's playoffs, and it's what we all play for.
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DS: The North Stars fired 22 shots in the opening period of game one and dominated for the majority of the tilt. Were you impressed with the way your team elevated their game for the playoffs with the amount of key injuries they had to face? What was the atmosphere like in the locker room before taking to the ice?
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KH: When you have a thirteen day lay off, players get really excited to play. The dressing room was loose, fun, and dialed in to the task at hand. Our players were prepared and in the game, it was clearly evident.
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DS: The penalty kill has been phenomenal during this 14-game winning streak. In game one they went a perfect seven for seven, and were 12 for 13 killing penalties heading into Tuesday's tilt. How have they been able to key in on one of the better power play units in the league?
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KH: We slipped a little in game three allowing three goals against while down a man but really it's all about outworking your opponent. Our guys sacrificed, winning battles and blocking shots, that's what killing is all about, our group is prepared to do that!
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DS: Buying in to sacrificing the body has been a big part of the North Stars' season. Sych and Fransoo, among many others, are probably black and blue. This has been on display in round one, even goal scorers like Igor Leonenko were sprawling out to block shots. Does this inspire your team when they see one of the top goal scorers in the SJHL throwing his body in front of a shot?
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KH: Absolutely, it further illustrates the commitment these young men have for each other and their team goals. Every player in that dressing room wants to win.
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DS: Another chapter was written in the rivalry between the Battlefords and Kindersley in the second period of game two. Baxter Kanter took out Dexter Bricker, who is known for trying to get under the skin of various players. Then it was Kendall Fransoo protecting his netminder after Austin Calladine took a cheap shot at Tyler Fuhr. After game one, Coby Downs told me that it's important to support each other. In a huge moment like this, did you like the way your team represented one another?
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KH: Considering how that game had been played up to that point in time, it really provided a spark for players. The game became emotional and the team had each other's backs. Our players reacted on instinct and certainly grew tired of the cheap shots that were happening behind the play.
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DS: After 40 minutes in game two, the North Stars were down 2-1. What was the message in between periods? Whatever it was it seemed to work with a big, four goal period. What did you see from your team in the final 20 minutes?
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KH: Our team played the way they could. We earned possession of the puck and cycled down low. We played with enthusiasm and passion and bottom line, it was fun! You can tell by the body language of a player when they are having fun, and our team hit another gear in that third period to earn the victory.
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DS: Connor Sych injured his ankle in game one against Kindersley, but was able to strap on the skates and play through it in game two. He had arguably one of his best games of the season. He showed his offensive side with a goal from the point and an intelligent pinch, feeding Leonenko on a two-on-one. Certainly playing a game like this through an ankle injury speaks volumes towards his character and skill.
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KH: It sure does, Dustin, being the selfless player and leader he is, Connor was uncertain if he would be able to play and didn't want to hurt the team's chances of success. The thing about playoffs, if you are 100% healthy, you probably aren't giving it all you have. After the playoffs, the teams that generally earn success do so by playing injured and fatigued.
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DS: A big story from both games has been the play of the goaltenders. Fuhr has made the saves he has had to make, stopping numerous pucks during a flurry of shots in the final minute of game one. He's also been on his toes for a couple of breakaway attempts. Nathan Hargrave has been nothing short of fantastic, coming up with one of the nicest saves of the playoffs with a complete-split robbery on a cross-ice pass in game two. What has impressed you the most with the way both of these goalies have taken their games to the next level?
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KH: I love the fire these guys play with, both goalies are passionate competitors and hate to lose. It's a great dual that has provided fans with some entertaining saves. It's definitely another game within the game to watch these two go head-to-head.
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DS: Tysen Smith and Owen Lamb have taken on more of a role than they had previously thought. Smith had an incredible season with the Deslile Chiefs in Junior B, notching 38 goals. Does it ease your mind knowing that these players can step in and produce?
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KH: It sure does. Both players have provided valuable minutes for us in these playoffs. They are gaining valuable experience to make the transition easier for them to step in full-time next season. They are both huge parts of the team this playoffs and we are very grateful that they have committed their time and energy into helping us. It's only a matter of time before the timing is dialed in and both of these two contribute on the score sheet.
