January 15, 2025 • 46 mins
Voice of the Roadrunners Jonathon Schaffer and Kim Cota-Robles were joined by Defenseman Kevin Connauton on gameday for the team's slate verssus the Calgary Wranglers. They talk about his season and the best spots he has lived and also playing with both Shane and Josh Doan in his career.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
It's five o'clock.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Got yours hues Day's two sun runners have me out
from Fox Sports fourteen fifty AF Jonathan, Shit, right, we.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Know the story, but you gotta tell the viewers that start.
It's so funny.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
It's our usual Tuesday night.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
So I don't know.
Speaker 4 (00:19):
Maybe we should start implementing some break dance pre games
during the season and see how that goes.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Right here on Tucson Sports Day yet, Fox Sports fourteen
fifty A.
Speaker 4 (00:29):
Fox Sports fourteen fifth am our usual Tuesday night get together,
Jonathan shafeyre with Cam Coder Roeblitz. It is game day
and Calgary right off the top of the hour, Kevin
cannot and join Gus. Kevin really appreciate us giving us
your time on the game day. I know you're preparing
for a huge matchup tonight versus the Calgary Wranglers. Appreciate
(00:51):
you joining us. And yeah, just what's your usual game
day routine?
Speaker 5 (00:54):
Like, well, we usually are at a break in the
morning for morning skate. We do that, get a couple
of meetings out of the way, everyone kind of gets
their sticks and get ready for the night. Get on
the ice quick practice just to get the legs going
and then back to the hotel to rest up and
(01:15):
get a meal in, and you know, it's kind of
an all day preparation for tonight's match.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
Yeah, and it's a huge match.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Right We're well within the first place, well within first
place of the AHL's specific division. I mean, Calgary is
only eight points over us right now, and if we
get four big ones and all of a sudden, we're
very much in the mix as well. Has that kind
of been communicated to you guys, are you know? I
don't know how much you guys are looking at the
standings day in and day out, but you know, was
that communicated to you or is it just just do
(01:46):
what we got to do and do what we can control.
Speaker 5 (01:49):
I think everyone looks at the standings. I don't think
that it's something that we talk about on a daily basis.
Everyone kind of has it in the back of their minds.
Especially going into each game, you kind of know where
the other team is and in relation to you in
the standings. The thing about this league is it's always
really tight, especially this division. Things can fluctuate quite a
(02:10):
bit with those standings. So I think that that, you know,
makes every game really important. Calgary, like you said, obviously
ahead of us, but that gap can close a lot
quicker with two big wins on this trip, so something
we're definitely focused on. But right now, the main focus
is just going out, having a good start tonight and
(02:31):
winning the game.
Speaker 6 (02:34):
Kevin, who do you think is the biggest revelry in
the division right now? I feel like there's a few answers,
and so I don't know, I need your insight on this.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Sorry, biggest rivalry?
Speaker 5 (02:46):
Yeah, I think I think you're always you always have
good competitive, you know, emotional games that the teams above you.
I think that you always have, you know, big games
against Colorado is one team that comes to mind. I
(03:07):
think Calgary is a team that we're focused on right
now because we want to face them.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Down, you know.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
I think I think you just play every team so
often that you've got to have these little robberies with
everyone some weekends to get a little more heated than others.
But right now, like I said, main focus is definitely
the Wranglers, gotcha.
Speaker 6 (03:32):
I mean that that obviously makes sense. That's the shark
closest to your boat right now, so when they are
a rather a formidable shark, so so that makes sense
one hundred percent kind of getting We're just meeting you.
You're new to Tucson Ish a little bit. You and
I have actually never had a chance to talk. This
is our first time talking, right, I've not interviewed you before, I.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Think so, Yeah, I think this is the first one.
Speaker 6 (03:58):
Yeah, nice to meet you. You have such a storied
hockey career, and you have lived in some amazing places.
I actually made a list of them and it did
not stop. It just went on and on. And you've
lived in some really, really really cool spots. Without the
(04:21):
obligatory Tucson answer, what are some of the favorite places
that you've lived?
Speaker 5 (04:28):
Well, yeah, I've been very fortunate to play in some
awesome cities, Tucson being one of them. I think ones
that come to mind right away is Dallas was a favorite.
That's actually where my wife and I call home now
in the off season, and that'll be home moving forward
when this is all seven done. Last year played for
(04:51):
the Rain. We're living in Hermosa Beach. That's uh, that's
up there in terms of places to live. And then
again when I was in Florida, I guess the trend
is being close to a little water always it's a
little bit nicer. So those would be the two spots
that jump out for sure. But of all the stops
I've made, I've enjoyed every one of them. I've had
(05:12):
great experiences in every city with every team, and you know,
it's been an awesome journey.
