Halfdan Thorstein End of Season Media Scrum

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Quote:How do you think your team performed this year?

Man, what a season. There were a lot of people that expected us to take a pretty big fall, after losing some tremendous players; I mean, how can you expect a back-to-back winning team to perform well in a development league when those pivotal players were moved up to play for their SHL squad? They were called up for a reason, and it's obvious we lost a lot of talent and skill on our team.

Take a look at where we finished this season - tied for first in our conference, just losing on the tie-breaker. What's that tell you? We have exceptional management here in Kelowna, leading and playing us as needed, and able to draft some ridiculous talent to the squad. I don't think you can go back-to-back, and then finish tied for first, in the league without a good group of prospects coming through and solid coaching. Our returning players have continued to develop fantastically, and our rookie group has played very well. Look at Andrezjeck - a defenseman with 28 points in 50 games; Døro and Haugen both contributed 19 points; Werenski signed late, but in only 39 games she put up 14 points and was a plus 17 on the back end; Sanchez had a great year - didn't put up a ton of points, but 6 for a rookie is very solid and his fundamentals and skill is apparent - next year, expect a lot from him.

It's clear that our management knows how to draft, and our rookies have been awesome this year in putting in the effort in every game and practice; the result is us finishing tied for first. Absolutely fantastic stuff from this group.

Quote:What concerns did your team have for this season, after the success of the past two years?

Yea, like I mentioned, we lost a lot of high quality players that were moved up to their SHL teams, for good reasons. As I said, our management is great, and the instill confidence in us players. There's a lot to be said about the returning players and the amount of work we've done for the team. I try to do what I can, but Knouser, Langy, Horvy, Leafs, Syr, Staro, Thompstud - everyone has stepped up to fill in those open slots and done so very well. Our captains are awesome, and continue to drive us in games and practice to play better both individually and as a team. It's just a solid locker room to be a part of, and I'm really happy to be here. Our rookies had a great year, but that's due to the leadership in the locker room.

Quote:How did you perform, individually?

I felt great this year; last year was a bit of a wakeup call in terms of how different the game is over here compared to what I was used to in Europe. I think I had something like 6 or 8 points last year, and after this last game I hit the 30-point marker - I'm really happy about that. I put a lot of work into every practice, and off the ice I do what I can to improve, as well. Going from what, 8 points, to 16 goals and 14 assists feels great and I'm proud of that. I think with another year here I could improve those numbers significantly - but depending on Minnesota's needs, maybe I get the early call up.

Quote:Thoughts on your production?

Like I said, I feel really proud of my growth this year. I do think, though, that I could have performed better in a lot of categories - defensively, I feel I could use some work; I need to strengthen up a bit, as well. One major issue I noticed this season is inconsistency - I had several multi-point nights, and several droughts with no points over the course of several games. I need to be more consistent in my production and my defensive play. I feel like I learned a lot, though, that will help me in the playoffs and next season.

Quote:What are you expecting going into the playoffs?

Honestly? It's going to be extremely difficult, but I expect this club to come into the playoffs hungry; our returning players have the experience and the thirst for another Cup, and our rookies all want to make an impression heading into the draft, as well as hoist the Cup above their heads. I honestly feel this team can repeat one more time, and with how skilled and hard-working we are, I absolutely think we can do it. This is going to be a fun time - hell, there's a reason a lot of people claim the real season starts in the playoffs, and I agree. This is when things get fun; playing the same team in a best-of series, learning their game and the excitement of the crowd... this is what it's about - it's all about the playoffs. We're really excited and confident, right now.

Quote:How do you feel about next season?

Next season meaning here in Kelowna, or with Minnesota - or next season for me? Here in Kelowna, we're going to lose a lot of good players again, but like I said before, we have a great group of young kids that will step up and take over the leadership roles on the team. They have the skill, dedication, and desire to continue to succeed. In Minnesota, I think they will make the playoffs, no question. After some years of instability, they finally have a core group of players and excellent management, as well as a solid handful of prospects likely to make the jump. Will I be up there? I don't know, it all depends on what management feels - if they feel the team would be better with me in the lineup, I'm going to head to Minnesota and do everything I can to help the team. If they want me to play another year here in Kelowna and develop a bit more, well, again, I feel we're going to have another great year here in Kelowna.

Quote:Give your thoughts on the leaders of the team.

With Langy, Knouser and Thompstud leading this team, I'd feel confident playing any other team in the world. These three are born leaders. Not only do they facilitate practice, but on and off the ice they have brought this team very close together, and fostered a great environment and support for the rookies who made the transition to the SMJHL. Positive words and attitudes, as well as leading by example; what more can you ask for in a trio of captains? I think these three have the potential and leadship capabilities to make an immediate impact on their SHL teams, and eventually captain their respective teams to great years for their respective organizations. I can't wait for playoffs, when they really turn things up and lead us to the three-peat.

Quote:Any plans for the off-season?

Ah... well, let's not get ahead of ourselves (laughs). Look, all of us in the locker room hope that we have the shortest off-season in the league - taking it all the way in the playofs. We don't want a long off-season, we want to keep playing. That said, I am very excited to head home to visit family and friends, once we're done. Ideally, with another ring on my finger and Cup in hand! The lady and I are excited to head home and see familiar sights, see our familiar landmarks, and do some mountain hiking. Of course, with how excited I am for the rest of my career, I also want to continue my training while I'm back home. I'd also like to work with some of the youth teams, while I'm back home, and help as much as I can. Norway has a lot of potential and a lot of skilled players that, with the right motivation, could do very well in the SHL and on the international front. I've got my eye on a few kids that I'd like to play with both on our national team and hopefully here in America. I want to do what I can to help those kids as best as possible. I also want to be able to have more than a few beers every once in a while (chuckles).

Quote:Any superstitions, either of yours or other team members, heading into the playoffs?

(chuckles) Superstitions in hockey are great, aren't they? I feel like hockey players are some of the most superstitious athletes in any sport. Absolutely crazy mental mind games. Éibhear Sorenson, for example - yea, he's playing up in Edmonton now, but I know all about his anti-tomato superstition during playoffs. Rumor has it he stole some bananas or something dumb, and some Italian guy named Massomalinios or something cursed him. I don't know, some of these guys are crazy.

My? I don't really have any playoff-related superstition. I always try to play my playoff games like I would any other game - I wake up on gameday and have my two over easy eggs with toast and bacon, pre-game skate, nutella and peanut butter sandwich, nap, and a small mac and cheese for dinner, before stretching and prepping for the game. I don't have any special socks or underwear; I don't refuse to eat anything in particular, except anything that's different than eggs, toast, bacon, peanut butter and nutella, and mac and cheese. I suppose that's it for me; a boring answer, but I'm a boring guy, so there you go.

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