Benny Walchuk:
I’m joined by Head Coach and GM Emery Olauson after a perfect 3-and-0 week. It was capped with a 4–3 win over Nipawin, and now you’re up to fourth place in the standings. Emery, what did you like most about your group’s game during this stretch?
Emery Olauson:
I think just finding different ways to score. The Battlefords game was more open, which suits us, but the Nipawin game was tighter. They tried to limit chances, and we did the same. Even when they pushed late, we only gave up three scoring chances in the third and did a good job closing out a low-scoring game. It’s about learning to win in different ways and continuing to grow as a team. We set a goal of being a top-four team and winning our division. If the season ended today, we’d have half of that done, but we’re still hungry. It’ll take winning our head-to-head with Weyburn and handling business in the rest. Overall, we’re happy with the week — we’ve won 12 of our last 15.
Benny Walchuk:
Another big week ahead with three divisional games — two against Estevan and then Saturday in Melville.
Emery Olauson:
Yeah, it feels like it’s been a while since we saw Melville, but we’ve had our share with Estevan lately. If we want to separate ourselves, this is a week we need results. It starts right away, so it’s a quick turnaround and the guys have to be ready.
Benny Walchuk:
What’s the key against Estevan?
Emery Olauson:
They’ve got one of the most dangerous top lines in the league and an offensive group of defensemen. With Cam back, they’ve got two quality goaltenders. You want them trailing — if they get ahead and you start forcing plays, they’ll counter, and they score a lot off odd-man rushes. It comes down to puck management, getting to offense early, and staying solid defensively.