Speaker 6 (05:18):
And you're originally from Edmonton, right, Yes? Did you grow
up there or were you just born there? And that's
what they put on all the all the step sheets.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Born and raised there? Yeah, that was home. Family still there.
Speaker 5 (05:34):
Used to go back there every summer till maybe I
was twenty five to twenty six years old, and so yeah,
now now I live in Doubt in the off season.
Both my kids are American. Life's American, so kind of
putting the roots down down there. But no, Edmonton will
always be home.
Speaker 6 (05:54):
That's awesome. Did you grow up I know your brother
played hockey in college. Did you grow up in a
hockey family? Like, how did that come about for you?
Speaker 1 (06:05):
Yeah? We just started playing at a really young age.
Speaker 5 (06:09):
Like most kids in Evonton, there's not a ton of
other options when it comes to sports there that it's
getting a lot better now, but during our childhood, hockey
was definitely the main one. I think a lot of
Canadian kids play hockey at some point, if not all
of them, some decide to continue on with it, but
for me, it was, Yeah, it was kind of always hockey.
(06:30):
My brother was always playing growing up. Here's something I
looked up to, so I always wanted to be doing
what he was doing. And yeah, hockey is the one
that I chose and was passionate about, and luckily is still.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Doing it to his day.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
And is it Is it just you and your brother
or are there more siblings? And if it's just you
and your brother, is he he's older?
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Right, he's older. I have two older sisters as well.
Speaker 6 (06:55):
Oh oh you're the baby of the family then yeah, yeah, yeah, okay,
all right, that's awesome. I'm always just curious where people
are in the birth order chart.
Speaker 5 (07:04):
Yeah the youngest. Yeah so, but yeah, Sean, my brother
is my idol growing up. So whatever he was doing,
I was doing, and he was playing hockey.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
So going back to you know, all the spots that
you've lived at.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
You did play for the Arizona Coyotes for for quite
a while, even had a short stint with the Tucson
road Runners.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
All the way back in twenty sixteen.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
You know, what was your time like living in Arizona
and playing for the Coyotes, and you know what did
what was the main decision or the reason why coming
back to Arizona and to play for the road Runners,
And then which is what's it like for you to
be back in Arizona as a whole.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Yeah, I guess I should add Arizona to that list.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
We really, we really loved living in Scottsdale there when
I was with the Coyotes. I was fortunate to be
there for four years. We ended up actually staying there
in the summer for those years as well.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
I just loved it.
Speaker 5 (08:00):
Yeah, it was it was the longest time I spent
with one team. So there's definitely, uh, you know, some
emotional connection there for you and there for as long
as we were. There's just an awesome team and awesome staff.
As unfortunate to see them go, but I think they're
in a better position right now. Hopefully one day they
(08:21):
can figure out a way to get a team back there.
But yeah, in regards to coming back to this, you know,
organization in Tucson's always nice, and there's some familiar faces
and a bit of history, so that was definitely appealing
when I was decided to sign here.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Speaking of history, you played with Shane Doan right for
a couple of those seasons, and then played some with
Josh Stone this year as well.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
What was that like?
Speaker 4 (08:48):
You know, playing with the legendary Shane don and then
you know, fast forward all these years later. Then now
you and Josh done are are connecting on goals and
kind of just doing the same thing.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Yeah, that was cool. We Shane was one of the
greats to ever do it. I was very lucky to
have a chance to be his teammate. I think anyone
you ask about him says nothing about good things. He's
just a great human being. He's a great hockey player,
a great teammate. It is a little weird now, I
mean I remember running into Josh when he was deciding
(09:21):
whether to go major junior or college and talking to
him about that when you're just a kid, and you
know now he's a throw he's a man and a
really good hockey player. So yeah, it's it's cool to
say I've been on the teammates with both of them
and makes you feel old, but they're both They're both
great people. I mean, Josh was raised by a great
(09:44):
family and he can tell he's a great person himself.
So it's nice to see him called up right now.
Hopefully we don't see him back down here, and you know,
I wish him not the best.
Speaker 6 (09:54):
Kevin, was the most memorable moment that you've experienced on
the ice that fans may not know about? Uh?
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Well, I think the first NHL game is always a
special one.
Speaker 5 (10:09):
It's kinda it's just one that you you worked so
hard for and when then when it comes, it's it's
pretty surreal. So that's one that definitely comes to mind. Uh,
it's you know, the first goal is always exciting. That Actually,
I got to play in the Spangler Cup two years
ago for Team Canada. That was probably one of the
(10:33):
bigger moments in my career. Just I'd never worn the
Mayple leafs before, so for me that was that was
pretty special. I didn't think that was ever going to happen,
and to have an opportunity to where that jersey is
was really awesome. So those kind of three moments I
think would be my top three right now in my career.
