Thunderbirds
Thunderbirds practice report….plus a few questions for Marcel Noebels and Brenden Dillon
With a big weekend coming up with games in Vancouver (Friday at 7:30 pm) and home against Calgary (Saturday at 7 pm) I took in practice at the ShoWare Center this afternoon. There was some good news as the Thunderbirds are getting healthier by the day. Defenseman Scott Ramsay was skating and had a good week. He is a possibility for the weekend. When Ramsay returns it will give the Birds nine defensemen so they will have a decision to make. One could be used as a forward until Justin Hickman returns or there could be a cut. Either way the Birds are getting some key guys back and the timing is important because once they go on their Eastern Division swing in early November they will need as many healthy players as possible with six games in eight days.
The schedule so far has been favorable for the Birds from the standpoint of rest in between games. After playing only one game over the past couple of weeks they will play a Vancouver team that will be on their third game in five days and a Calgary team that will be playing their third in just four days. We will see if they can take advantage of it.
I noticed some five on three drills at practice, possibly a result of the recent goals given up in that situation. It’s always a tough proposition to kill a five on three especially if the opposing team has nearly two minutes to score but preventing such a goal could be a game changer.
Before practice I had a chance to talk with Forward Marcel Noebels and Defenseman Brenden Dillon about the season thus far.
Marcel Noebels
On making adjustments between playing in Europe and in the WHL
“One of the differences is the size of the rink, that’s where you have to adjust the most. Also with the forecheck game that is played here. It’s a system that this team has bought into.”
On his success so far in the shootout
“It’s something I have been practicing since I was little. I have a pretty good shot so that helps. You have to anticipate what the goalie will do, what moves he will make and then adjust to that.”
On playing with the Thunderbirds and living in the States
“The entire organization has been supportive from the players to the coaches to the front office. I have great billets as well and that really helps. It’s going great.”
Brenden Dillon
On coming into the season as a 20 year old
“I came in prepared to be a leader, to help set an example for some of the younger guys. You do the things you have to during the off-season, some of the usual stuff like putting on weight, getting stronger and just being prepared.”
On the team’s success so far and if there is something to prove after last season
“Well we’ve worked hard and yes we all wanted to put last season behind us. We knew we would be a better team. Sure, for the fans and everyone we wanted to show that we would could be one of the premier teams in the league.”
On being in the very tough U.S. Division
“We see it as a challenge. There are some very tough teams. You look at some of the games and there have been some high scoring ones. We just won 6-3 in Chilliwack which was our highest scoring game by far. There is a lot of talent in the division and the conference but we like the opportunity to go against those teams.”
On the rotating captain situation
“It’s fine. There are several leaders on this team not just one. We are focusing on playing as a team, on winning. The fact there there are several guys that can lead here is a positive.”
On just how good the team can be this season
“Well it’s too early to be talking about winning a division or going to a Memorial Cup so I’m not going to throw out stuff like that. I think we are playing well and can compete with anyone. We still have stuff to work on like the power play but like I said I think we have the ability to be one of the premier teams in the league.”
I will be doing Q & A sessions with players throughout the season so stay tuned for more interviews.
Remember that all of the Thunderbirds games are streamed on MyNorthwest.com. If you can’t make it up to Vancouver be sure to catch the play by play with the voice of the Thunderbirds, Thom Beuning. Friday’s pre-game starts at 7 pm.
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