(Benny Walchuk)
Doug, on our first Highway 10 home-and-home this past weekend, let’s start with Friday — one of your most dominant efforts of the season in that 7–2 win. What stood out for you on the road that night?
(Doug Johnson)
We just played probably our most consistent 60 minutes all year, top to bottom. We got solid goaltending when we made mistakes — which you’re always going to do — and Sinagowitz was there to backstop it, make the saves we needed. That was key. Exits were mostly solid. A few hiccups, but we were able to break the puck out. Defensively, we took away time and space and didn’t allow much. Offensively, we kept our feet moving, created turnovers, and got everyone involved — including the defense. A few goals from the back end, so it was an all-out team effort, very much what we envisioned at the start of the season.
(Benny Walchuk)
And then a reversal of fortune on Saturday with the home loss. What was the biggest shift between the two games?
(Doug Johnson)
Just the lack of effort and pride. We had a decent 40 minutes, but it wasn’t great. Maybe three games in four days contributed to fatigue, but these guys are young men with plenty of energy. In the third period, things went sideways — blatantly brutal mistakes. Missed passes, missed assignments — stuff you shouldn’t be doing. I take some blame too. Should’ve called a timeout, adjusted personnel on power plays — things like that. It highlights the inconsistencies we’ve had all year. There’s a reason we’re .500, but there’s also a solid argument we could be 10–0.
(Benny Walchuk)
Player recognition with Noah Sinagowitz and Boston Harkness as SJHL Players of the Week. How do you assess their impact lately?
(Doug Johnson)
Noah has been solid. Friday against Yorkton and Wednesday against Flin Flon — timely saves when needed. Not every save, but the ones that matter. You can see the structure in his game improving, less chaos for teammates, and it’s exciting to see his progression.
Harky, what can you say? You don’t often see a defenseman in the top five in scoring. He’s carrying the team at times, distributing the puck, shooting when needed, and driving the power play. He’s more confident on the ice, and it’s great to see him stepping up.
(Benny Walchuk)
And now a couple home games this weekend with Kindersley before heading back on the road. What are you expecting from the Klippers?
(Doug Johnson)
I’m expecting two wins for Melville and two losses for Kindersley this weekend. With a new coach, they’ll bring a fresh style — we’ve watched some of their games. Schneids comes from La Ronge, so they’ll likely play hard and aggressive, right in your face. We just have to be ready for it, and honestly, that kind of style suits us perfectly.
(Benny Walchuk)
Awesome, Doug. Thanks for doing this, and best of luck this weekend.
(Doug Johnson)
You bet, thanks Benny
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