Speaker 6 (10:54):
Okay, yeah, that's awesome. I was watching an interview with
Shane pin So recently where he was talking about how
when he was a teenager, you know, he kind of
sacrificed a lot of his personal life to to just
get better, to just constantly improving. I'm curious if when
you look back at being younger, what did what did
(11:18):
your life look like as you were coming up through
Saskatchewan and Spruce Grove, Vancouver, what did your life look like?
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Sorry you cut out there a little. I lost you
guys for a second.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
That's okay, I try to remember my question. No, no, no,
that's okay.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
I was it was.
Speaker 6 (11:39):
I saw an interview with Shane Pinto recently and he
was talking about how much he kind of had to
sacrifice his personal life when he was in his teenage
years to just make himself better so that he could,
you know, get get to the professional level. And I
was curious, you know, as you were coming up through
Saskatchewan and Spruce Grove, Vancouver, what did your life look
(12:01):
like as you you know, we're on your trajectory towards
professional hockey.
Speaker 5 (12:07):
I kind of I think every year, as you're growing up,
things start to get a little bit more serious. One
example would be we did a lot of skiing and
snowboarding as kids, and eventually get to the point where
you know your winters are sign up with hockey and
your off season has become more about training and so
things like that. You know, you start to do less
(12:30):
and less of It's kind of just year by year,
the commitment becomes more and more because you see what
other guys are doing and you know you have to
keep up and try and try and be better than them.
And so I think it's just kind of progressively becomes
more and more part of your life. You're moving away
(12:51):
from home, you know, a lot of guys do it.
I played junior a luckily, you know, burt Us, I
was able to live at home for that season. But
then I went to college, you know, at eighteen, and
haven't really been back since other than in the summertime.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
So yeah, you got to be prepared to pack your
bags and move around and put in the time and
you know, dedicate your life to it.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
Speaking of family, you know, I think the luxury of
playing in this league, of course, is traveling around and
seeing different family all throughout North America, and Calgary is
one of those spots where we have a lot of
guys have family in the crowd, including yourself, And what's
that like for you, Neil, Just to kind of have
that extra jolt knowing that you have family and friends
in the crowd in a in a way arena just
(13:38):
rooting on for you guys to get some big wins.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
Yeah, it's nice.
Speaker 5 (13:42):
It's nice when you go to a road city and
you got some people there that you know, family friends,
get them tickets and have them come cheer you on.
So I always love the support. I'm always very appreciative
of people coming out and searing for me and supporting me.
And you know, luckily, being from Evonton, I've made a
few stops there. We've gotten to play in front of
(14:04):
my family there, and they've been kind enough to travel
to places like Calgary to come to see me or
or even all those cities. So yeah, it's it's always
great having your friends and family in the stands.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (14:17):
And the friends and family you'll have tonight, we'll get
to see you play with Maverick Lamer, who's just reassigned
to US back from the Utah Hockey Club. You know,
started us, started off with US earlier this season, played great,
played great up in the NHL as well. But how
excited are you to be in a d pair with
them and just seeing what you guys can construct up
(14:38):
for us tonight.
Speaker 5 (14:39):
Yeah, we got a couple of shifts there at the
beginning of the year before he went up, so you know,
we've played together a little bit. But it'll be nice to,
you know, have him back. He's obviously a really good player,
a lot of skill, He's got all the potential in
the world. Just a young kid, but you know he's
got a real high ceiling. So love to do any
(15:00):
I can to help them, you know, get back up
to Utah as.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Soon as possible.
Speaker 5 (15:04):
And I think for us and we're just going to
go out there and you know, play well together, play
for each other, and I think it'll be a good tarn.
Speaker 6 (15:14):
Kevin, I have a multi layered question for you. I
was trying to find you on socials and you don't
have an Instagram account. He does not know, so how
how can you please tell me how to survive without
being on social media?
Speaker 3 (15:29):
How do you do this?
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Well?
Speaker 5 (15:31):
I had so, I had Twitter in my early days.
I ended up deleting it. I think I was playing
for the Columbus Blue jackets.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
I just.
Speaker 5 (15:41):
People were just, I don't know, sending stuff that you
don't want to read. I'd wake up in the morning
and look at my mentions people tell me I suck
or what they want to trade me, and probably isn't
a healthy way to start your day. So I just
I got rid of that, and then I don't know.
I've always been more of a private person. I guess
I do have an Instagram account, but like people on
(16:02):
there are people that I have met.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Personally, that I know personally, so I keep it.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
I keep it pretty quiet on there, but yeah, it's
it's kind of nice. I don't really I like having
my circle, and uh, I don't really need to be
interacting with anyone.
Speaker 6 (16:20):
On there that I don't know that is so mentally healthy.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
I am so jealous of you.
Speaker 6 (16:28):
So you're married to Brooke, and I know you have
I just googling. You have a four year old name Remy.
