Thunderbirds practice report plus a few questions for Calvin Pickard and Tyler Alos

Update: The Thunderbirds have traded Defenseman Ryan Aasman to the Swift Current Broncos for a conditional 5th round bantam draft pick in 2012. “We had nine defensemen and needed to reduce our roster,” said General Manager Russ Farwell. “This trade will give Ryan an opportunity to play and earn a bigger role on the ice.”

Remember that the Birds got Aasman from Prince Albert last season for Jon Parker.

After a successful weekend where the Thunderbirds picked up three out of four points the team had what I would call an intensive Tuesday afternoon practice session. They went through some drills that I haven’t seen them go through in a while but it all seemed to focus on going hard to the net. One drill worked on those quick one time redirect plays in front of the net and several were executed perfectly. There was some work on scrambles in front where you have to work hard and put in those “dirty” goals if you will. Winning battles along the boards was also worked on. Assistant Coach Turner Stevenson continues to suit up and practice with the team. I’m sure he would disagree with me but it looks like he could still go out there and play.

After two games last weekend the Birds will only have one this coming weekend on Friday in Portland. The bad news is the Winterhawks have only lost one game since they last played the Birds nearly three weeks ago. The good news is that their other two losses were to the Birds.They also have to play on Wednesday night at home against Everett while the Birds have the week off. Seattle will no doubt want to get a better start than last game against Portland where they were out shot 22-3 in the first period. You don’t dodge bullets like that too often against a team like the Hawks. I would expect it to be another physical game with the two biggest teams in the league.

Travis Bobbee sustained a shoulder injury in the game against Calgary and his recovery time is listed as “To be determined.” He did not practice today.

Before practice I got to spend some time with Calvin Pickard and Tyler Alos to talk about the season thus far.

Calvin Pickard

On the teams success almost a month into the season

“I think we are gelling together as a team both on and off the ice. Last year was a bit of a grind but this year we are all on board with the same game plan and same goal in mind, and it’s paying off so far.”

On the new found success in the shootout

“Well it’s a little bit me making the saves. We are also scoring. It all boils down to letting the shooter make the first move in my circumstance. I always practice it, a lot of it is mental, knowing the tendencies.”

On the cut down in shots against

“Last year was tough in that category. This year we have been cutting down. 30 is a good number. I can handle that. Last year I had to face a lot of shots, we just wanted to stay close (in games), this year we are expected to win on a nightly basis. With the cut down in shots I have to manage my game a little bit better.”

On the challenge of playing in a tough division

“It’s a positive. If we get in the playoffs we will be more ready than the B.C teams.”

On playing so many games over the course of the season

“Well I could be away for a couple of events but I’m sure I will still be close to the number I played in last season. I love playing every night, it’s physically demanding but when you have those three in three’s you want to be in the net every night for sure.”

On how good the team could be this season

“I think we can be a top two or three team. Especially if we keep playing good defense and I make the saves. If we can win those tight one goal games we’ll be pretty good.”

Tyler Alos

On getting right back into the action after missing a month

“I think I did pretty well for being out a month. You work out everyday so when you miss a month you are a bit behind but I’m getting it back slowly but surely.”

On the success of the Alos, Jacobs and Elliot line

“We are together a lot both on and off the ice. We’ve built a camaraderie. I think it pays off being around each other a lot. It’s probably more that than strategy on the ice. We are comfortable playing together.”

On his off-season training

“I trained with an Olympic discus thrower. It really paid off, I was in the gym four times a week for an hour and a half doing power lifting, stuff I hadn’t done before. I was scrawny and skinny last year but this year I’m bigger and hopefully more powerful.”

On the Birds being the biggest team in the league

“We all knew last year wasn’t as great as we wanted it. We worked our butts off this summer. We still have a lot of work to do but we are a focused group. It’s a little more comfortable when I’m in the piles to know that a Baecker or a Dillion will be there to help me out.”

On the teams sudden success

“Last year I didn’t feel that we were a tight knit group. This year we are much closer. Guys aren’t afraid to talk with each other, to do things with each other. Whether you are 15 or 20 (years old) everyone has a voice in the room. It really feels like a team.”

On his personal goals this season

“Well they are based on team goals. Last year we didn’t make the playoffs. Everyone tells me they are the best thing in the world. I worked my butt off everyday on the bike saying to myself ‘playoffs, playoffs, playoffs’ so that’s what I want as a team. I want us to be successful. I want us to be a team. It’s great scoring goals but I also take pride in my defense, I want to kill penalties, to be a two way player.”

 

Note: In conjunction with broadcaster Thom Beuning we are looking for a name for the Alos-Jacobs-Elliot line. You can send in your suggestions to mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com. The winner will get a mention here AND on the air by Thom himself.

The Thunderbirds play in Portland Friday night at 7pm. Remember that you can catch all of the action streamed live on MyNorthwest.com.

 

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com