Sixty Minutes

"This is the best full game I've played and the team has played," Owsley said. "Coming in we needed a big game. They are ranked high --this was a measuring stick and we played a full 60 minutes."

"From start to finish, our most complete game all year," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "I thought we had everyone on the same page. It was a good result against a good team -- a physical team."

"They were the most physical team we have played this year," Yuen said. "We stepped up our game and started hitting, too. They are one of the top two or three teams in the league; this was one of our best efforts."

"It was an outstanding team effort -- from Drew to the back end to the forwards," Shinnimin said. "We were blocking shots and doing the little things. The potential we have is pretty great. When we play like we know we can, we are one of the top teams in the league."  (Herald)

I couldn't agree more with any of these statements.  It certainly was the best overall game all season that I've seen.  Everyone was clicking, making things happen, doing work.  Drew was outstanding.  It was great to see the kids have a great game, lots of playing time for Tanner Olstad--who either doesn't realize or doesn't care that many guys are a foot+ taller than him.  Little wrecking ball, just like Mason Wilgosh, even with that ridiculous lip sweater he has going on.  Yes Mason, you have the best Movember moustache.  Hands down.

The defense was solid, best game of the year for Sam Grist by far.  And every time Drydn Dow plays I am impressed with the skill he has.  It was so fantastic to see Neal Prokop on the ice, like he hadn't missed the last 8 months with a broken leg.  He was skating great, smashing bodies, making room in front of the net, working really hard.

"I think he (Prokop) has brought something more than just his play on the ice," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "He's a physical player who makes you pay the price on the other side, and he's also a leader for this team."
Forward Brendan Shinnimin added, "He's a game-changer."  (Examiner)

I did miss seeing David Conrad, so much so that I had a dream last night where I was saying inappropriate things to him.  Awesome.  It was great to see Feser and Macek get on the scoresheet, they both came into the season with expectations on them pretty high and both have been a bit snake-bitten, hopefully they got some good vibes after scoring last night and can get into a groove.

Tonight it's another tough battle with the seemingly unstoppable Portland Winterhawks in town.  This will be the first meeting of the teams since pre-season play, it will be interesting to see how it goes.  Portland is loaded with skill but still has that rough edge to their game.  Hopefully the Ams can carry over the momentum from last night.  Portland will be hungry after they lost big to Chilliwack last night, 7-2.  The Americans have to be really ready to face the 'Hawks, that's for sure.  

Drive careful out there and come out loud and proud to support the boys!