Benny Walchuk:
It’s time for the Melville Millionaires Coaches Show on GX94. I’m joined today by head coach and GM Doug Johnson following the team’s opening weekend. Coach, to start off, how would you evaluate your team’s performance over the weekend?
Doug Johnson:
Overall, we were pleased with the effort both nights. Saturday, we would have liked a better outcome, but the team competed hard down the stretch and kept it close. If a few saves had gone our way, it’s a game we should win nine times out of ten, but sometimes that’s just how it goes. Of course, we also saw areas that need work. Consistency and playing to our identity will be something we focus on early in the season. That said, there were a lot of positives. Harkness and Golden were outstanding on the back end, and it was great to see Devon Winder and Leo Jewitt put up points early. Some of the younger guys, like Wesley Olsen, are continuing to improve, which is exciting. Overall, I’m very optimistic about the direction we’re headed.
Benny Walchuk:
With the first weekend behind you, how would you describe the identity your group is striving for this season?
Doug Johnson:
Work ethic has always been central for us. If we don’t work, nothing else matters. Every day, we have to focus on playing with purpose, competing hard, and maintaining constant motion.We’re probably a bigger team than in previous years. Maybe a bit less flashy in terms of skill, and perhaps we don’t have that one game-breaking player fans are used to. But what we do have is a collective effort, which helps define our identity: working hard, playing big, and imposing ourselves on opponents.
Benny Walchuk:
You’ve got a challenging home-and-home series against Humboldt this weekend. What kind of challenge does Brayden Klimosko’s team present?
Doug Johnson :
We know they’re fast and offensively capable, and their goalie has been playing very well. We need to maintain puck possession, minimize turnovers, and avoid giving them easy scoring chances. A simpler game plan, coupled with consistent effort over both nights, is key. If we can make it 120 minutes of hard hockey for Humboldt, we’ll put ourselves in a strong position to succeed.
Benny Walchuk :
Boston Harkness was announced as your captain. Can you talk about your leadership group and why you selected these four players?
Doug Johnson:
Experience played a big role. Eddie, Harkey, and Goldie all have four-plus years of junior hockey experience and know what it takes to succeed. Oly, a three-year player, understands our systems and expectations. Each brings something different: Goldie is the vocal leader, Oly the cerebral leader, Eddie the protector, and Harkey quietly does what needs to be done. It’s a diverse group that sets the tone, but everyone on the team needs to step up. Leadership can’t rest with just four players; it’s a group effort every day.
Benny Walchuk:
As the season progresses and the roster continues to take shape, where do things stand currently?
Doug Johnson:
There have been a few changes. We recently traded Jaden Iyogan—he was cut from the BC League and won’t be returning. He’s moving to Bonnyville, then to Lloydminster, and in return, we’re getting Brayden Gourley, a talented 2007-born player with championship experience. He’s a left-shot center, which was an area we wanted to strengthen. We’re very happy with this acquisition and confident Brayden will make our team stronger moving forward.
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