I know you like to be private, but then you
said you had another child also, who I'm assuming is
younger than Remy because she was your first. I know
it's still like early days of being a parent, but like,
do you see hockey in the future for either of
(16:49):
them even, you know, just like kind of playing having fun,
understanding the game, you know, maybe not like playing professionally,
you know at that level.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
I don't know. Me hasn't really shown much interest in it.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
You're taking her skating a few times, and I've got
friends with kids that are just in love with hockey.
They see their parents doing it and all that. But
now my daughter hasn't really sold much interest right now.
Definitely not going to stop her from from trying it.
You know, She's gonna be allowed to pursue whatever she
wants and it ends up being hockey.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Great. If not that that won't bother me either. So
we'll see.
Speaker 5 (17:28):
And then yeah, I have another daughter as well, if
she just turned one, so she's uh, she's got a
long way to go.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
But maybe, uh, maybe she'll pick up a stick at
some point. And like I said, though, if not, I'll
support them and whatever they're doing.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
That's awesome. In your career, you have a shockingly reasonable
amount of penalty minutes, which for a defenseman can be
you know, a little bit of a surprise. How do
you manage that? Like, what did you get to a
point in your career where you're like Okay, I'm just
gonna this is the game that I'm playing. I'm just
(18:03):
I'm level headed, I'm dialed in. I'm not I'm not
doing that, or you know, is it just kind of
who you are off the ice is who you are
on the ice? What is what does that look like?
Speaker 1 (18:17):
I don't know.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
I never really thought about I tell the notes, to
be honest, I think it's just kind of sometimes they
come in bunches, sometimes I don't.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
Kind of depends on the game.
Speaker 5 (18:25):
A lot of the time that I was in the NHL,
games were kind of spread out, you know, play one,
sip five, So when you do get in the lineup,
I wasn't really looking to spend the whole night in
the penalty box. I wanted to, you know, get on
the ice and contribute any way I can try and
stay stay in for the next game.
Speaker 1 (18:43):
So I think.
Speaker 5 (18:45):
There's a time when you have to you know, be
you know, playing a little more physical and all that.
But I think just focusing on being steady, defending hard,
and doing everything can help the team wins. Kind of
my mentality.
Speaker 4 (19:02):
Going back to your oldest daughter, Remy, she had a
great day last month at the build of bear in
which you took her on a Monday, a school day,
so you were able to get that offer, and she
had a great time, was handing you constant accessories for
her teddy Bear. She's still using the teddy bear that
she made or is she grown old of it already?
Speaker 1 (19:24):
No, she still loves It's still at the house and.
Speaker 5 (19:27):
Yeah, it's in her rotation of toys that she's always
carrying around with her.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
So that was a good day.
Speaker 5 (19:32):
She was really excited about that and seeing her and
Aggie's daughter, and so I'm getting excited.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
It was a cool moment. I was happy we did that.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
Yeah, and how close are you and Aggie got in
this past season as well, you know, you two being
an assistant captains near the same age and you know
both you know, bringing your families here into Tucson, Arizona
to play for the road Runners.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
Yeah, he's a great guy.
Speaker 5 (19:56):
We're roomed together on the road We've lived just down
the street from each other in Tucson. Our daughters get
along really well, so I think, you know, in the
American Hockey League there's definitely less families on the team usually,
so it's always nicely.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
We got a couple of a couple other.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
Kids around similar age to yours, and they can get
together and you know, our wives can get together and
uh just you know, similar schedules, similar interests, and works
out really well.
Speaker 6 (20:25):
Ken, I want to take you a little bit off
of the hockey, the well the well worn hockey path,
and ask you, if you were in a zombie apocalypse,
how long do you think that you would last.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
I think i'd actually last quite a while.
Speaker 5 (20:41):
Yeah, we got yeah, we actually got some survival kits
at home and all that, and.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Like we'd last we'd last that at all. We'll see,
I guess wait, in a decent amount.
Speaker 6 (20:54):
Okay, would would with the tactics? No, because Cameron Hebeg
also said that he could last well because he could
just disappear into the wilds of Saskatchewan and be fine
by himself. And I was wondering if that was, like,
is that your tactic? Also? Is just you know, just
to get away.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
From it all.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
I'd probably hunker down at home for as long as
I could and then yeah, I don't know, I have
to put a plan together.
Speaker 6 (21:21):
Okay, I appreciate that. Okay, one more, one more thing
that has nothing to do with hockey. Your birthday's coming
up somewhat, it's next month. At the end of next month,
we have, I want to say, like ten guys who
have birthdays before your birthday next month. So a lot
(21:41):
of a lot of the same astrological signs in between you,
your pisces. Did you know that your prices? Do you
know astrology at all?
Speaker 1 (21:50):
I knew that as a prices. I don't know what
that means or okay, really beyond that.
