February 21, 2012

Players’ Perspective  

Maurice Morin: Max, Sioux Lookout earned a 6-5 win in OT over Dryden on February 14^th overcoming a 4 goal deficit.  What are your thoughts on the team’s performance in that game?

 Max Strasser:  We played a good game and the fans were happy.  Defensively we played as a team and Jayme came up with some big saves when the game was on the line.

Maurice Morin: Brett, you have notched some important goals recently such as tying the game at 4 versus Dryden in the 6-5 win.  What has been the key to your play in big games?

Brett Wur:   I have been working hard and have been using extra time in practice to work on the little things.

Maurice Morin:  Dane, would you comment on being named the SIJHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player?

Dane Morin:  It is definitely an honour.  Just being nominated for any award is special and I could not be happier.  I am glad that the other coaches think that I am an honest, clean player that deserves that award.

Maurice Morin:  Jordan, the Flyers have won 9 of their last 12 home games making the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena a tough place for the opposition to play.  What are your views on Sioux Lookout’s play on home ice?

Jordan Davidson:  I think we are finally using the crowd’s energy to get pumped up.  When we score goals, there is a positive attitude on the bench and we rally around it.

February 6, 2012

Players’ Perspective

Maurice Morin:  Dane, you scored the game winning goal in overtime against Fort Frances.  Would you discuss your performance in that game?

Dane Morin:  It’s a personal thing for myself, coming from that team.  I hit a pipe earlier in the game and it was one of those games where you could feel something positive was going to happen.  Our line was getting chances and the puck was bound to go in.

Maurice Morin:  Zach, you have notched seven points in your last six games.  What are your views on your play?

Zach Theilen:  I am giving the puck to guys and they are putting it in.  My teammates are helping me out.

Maurice Morin:  Chris, discuss your thoughts on being named Player of the Week and Player of the Month during January.

Chris Hoffman:  I have been trying to work hard and trying to do the right things in practice.

Maurice Morin:  Alex, in the 4-3 win over Duluth, you scored the game winning goal.  Would you discuss your performance in that contest?

Alex Beaulne:  I gave it my all for the whole game.  As for the game winning goal, I received a nice pass from Cody Fraser and put it in blocker side.

January 30, 2012
The Players’ Perspective

Maurice Morin:  You assisted on Chris Hoffman’s game winning goal in a big 5-2 win over Wisconsin and made a crucial shot block in the third period.  What are your thoughts on your play in that game?

Anthony Bonner:  It was probably the strongest game I have played since I got here.  I have not been 100 per cent since I arrived in Sioux Lookout.

Maurice Morin:  In your last four games, you have earned seven points.  Would you discuss your play as of late?

Jacob Nolan:  I usually play better in the second half than I do in the first and I am not sure why that is.  It is gut check time.

Maurice Morin:  What are your views on the performance of the team against Wisconsin?

Jayme Brattengeier:  The team played well.  That was the best I have seen the defence play all year.  The forwards back checked and we were able to produce offensively when we needed to.

Maurice Morin:  In your last three games, you have notched eleven points.  What are your thoughts on your play in those games?

Chris Hoffman:  I have been trying to work hard and work within the system that the coach gives us.

Maurice Morin:  You have taken over the lead in points by a Flyer’s defenseman.  What has been the key to your offense from the blue line?

James McQueston:  I have been getting third assists and have been getting the first pass out.  It’s all about the first pass.  It’s my bread and butter.

Maurice Morin:  The trio of yourself, Jacob Nolan and Tanner Duffney teamed up for two scoring plays in the win over the Wilderness.  Discuss the performance of this trio.

Cody Fraser:  I had never played with Duffney before but we clicked right away.  I have always had good chemistry with Nolan.

January 16, 2012
The Players’ Perspective

Maurice Morin:  What are your thoughts on setting a Flyer’s franchise record for goals in one regular season and what do you do off the ice to stay in shape?

Chris Hoffman:  I have the right people passing me the puck.   I skate on the pond behind my billet’s house every night which helps with my conditioning.  The off-ice training has helped on the ice.

Maurice Morin:  What has been the key to your offensive production?

Anthony Wolfe:  The key to my offensive production has been having the right mix of players on the ice.  It’s been a team effort.

Maurice Morin:  How do you feel about your play so far this season?

Matt Grove:  It started off slow but I’ve picked it up recently.  I am getting more ice time which has led to more confidence.

Maurice Morin:  Discuss your play for the Flyers so far this season.

Cody Fraser:  I have not produced as much offensively as I wanted but when we get some chemistry going, we will have a big run in the playoffs.

