Benny Walchuk:
Good morning, everybody, it’s time once again for the Melville Millionaires Coaches Show here on GX94. I’m joined by Head Coach and GM Doug Johnson as the preseason wrapped up over the weekend. Doug, let’s start there — how did you feel about your group’s performance, including that split with Yorkton?
Doug Johnson:
It’s exhibition. We liked a lot of things, and we didn’t like some things — especially our starts and our penalty kill. We’re allowing too many pucks through us, and it feels like we’re not arriving at the rink on time. Those are areas we need to improve. That said, I think we’re starting to establish our identity and the culture we want in the room — how we need to play, how we need to win. The young guys keep getting better, and with the veterans, there’s been some good, some bad. But overall, I think the older guys are ready to get the real season going. Exhibition doesn’t mean much to them anymore — they want it to count.
Benny Walchuk:
Absolutely. Now, as the regular season approaches, rosters are always a bit in flux. Where are you guys right now roster-wise, and are you comfortable with the structure of your group?
Doug Johnson:
We’d actually like to have a few more decisions made by now. Ideally, we’d be sitting at 24 or 25, but with injuries we’re at 27. We’ve got a couple of guys banged up, and one will for sure miss this weekend. We’re also carrying three goalies.
This time of year, there’s always moving parts — WHL guys being sent down, things settling in BC, the USHL, the North American League. The first month is always a little unsettled. In a perfect world, you’d start the year with your 24 and not have to make changes, but that’s rarely the case. Our job is to do whatever we can to make the team better.
Benny Walchuk:
Heading into this week of practice before opening night, what’s the main focus for you and your group?
Doug Johnson:
Locking down our D-zone. That’s the top priority — making sure our structure is right. From there, tightening up the neutral zone both ways, and then working on chemistry with our lines. The penalty kill needs attention, and while our power play has looked decent the last few games, we want to sharpen it up even more. Most importantly, we want to give the guys enough freedom to make plays and compete hard without being tied down.
Benny Walchuk:
You open up against the Estevan Bruins this weekend. What do you expect from them?
Doug Johnson:
They added some high-end players like Getzlaff and Williams this summer, so they’ll be a challenge. With a new coach, there’s always a learning curve, but they’ll be a strong opponent. Our focus has to stay on our own game — applying pressure, leaning on their defense, and getting a lot of rubber on net. Right now, we’ll be a quantity-over-quality type of team.
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