Speaker 6 (21:56):
Yeah, I'm gonna describe it to you because I'm so curios.
So you, Curtis, Julian, Leyton, and Montana are all Pisces,
and this is how Pisces are described. You're known for
your dreamy nature, deep empathy, and artistic flair. Pisces men
have a deep well of emotion and tend to be
extremely reactive when their emotions run high. They wear their
(22:19):
hearts and their sleeves and have a great deal of
emotional intelligence. Do you think that's accurate?
Speaker 1 (22:28):
Yeah? I think so. I guess I could check a
few of those boxes.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Yeah, and the and the rest of the boys.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Maybe, yeah, a little bit, I could. We could make
it work.
Speaker 6 (22:44):
Yeah, okay, all right, cool, I just want I wanted
to check. That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Yeah, I didn't know.
Speaker 6 (22:53):
Yes, very very emotional, like you like to talk about
feelings kind of person nice.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Yeah, well awesome. Kevin, thanks so much again for joining us.
We really appreciate giving us your time on a game day.
Wish you well good luck tonight, and yeah, let's get
some victories against Calgary. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
No, I appreciate you guys having me on. Thank you
very much.
Speaker 4 (23:16):
Number forty four defenseman Kevin Cannanddon on the show, Kim,
you said that was the first time you've ever talked.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
To him literally literally.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
Funny story too.
Speaker 4 (23:25):
So when we were in Coachella Valley last week to
start off this road trip, saw Kevin that morning skate
in Coachella Valley and I was like, oh, you know,
because usually what I do is like, grab my camera,
get my microphone, I get all set up, and I'm
kind of just waiting for a specific guy I want
to grab, and that day it was Josh Dom because
he was assigned to the All Star. Also wanted to
(23:47):
grab aku Ra too, because I feel like we hadn't
gotten him yet for anything.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
So maybe you'll be our guest on the Happy Hour show.
Very soon too, and.
Speaker 4 (23:55):
Kevin walks by and he's like, what's up, man. I'm like, Oh,
it's cam Damn, I'm pumped.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
Let's do it.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
He's like, yeah, maybe I can score it today and
we can do an interview for once. And I'm like, hey,
we grab but that's the thing. We grab him like
all the time, like at least at home we do.
I feel like we've grabbed him all the time. So
I was a little confused by I know, he's just
joking with me, obviously, and then we end up winning.
And it was just usually when we're on the road
(24:20):
when we brought a bus out right after a game,
like I kind of just grab whoever I can grab,
you know, and walk downstairs.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Happened to Jessee Andre Agazino.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
So I'm like, oh, perfect, he scored a goal tonight,
I'll grab him interviewing him.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
Finish shit. Kevin Cannanan walks up.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
He just does a little like the heck Man's true.
Speaker 6 (24:38):
We have talked to I goo a lot.
Speaker 4 (24:40):
I think, Oh, I mean we talked to everybody, but
like we definitely have grabbed Kevin a good amount, just
maybe not on like happy or maybe I haven't because
usually we get him at home a lot because he's
he plays good at home.
Speaker 6 (24:52):
But then I haven't interviewed him one time at home.
Speaker 4 (24:55):
But then but then I'm like, okay, well, because Chase
usually grabs him for like our media villa, like we've
gone him at home a lot, like at least like
at the podium and stuff in our in our media spot.
But then I just tell him like, come here, man,
like I got to you. I mean, you had a
good game tonight, you got an assist, You're a captain
of the team. And uh. It's funny too because when
I when I ask guys to come on the show, uh,
(25:18):
you know, I'm usually saying like, oh, Kim and I
do these and some of them don't ask me, like, oh,
who's Kid. But I wonder if Kevin was like, who's Kim? Like,
I don't know, maybe he thought that for a moment before,
uh before coming on. But yeah, great interview, you know,
talking about a huge game for us tonight, Kim and
really next two big games where eight points away from
(25:40):
the first place spot of the HL specific Division race.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Calgary's uh, they're they're treading a little bit.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
But I don't think people are realizing that, you know,
a lot of teams are eyeing that first place spot
right now, and I think all the pressures on Calgary.
They've lost their last three in a row, they recently
got swept by Colorado. Uh, last time we lost to
them twice, we were down to five hundred and fast forward,
we're nineteen three one and oh. So due to math,
we're nine three to one and oh since playing Calgary
(26:08):
last and I think our team's been much more different
than that last series. And I think that's what makes
me really excited for these next two games, to just
try to even up the playing field and get back
within first place.
Speaker 6 (26:21):
I think when we saw them last time, we were
carrying the baggage from last season, postseason and just a
lot of anger there probably. And then also William Stromgren
was an absolute menace to us.
