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| Photo by Chip Grail chlphotos.com |
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| Photo by www.ScenebyKimberly.com |
The Americans extended their winning streak to six games last night with an exciting 5-4 come from behind victory over the Rapid City Rush scoring three unanswered goals in the third period. Our do an interview score a goal streak continues as Jamie Schaafsma scored the game winning goal last night on a great pass from Brian McMillin. Jamie had three goals, two assists, and was a +3 for the weekend. Just as a reminder, the interview we did just prior to Jamie was with Booter Bootland who had four goals and two assists including a hat trick the weekend we did his story. If there are any Americans that want a boost in scoring production give us a call.
The press conference last night was attended by Coach Martinson, Jason Deitsch, & Alec Martinez. Here are a few of their comments:
Coach Martinson:
- After the second period I said to the guys we have had five guys go toe to toe and fought their hearts out with tough fights with some tough guys. Let's not let that effort go to waste.
- We didn't have everybody competing hard enough the first two periods
- What an entertaining third period. Some great goals, some pretty plays. What I liked was the determination.
- We gave up way too many breakaways which is rare for us. We need to use these breakdowns as a learning opportunity. We will review the video, look at exactly what happened and then discuss with the players and make sure this gets fixed.. It looked like we were giving the player carrying the puck out of the zone way too much time so he could find a seam up the middle and then we let a player get behind us.
- A fan suggested the team won the game for the girls scouts as there were 300-400 of them in attendance. Coach kidded how he had plenty of money with him but couldn't believe you could have 400 girl scouts and not a single cookie.
- He also shared the story about when his kids are selling stuff as fundraisers for their youth hockey teams he tells his players, if you are on the power play you better buy something and if you want to get on the power play you better buy something. Some of the players say I'm not buying because you wouldn't put me on the power play anyway.
- Coach again talked about Kale Kerbashian, the 6' 200 pound center that will be here tomorrow. He feels Kale may be a diamond in the rough and can bring some play making skills and creativity similar to Anthony Maiani. Coach didn't mention how we found Kerbashian but whenever I see a player from Thunder Bay, ONT. I always think Bill McDonald, who hails from there, had something to do with it.
- At this point Martinez & Deitsch came into the room and Martinson got up to leave so the questions would go to the players. As he was leaving he shared a story that I think is indicative of how loose the locker room is right now and how the coaches are making things fun. Martinson said, "To tell you the kind of guy Matvichuk is, he came up to Alec Martinez after the game and said good job, you got four points. Alec said no I only got three points. Matty said, no you got four points, three for us and you got one assist for Rapid City."
Alec Martinez & Jason Deitsch:
- Jason was asked about the two goals he scored on Friday & Saturday and which was better. He said they were both the same and it is great to score a goal anywhere, anyhow, anytime. He had never scored a 5 on 3 shorthanded goal as a pro but does remember doing it in junior with the Texas Tornado.
- Alec talked about the injury he had in Europe which kept him off the ice for a couple of months. He took a slap shot to the face and had to have surgery and have a couple of plates put in his face.
- He lives here in the off season, had played with some of the guys during the summer, went to college with Nino Musitelli so he did have some connections to the team. It has been great to start skating again. The guys and coaching staff have been very welcoming to him.
- Alec talked about the NHL lockout and how even though the whole thing sucks it is the business side of hockey. You can't just think about now and the 750 players in the league but the impact on the thousands of players coming into the league in the future. As of this morning (Sunday) it appears as if the lockout is over and the framework for a new collective bargaining agreement is in place. Time frames are uncertain depending on whether they go with a 48 or 50 game schedule but the games could start as soon as January 15th. We may have seen the last of Alec Martinez in an Americans uniform.
- Alec talked about playing in Europe and the Olympic sized rinks. It changes your angles and takes some getting used to.
- As for the comparison between the CHL & NHL the big difference is the NHL game is more controlled and there is less time when players are out of position. There is more running around in the CHL. Jason Deitsch agreed that players are in the right spot more consistently in the AHL & NHL and also said the pace is quicker as you move up in leagues.
- Alec was also asked about scoring his first goal with the Americans. He agreed with what Deitsch had said earlier. I don't care if I am in my basement shooting the pucks, playing men's league hockey in the summer, or in the NHL, a goal is always fun.
- When asked about his role on the team Jason acknowledged it has changed and he will do what ever it takes to win. He hasn't seen as much power play time this year. He said I have to do whatever I can to keep the other team from scoring and also win important face offs.
- When someone pointed out to Jason he seemed more feisty this year he said when you have Grantham & Brennan on your line you can do whatever you want and you won't get touched.
I just noticed Tyler Ludwig has been called up by the Houston Aeros. The changes are going to pick up this week.
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