Maurice Morin:  What is your opinion on your performance so far this season?

Ryan Cigile:  So far I have been doing well but there are some things I need to work on.  There is always something new to learn every day.

December 19, 2011

Maurice Morin:  Forward Cody Fraser and blue liner Matt Grove combined for a scoring play three times since Fraser was acquired at the trade deadline.  What are your views on the play of Fraser and Grove?

Brad Zangs:  Since Cody has arrived, he has given us secondary scoring and Matt is starting to feel more comfortable back there and I am beginning to ask more of him.

MM:  Defenseman Mike Riffel has notched four assists in his last three games.  Would you comment on his contributions to the Flyers blue line?

BZ:  Since we picked him up, I’ve asked him to be more aggressive and control the puck more on his stick which has resulted in offensive production from him.

MM:  Sioux Lookout forward Dane Morin has earned six points in his first five games with the Flyers.  Would you discuss the play of the veteran sniper?

BZ:  He is a young man I have wanted since August when I saw him at an NAHL camp.  I feel that Dane has the potential to play NCAA Division One hockey and he has helped the team in many ways.  The power play and penalty killing have improved since he arrived.

MM:  Blue liner Ryan Cigile has earned three assists during December.  What are your thoughts on his play?

BZ:  Ryan has steadily improved since we signed him.  I like his defensive style and what he does with the puck.  One thing that Ryan does that every college coach would be impressed with is that he wants to get better every day.

December 5, 2011

Maurice Morin:  Sioux Lookout forward Chris Hoffman has notched four goals in his last two games including a shorthanded marker against Dryden on December 2nd.  What are your thoughts on his play and his ability to be a scoring threat while on a manpower disadvantage?

Brad Zangs:  Chris has been doing a really good job on the defensive side of things which results in more scoring production.  He worked his butt off and created good scoring chances.

MM:  Alex Beaulne has earned three points in his last two games.  Would you discuss his play in those games and what has been the key to his offensive contributions recently?

BZ:  Alex has been working hard during games and in practice.   He keeps his shot low and has played different roles on the team which resulted in him putting up points this weekend.

MM:  Jacob Nolan has also collected three points in his last two games.  What are your views on his play in those games?

BZ:  Jacob had a nice weekend.  He won face-offs and I put him with players that were giving him the opportunity to score.

MM:  The Flyers were very active at the trade deadline signing Dane Morin and Cody Fraser as well as Mike Riffel and Jon Stephansson.  What will  these players add to the team?

BZ:  Dane Morin and Cody Fraser will add secondary scoring that I think we have been lacking.  Mike Riffel and Jon Stephansson have been very steady back there and have been keeping it simple which has been a big improvement for us.  With these four acquisitions, it gives us more competition for ice time among  the  players.

MM:  On December 7th, Sioux Lookout will head to Dryden to battle the Ice Dogs.  What must the team do to be successful?

BZ:  I think the team needs to stop Dryden’s power play which has killed us.

November 21, 2011

Maurice Morin:  Matt Sanford notched two goals against the Thunder Bay North Stars in a 6-2 win on November 19th.  What are your thoughts on his play in that match up and what do you think is the strongest part of his game?

Brad Zangs:  Matt did a good job and went to the net.  He used his shot and speed to score his second goal of the game.  The strongest part of his game is his skating and his balance on his skates.  As well he has a hell of a shot when he wants to use it.

MM:  Flyer’s leading scorer Anthony Wolfe returned to game action on November 19th against the North Stars.  Would you discuss his play in that game and the lift it gave the team?

BZ:    Anthony saw the ice very well and had a nice assist on Tanner Duffney’s goal.  He creates more opportunities on the ice and that is what we have been lacking.  To get Anthony back was huge.  Anytime you get your leading scorer back, everyone’s game goes to a higher level. 

MM:  Sioux Lookout blue liner Matt Grove has earned some important points for the team against Thunder Bay.  What are your views on the play of the veteran defenseman?

BZ:  Matt was playing against his hometown team and he picked up his game a lot.  Overall, he is a “steady Eddie” defenseman who does not get too high or too low.  He does not make himself look bad during games.

MM:  The Flyers have killed off eight of ten penalties in their last two games.  Would you discuss the performance of the penalty killing unit?

BZ:  They are just working hard and doing their job out there when we take a penalty.

MM:  What do you think has been the biggest strength of the Flyers so far this season and what do you think the team can improve on?