Speaker 3 (26:34):
Oh my god, last when he scored.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
When he scored sevent in game one, I'm like, all right,
this is this is not gonna be easy. And I
think the thing to Cam is those were two good
Like I feel like we still fought in those two games,
right Like first one we were down three nothing, almost
came back three to two. Second one, we were well
within it, but then Calgary just you know, kind of
ran away with the game. And again, even when we've
(26:58):
talked about this recent stretch that two sons been playing fantastic,
we keep saying we haven't really seen the team at
this full potential yet, and you know, maybe I might
have to wait because you know, when you lose guys
like Josh Jones to the call up and Andrew Agazino, uh,
you know, suffering a lower body injury, he'll be out
for a bit. You know, maybe we won't see it
just yet. But we're still gonna win games because now
(27:20):
we have guys like Ryan McGregor filling in the hole,
and Miko Mittika's back from injury as well. Julian Lutz
is very expected to be back soon too. So yeah,
let's let's Loots when well, when I talked to him,
he was like, call me LUTs, and I'm like, okay, perfect,
that's that's fine.
Speaker 6 (27:37):
Everybody calls him Letsie, but it's Loots.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
Let's see whatever, you know, I do, whatever the guy
wants wants me to say it, call him by.
Speaker 6 (27:43):
But but yeah, regardless, lots of lots of changes and
tell me more about Aga. Like when you say that
because I don't know when we talk about him, you know,
not seeing him for a minute, what do we is it?
Speaker 1 (27:55):
Like?
Speaker 6 (27:55):
Are we talking four to weeks, eight weeks?
Speaker 3 (27:58):
I don't want to say too much.
Speaker 4 (27:59):
I don't want to say too much, but yeah, it's
it's a week to week basis, you know, just curious. Yeah,
blocked a shot in San Diego. But he's he's fine,
he'll be okay, he'll be back this season. But yeah,
you know, like regardless of that, it's it's a time
for a lot of these guys to step up now.
And Kim, this is why we always say we got
so much depth in the off season. John Ferguson did
(28:20):
a fantastic job of, you know, bringing Ryan McGregor back,
bringing Hunter Drew back the guys who were in those
fill in roles. And I thought Ryan McGregor had a
fantastic game last week on on Saturday versus San Diego.
And he's been a guy who's been super patient this
whole season, just waiting for his opportunity to play, and
now all of a sudden, he's kind of thrust into
(28:41):
a very important role, uh, you know, in one of
those important sense spots with some offensive talent around him.
So he's gonna be playing in a poor role for
US down this stretch, and I'm really looking forward to
just seeing him play again.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
I think the line that he's on tonight is really
interesting in between Soco and and Aku, very very similar
playing styles between the three of them, which I think
is really exciting to see. Anytime that Ryan is out there,
He's been with us so long. I know that he's
a Tucson fan favorite, so when he's when he's out there,
(29:14):
I know that people are cheering for him. But a
really interesting fourth line for US tonight is Curtis Douglas
and Hunter Drew with Sam Lipkin at the center.
Speaker 4 (29:25):
It's all been rearranged, like the Juggannaut line is gone.
And you know, the two games in San Diego, they
were good games, and you know, we lost the first one.
Matthew Blalta was heroic and net second one was much closer.
We had a two goal lead, San Diego score two back,
we got a late game winning one from Cameron Hebeck
(29:47):
for his tenth of the year, and then we ended
up winning the game. But you know, again, I think
we're still trying to find kind of the niche. And
I think also with a lot of changes coming to
the team again with Josh Jones call up and Andrew
Gazino being out for a little bit, I think that's
why the lines are looking much different, because you have
to just make so many shifts, and especially you know,
(30:09):
it's the lines are based on our opponent too, right,
and with what we're seeing tonight, which we'll also talk
about in our pregame show eventually before puck drop is
you know, the lines are based on the opponent too,
and what Steve Povin and coach see what Calgary's gonna
throw at us, this is the lineup that's gonna you know,
take that throw in and toss it back to Calgary
(30:29):
and try to score some goals back.
Speaker 3 (30:31):
So I always we'll trust Steve Pavin in the process.
Speaker 4 (30:34):
You know, as much as our lines are always constantly changing,
I'll never have a doubt that it's a winning lineup.
And it's again I'm just you know me, I'm the optimist,
but I'm really just really confident in this series. And
I think the Rowers definitely remember the last time we
were here in Calgary, which we lost the two games.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
I think so too.
Speaker 6 (30:54):
In terms of confidence, I'm I'm confident. I like in
the development of some of the players that we were
just meeting for the first time, you know, when we
saw Calgary for the first time, Like Ardam Duda. He
has to me just kind of grown and settled into
a place of I don't want to say comfort with
(31:15):
the team, but but he I feel like he's in
his He's in his niche he's in his zone. He's
just him. And Robbie Russo, especially on that first blue line,
are just a lot of fun to watch. And and
now like you mentioned, with Kevin and having Maverick back,
the blue liners I think are really interesting to watch also,
(31:39):
and kind of this game, I feel like they have
become I don't know how to say. I don't know
if I want to say, like much more strategic than
the defense that we saw last season.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
But.
