Benny Walchuk:
Doug, you got four out of a possible six points — I’m sure you’re pretty happy with the results. Are you happy with the effort through the three games?
Doug Johnson:
Yeah, Friday we thought we could have had a better outcome. A few things didn’t go our way and we didn’t capitalize on some chances. That happens.
Saturday was a good game — we capitalized on our opportunities, really put the screws to them, and did what we needed to beat a team we had to beat.
Then last night was one of those games where, from the drop, as a staff, we knew we were going to win. Even when they came back to tie it 4-4, there was just a belief on the bench that we weren’t going to be denied. That’s the kind of vibe we’ve been looking for all year from this group. It’s nice to see, because we firmly believe that when we’re going, there isn’t a team that can beat us.
Benny Walchuk:
Another big bright spot, especially yesterday, was the power play. I think it struck seven or eight times over the three games, including five yesterday. What clicked for you on the PP?
Doug Johnson:
Just tape-to-tape passes. We were moving the puck cleanly, not forcing things without it.
Our first goal: Eddie attacked the net, helped win a battle, we got it high. Our D-man moved it, Eddie attacked the net again, and it created a nice backdoor play. We did things like that all night.
A couple of big goals at the end — Binders was huge to get us ahead after they tied it. He just does what he does: shoots the puck, rips the puck. He’s got a pro shot, and it’s great to see him using it.
Overall, moving the puck tape-to-tape, finding seams, guys moving without it — that’s what made it work. Keep doing that, and it’ll help tremendously down the stretch.
Benny Walchuk:
Also, off the ice, Billets and Parents Weekend — it’s great to have everyone involved and bring the Millionaire family together, isn’t it?
Doug Johnson:
Absolutely. Without the Billets, we don’t have an organization. That’s true for every Junior A team. They’re the unsung heroes of junior hockey, and they do a tremendous job here in Melville.
Every player adores their Billets, and it’s nice to see them recognized. Seeing the parents in town supporting their players was great. We also auctioned off some jerseys, and people loved our third jerseys. It’s nice to take a step back, appreciate everybody, and have a moment to celebrate.
Benny Walchuk:
Now, heading into the weekend, up north to the Whitney Forum for a couple of games against the Flin Flon Bombers — a team that’s undefeated at home. What are you expecting?
Doug Johnson:
Expecting them to come out strong. I think it’s Reag’s 1,000th game, so there’ll be a big celebration. We want to go in and rain on their parade. We’ve played them tight before — beat them once, lost once. Even in the loss, there were opportunities, though we gave up an early 5-on-3. We need to monitor discipline, play hard, attack the net, make their goalies uncomfortable. It’s going to be a battle, a huge test, and we’re looking forward to it.