BZ:   The team’s biggest strength is that we have a lot of scoring.  Jayme Brattengeier and Trevor Zangs have both been getting a good workout from our goalie coach Jason Murphy.  What we need to improve   is our play in the defensive zone, blocking shots and the power play.

November 7, 2011

Maurice Morin:  The duo of Anthony Wolfe and Chris Hoffman combined for five points in a 6-3 win over the Iron Range Ironheads  on November 6th.  What are your thoughts on their play in that game?

Brad Zangs:  They started out slow but when I changed the lines, they got better as the game went on.

MM:  Tanner Duffney notched two points including the game winning goal on November 6th.  What are your views on his play in that game?

BZ:  Tanner started out slowly but when I switched lines with our top two players, things started to click for all three boys.  Tanner gives me one hundred percent every time he is out there.

MM:  Net minder Trevor Zangs recorded his first win at home against the Ironheads, making 46 saves.  Would you discuss his performance?

BZ:  I thought Trevor really stepped up and kept us in the game when things were not going well.  If it was not for him, it could have been Iron Range’s first win.  He made some key saves.

MM:  This Friday and Saturday, the Sioux Lookout Flyers will clash with the Thunder Bay North Stars.  What do you think the team needs to do to be successful?

BZ:  We need to play disciplined hockey and not buy into their antics.  As well, we must shoot the puck a lot and outwork them in all three zones.

October 31, 2011

Maurice Morin:  Sioux Lookout earned an impressive 4-3 win over Fort Frances on October 28th in a shootout.  What are your views on that game?

Brad Zangs:  I thought we played a solid game and Jayme Brattengeier put in a solid performance.  We did the little things right to win the game.

MM:  The Flyers are tied for first in road wins with six.  What are your thoughts on the team’s play away from home and what do you think the key to the team’s success on the road has been?

BZ:  Honestly, I can’t complain about our play on the road.  We take care of business and are more focused on the road than we are at home.

MM:  Currently, there are only two defensemen in the SIJHL that have more goals than A.J. Merritt.  Would you discuss his play and what do you think is the strongest part of his game?

BZ:  I think A.J. sees the ice very well for a defenseman.  He knows when to get up in the play and be an offensive threat but he needs to get physically tougher in all three zones.

MM:  The Flyers are currently third in goals scored with 62, only one behind Wisconsin.  What do you think the squad must do to continue to score at a high rate?

BZ:   We need to play stronger in our defensive zone to create more two on one rushes  and  do a hard forecheck  which will give us more opportunities to score.

MM:  Next up for the Flyers is a match up with the Duluth Clydesdales  on November 4th at home.  What must the team do to be successful?

BZ: We need to stop their top line and cannot let them breathe or they will stick around and steal the game.  We need more grade A scoring attempts.

October 25th 2011
THE PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE  
Maurice Morin:    Last week you earned three points including the game winning goal against Duluth on October 22^nd.  What are your thoughts on your play in those games and could you describe your game winning goal?

Tanner Duffney:  I think that nobody can keep up with myself and my line mates, Alex Beaulne and Tim McFatridge, behind the net.   As for the goal against Duluth, I was cutting down the left side and shot low right and scored. 

Maurice Morin:   Against the Iron Range Ironheads, you scored the game winning  tally.  What are your views  on the game and can you talk about the goal?

Alex Beaulne:   We were tired after a long weekend with three games on the road.  Regarding  the goal I scored, the puck bounced onto my stick and I was able to find the back of the net.

Maurice Morin:   On October 23^rd, you earned your first SIJHL win – a 6-4 decision over Iron Range. Would you discuss the game and can you pinpoint the save you made that was the most challenging?

Trevor Zangs:  I thought we played pretty well to get the win.  The most difficult save I had to make was on a one-timer from the circle during a 5 on 3 in the first period.   I thought it was a big save and an important save which halted their momentum.

Maurice Morin:  In your last 5 games, you have earned 6 points.   Would you comment on your play in those games?

Brett Wur:  I have been doing the little things and making the simple play.  Earlier in the season I was doing too much and forcing the play.  I was creating chances but the puck was not going in.

Maurice Morin:  Against the Clydesdales on October 21^st, you scored the game winning goal.  Would you discuss  that game and what has been the key to your increased offensive production this season?

Jacob Brown:   We were winning most of the game but during the second period, we hit a bit of a slump. After the first 10 minutes of the third period, we started shooting the puck on net.  When we did that, the bounces started going in for us.  The key to my increased offensive production has been trying to shoot the puck more.