Speaker 6 (31:54):
Maybe maybe more productive is is the word. Trying to
trying to figure out out Trent. My brain is going
back and forth right HEMI his fairite left hemisphere, trying
to figure out what you know, how I feel. But
and then we get Maddie in goal again tonight, Jackson
is going to be sitting on the boards tonight, So
I'm excited to see what Maddy does also against this team.
Speaker 3 (32:17):
Yeah, and I think the important thing too is, you know,
it came.
Speaker 4 (32:22):
It's crazy to think we're about halfway through the year
and I feel like we've we've been through a full
season already. Know, we've we've gotten to know these players,
they're they're playing styles, the way that the team has
come together. I mean, again to the thing, we've been
through a time in which the road Runners were just
not uh, you know, winning the games of what we expected.
(32:42):
You know, we're near that five hundred spot. And then
once we hit ten to ten is when we went
on our six game winning streak, and then I've still
been getting the wins since. And that's what I've always said.
I you know, you can say for baseball too, and
maybe maybe football. I mean it's a little more uh,
you know, the the games are a lot less, but
I would say, stay five hundred as long as possible,
and then you're gonna go on that nice run and
(33:05):
eventually it will come together and then now all of
a sudden you're in a good spot. And that's exactly
what happened the last time we played Calgary. We lost
both games, dropped to ten to ten on the season,
and then we won six in a row. And now
we're nineteen thirteen, want to know, and with a chance
to get within first place, and I think Maverick Lamber
(33:25):
is gonna be a huge addition for us. We have Again,
we never know how long these guys are going to
be with us. He was initially called up to Utah
based on the injuries. Same with Josh Done as well.
And you know Bill Armstrong is he will always let guys,
you know, bake in the AHL, and we all knew
kind of Lamber was gonna be one of those players.
It was fantastic that he got the fifteen games in
(33:47):
the NHL, and again, don't know when he'll be back,
but will enjoy And while he's here, he's gonna be
playing first line minutes. He's peered with a fantastic veteran
defenseman of Kevin Canadden and excited to see what he
can do tonight as well.
Speaker 3 (33:59):
I think he's just really hungry to get back out there.
Speaker 6 (34:02):
When you talk about staying above five hundred, it's so
much easier say to say it than to actually do
it right, So you and I, you know, sitting here
talking about it is one. It's very very different this
I I talk to the guys a lot about and
I talk myself about the vibes of the team because
this is such an emotional sport. Not that not that
(34:24):
the other professional sports are not emotional. I mean, obviously
even tennis is super emotional, you know, but but these are.
This is a high you know, high mental You got
to be locked in, you got to be focused on
the game, but you gotta, like like we talked to
Josh about before, you got to still have fun and
enjoy the fact that, you know, you get to play
a game. So there's a lot happening, and when you know,
(34:49):
when the personnel changes happen, it's I think there's always
some level setting that needs to happen. And just even
even a guy, you know, like even when goes up
and then comes back down, you know, just getting him
back into the group of being with this, you know,
this group of people, So like Maverick coming back, even
(35:09):
Kevin going up and then coming back, there's I think
there's always a little bit of some time, you know
that we just kind of need to just take a
deep breath and Okay, this person is back in our lives,
and this is how I play with this person, and
this is what this means with the team, and this
is what they're bringing, you know, bringing to the ice. So,
like you said, a lot of personnel changes happening, and
(35:34):
and then in between all that we're playing then you know,
the number one team in the division right now. Just
so yeah, but but but but they are having their
own they are having their own you know, growing pains
and miseries that you know, we'll we'll see what happens.
Speaker 3 (35:49):
Yeah, every every team goes through it. And it's a
big upcoming two games for Tucson.
Speaker 4 (35:53):
Will we come back here to Fox Sports fourteen fifty A, Yeah,
we will continue previewing this huge series for Tucson right
for pup drop on this game day edition. The Roadrunners
are taking on the Calgary Wranglers tonight and tomorrow. Kim,
you haven't been around the team for quite some time
because we've kind of been on the road for what
(36:13):
almost three weeks. We're in Texas for a couple of
days for our first game of the seven games stretch
away from the Tucson Arena. We came back for one
day bus to Coachella Valley, bus to San Diego and
flew here to Calgary and then we're coming back this Thursday.
We have the weekend off of no games, and then
we're right back to it on Monday and Tuesday for
(36:35):
Martin Luther King Day. So it's, you know, quick as turnaround.
But what's it been like for you that just not
have the guys around for so long?