October 18th 2011
THE PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE

Maurice Morin: On October 12th Sioux Lookout earned an impressive 5-4 win over Fort Frances in a shootout. What are your thoughts on that game and what do you do to prepare for a game?

Jayme Brattengeier:  We came out stronger in the third period than we usually do and never gave up for the whole game. To prepare for games I kick a soccer ball around to loosen up. As well I like to have fun before the game instead of being nervous and tense.

Maurice Morin: The Flyers just completed a three game road trip. What are your favourite and least favourite things about going on the road?

Max Strasser: My favourite things about road trips are being with the team on the bus and winning games in the other team’s rink.  My least favourite thing about road trips is when you lose a game far from home.

Maurice Morin:  What are two of your favourite games that you have played for the Flyers and what was noteworthy about them?

Jacob Nolan:  Winning  game four of the quarter final series against Thunder Bay last season was exciting and the shootout win over the Lakers on October 12th was amazing.  This season has been a lot better than last year.     

Maurice Morin:    Which Flyer’s game is your favourite and what was memorable about it?

Nelson Rosiak:   My favourite game was last season when we beat Thunder Bay 2-1 in overtime for the first ever playoff  win by Sioux Lookout.  In sudden death, Jacob Brown put in a shot from the red line and the crowd went nuts.

October 11th, 2011

Maurice Morin:  Sioux Lookout scoring threat Bryan Broders has been an offensive force in his last two games.  What are your thoughts on the play of the skilled forward and what do you think is the strongest part of his game?

Brad Zangs:   Bryan is playing really well but I would like to see him work harder in the defensive zone. The strongest parts of his game are his offensive ability, his shot, skating and instinct for reading the play.

MM:  The Flyers currently lead the SIJHL in short-handed goals with three.  Would you comment on the team’s knack for lighting the lamp when facing a manpower disadvantage?

BZ:  I  always tell my players to take pride in being a threat while short-handed.  They need to pick their spots about when to be aggressive offensively. 

MM:  Sioux Lookout forward Alex Beaulne has stepped up in his last two games.  What are your views on his play and what he needs to do to continue to gain confidence?

BZ:   Alex has earned the right to play on our top line but to stay there he needs to work harder in practice and never be satisfied with his play.

MM:  Who do you think are two unsung heroes on the team and what do they contribute to the Flyers?

BZ:  Two unsung heroes are Brett Wur and Jacob Nolan.  I have asked Brett to go from line to line and to do a lot of things and he has never complained.  Jacob has played with four different players on his line which he has never objected to.  His game has not slipped at all and he plays both ends of the rink.

MM:  Slick forward Chris Hoffman has earned at least one point in every regular season game that he has played.  What are your thoughts on his play and what do you consider the strongest aspect of his game?

BZ:   Chris should be averaging two points a game and he needs to work harder in practice to be more productive on the ice.  The strongest parts of his game are:  he can see the ice very well; he has a hard shot and knows when to pick his spots.

October 3rd 2011

Maurice Morin: The Sioux Lookout Flyers currently have the second fewest penalty minutes in the SIJHL. What are your thoughts on the team's ability to stay out of the sin bin?

Brad Zangs: I have been stressing to the team that their play has to be all about discipline. I believe that if we are the least penalized team in the league, we will be effective on the power play. By staying disciplined, we will stay in a rhythm and will also wear out the opposition.

MM: Dynamic Flyer's blue liner Brandon Fehd was named first star of the game for his efforts in the thrilling 5-3 victory over the Dryden Ice Dogs on September 27th. What are your views on his play and the poise shown by the other veteran defensemen on the club?

BZ: I thought Brandon played an excellent game and did not let the little things bother him which made for better decisions and resulted in a solid game from him. I thought our defensemen stepped up in a big way, played well, and it was one of our better defensive efforts so far this season.

MM: Sioux Lookout sharp shooter Anthony Wolfe was a big part of the win over Dryden. Would you comment on his play in that matchup and the positive impact he has had on the team?

BZ: Anthony's play has been rubbing off on his team mates inspiring them to play at a higher level. His overall game is excellent but he needs to tighten up the defensive side of his game a little bit.

MM: Defenseman James McQueston was a factor in the game against Dryden. Would you discuss the play of the blue liner in that game?

BZ: James played a solid game, got up in the play, and earned two assists by making the right decisions. He was a plus two during the game and battled hard in the corners.

MM: Cory Lacosse made his Flyer's debut against Dryden and notched an assist. Do you feel that the offensive support that he and other young forwards like Tim McFatridge and Matt Reed have given the team has contributed to Sioux Lookout's success?

BZ: It has contributed to our success, but with that being said, I am looking for more offensive production from the young forwards. As well, they need to learn to play at a high level during every shift to be effective in Junior "A" hockey.

September 26,2011

Maurice Morin: This season the Flyers have shown resilience answering every loss with a solid win during the next game. What are your views on the character of the team?

Brad Zangs:  The team's play has shown the potential to continue getting better after a loss. Everyone needs to find the right gear during the first game of the week though.

Maurice Morin: Tim McFatridge, who is tied for third in goals on the Flyer's notched the game winning goal against the Thunder Bay North Stars on September 24th. What are your thoughts on the play of the first year forward in that game?

Brad Zangs: Tim has come a long way as a young hockey player and is finding out what Junior "A" hockey is all about. He is improving every day which is great to see.

MM: Jacob Nolan gave the home team an early 1-0 lead against Thunder Bay putting in a hard shot just 32 seconds into the contest. Nolan has also been a factor on the Flyer's penalty kill. Would you discuss the play of the hard working forward?

BZ: Jacob has a lot of speed and skill and he understands what I am looking for.

MM: Sioux Lookout goal tender Jayme Brattengeier was rock solid making 49 saves and being named the first star of the game for the second time this season in a 4-1 win over Thunder Bay. Did you have any advice for the net minder?

BZ: I told him that he needs to play within himself and not be over aggressive or not aggressive enough. This has resulted in two impressive wins for Jayme and the team.

MM: Veteran forward Bryan Broders played his first game for Sioux Lookout against the North Stars. How do you think he fared in his SIJHL debut?

BZ: Bryan did pretty well for a player coming from the NAHL. I am expecting a lot more from him as the season progresses.

MM: The Sioux Lookout penalty killing unit put in an impressive performance this week against Duluth and Thunder Bay killing off a combined twelve of fourteen penalties. Included in this was a five on three in the first stanza against the North Stars. Would you comment on the play of the Flyer's penalty killers?

BZ: They worked tirelessly and bought into the system that we are using which is encouraging to see.

September 20,2011

Maurice Morin: Sioux Lookout sniper Anthony Wolfe scored a dramatic game winning tally in the 4-2 victory over the Fort Frances Lakers on September 17th. Would you describe the goal?

Brad Zangs: Everybody was going to the net. They were making crisp passes and it was a nice shot by Anthony.

MM: Flyer’s goal tender Jayme Brattengeier was stellar making 31 saves on the 17th. What are your thoughts on the play of the veteran puck stopper in that game?

BZ: Jayme was solid in net. He played within himself and his movement from side to side was very quick and precise.

MM:  The Sioux Lookout penalty kill was effective against Fort Frances killing off six of the seven power plays. What are your views on the performance of the penalty killing unit?

BZ: They were very solid but need to work on making sure that their sticks are moving better in the passing lane. We are looking to get better with our quickness.

MM: Jacob Brown and A.J. Merritt provided offense from the defense in the 4-2 win. What are your thoughts on the play of the two blue liners?

BZ: Jacob and A.J. had a much improved  game from Friday to Saturday. They read the play better which resulted in points for them.

MM: Flyer’s forward Matt Reed scored the crucial first goal of the game against the Lakers and has dished out some hits. What are your views  on his play?

BZ: By doing tremendous work, Matt has earned a spot on the top line. He scored the goal against Fort Frances by going hard to the net.

September 12, 2011
Maurice Morin: Sioux Lookout's skilled forward line of Anthony Wolfe, Chris Hoffman, and Brett Wur displayed excellent chemistry combining for twenty three points in four pre-season games. What are your thoughts on their play?
Brad Zangs: They can get better. I am challenging them every day at practice.

MM: Sioux Lookout Flyer Brandon Fehd has contributed offensively with two assists and been a physical presence. Would you comment on the play of the blue-liner?
BZ: Brandon is playing well so far. He needs to play within his competence, keep working hard, and continue to make the simple play. If he does those things he will be a fine defenseman.

MM: Sioux Lookout earned exciting 5-3 and 5-4 victories over the Dryden Ice Dogs in exhibition play. What are your views on the performance of the team in those games?
BZ: For the first two games it was not too bad. I would have liked to have seen better body positioning and better puck movement.

MM: On September Sixteenth, the Flyers will begin the regular season with a showdown in Sioux Lookout against the Wisconsin Wilderness. What do you think the team must do to be successful?
BZ: We need to stay out of the penalty box, have better mental preparation, and get better in the defensive zone. As well the team needs to control the neutral zone.

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