Speaker 6 (36:43):
I cry a little bit. I'm not gonna lie. I
cry a little bit. It's funny because I miss when
I miss when the team is on the road. But
my son has his own very intense hockey schedule. So
I'm still at the TCC and I'm still like, yeah,
at range all over the state. So yeah, it's obviously
a very different level of playing hockey.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
Yeah, but it is.
Speaker 6 (37:06):
I do pass the TCC like a little bit of
a tear in my eye. I do want to say, though,
last week was National Hockey Mom Day, and all of
the hockey moms out there mad ups like hockey moms
are awesome. None of us that I said Happy National
Hockey Mom Day to even realized it was that day.
Speaker 3 (37:25):
Some of them.
Speaker 6 (37:25):
Our calendars are so messed up because of all the
it travel and our kids crazy schedules, didn't realize that
it was happening. So yeah, I think so I've been busy, sad,
but busy. Yeah, that's how it's been going.
Speaker 4 (37:44):
Yeah, I mean to think when the Gem Show trip comes,
there will be so that's gonna be like and the
Gem Show trip is not the Gem Show trips less
than a month away. We're back for a six game
homestand four games in a week because it's Monday Tuesday
versus Henderson in that follow weekend play the Abbotsford Canucks.
Speaker 3 (38:07):
Yeah, so we'll be back for a bit.
Speaker 4 (38:09):
But then right after those games, then we play Ontario
if I'm not mistaken, and then right after those couple
of games, we go on the All Star Break and
then we go to San Jose to start off a
two and a half week trip. So enjoy it while
the Roadrunners are here later this month, because then after
(38:29):
that it's it's All Star Break and then we're just gone.
Speaker 3 (38:32):
We're gone for a bit. It's like the second or
probably the longest trip of the season, which is always
is Yeah.
Speaker 6 (38:38):
And also February first, Saturday, February first is Wizards and
Witches Night, which I know a lot of people really
really enjoy. So that'll be the last game that we
have here, say February twenty second, which is both Youth
Jerday Night and Dusty's Birthday. So for those of you
(39:01):
planning on getting Dusty something, Dusty, where's a size extra
large road runner? So anybody who's looking to get a gift,
that's what that's what yours in all things, Yes, I.
Speaker 4 (39:14):
Think what's crazy too, Kim, is like that chaotic month
we had of December, right with all the community events
and the season ticket member party and uh we had
which was crazy too because we just came back from
Calgary after losing both games, and then we probably had
the the busiest week ever, you know, of the season,
just ramping up for Teddy Bear Toss.
Speaker 3 (39:34):
And it was a great week regardless.
Speaker 4 (39:36):
You know, we had a great time, you know, doing
all of our events and you know, just getting the
guys out there because we knew that it was going
to be a long stretch before we could do anything
because you know, after Teddy Bear Toss had the holiday break,
after the two games in Abbotsford as well, had the
holiday break, came back for like a quick two game series,
(39:57):
and then since then it's been all on the road
for Tucson, so we really haven't really been home a
lot in about a month. And I think I think
the fans of Tucson are gonna be really excited to
see the boys back at the Tucson Arena. We're wearing
our katinas again on Monday and Tuesday too, so looking
forward to that as well. Yeah, the katinas are back.
(40:18):
I feel like we haven't even seen the katinas in
quite a while too.
Speaker 6 (40:22):
Yeah, we really haven't, now that I think about it. Oh,
that's really exciting. I'm happy about that. That's fantastic.
Speaker 3 (40:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (40:28):
Oh gosh, when was the last time we wore the kachinas.
I don't even remember it was. Gosh, I'm trying to
remember now, what was the last.
Speaker 3 (40:37):
Time we were a goat.
Speaker 6 (40:38):
Nothing. I do not write that down, so I do
not know. But I am excited to see that again.
And on Monday, the twentieth, which is MLK Day.
Speaker 3 (40:48):
Yeah, it's a nice little uh And as.
Speaker 6 (40:52):
An early start too, we don't start at six thirty.
We start at six on Monday and then six thirty
on Tuesday, So just to make it a little extra
confusing for everybody.
Speaker 3 (41:01):
And honestly, Kip, I love I love that.
Speaker 4 (41:04):
Like we get a hockey game on a Monday, you know,
it's uh, even though it is a holiday, most people
won't be going to work. You know, it'll be excited
that day because it just won't be like a, oh,
it's Monday nine to five whatever.
Speaker 3 (41:16):
It's like, no, there's there's hockey today.
Speaker 4 (41:18):
And I think especially that the guys get a well
deserved not two days off because they saw practice, but
they'll have Saturday and Sunday nights too, and even Friday
night too, to you know, kind of just unwind and uh,
you know, be with the families and friends for a
little bit before another chaotic schedule coming up for us.
Speaker 3 (41:36):
So we get a little break.
Speaker 4 (41:38):
But then after that it's completely NonStop and we really
don't get our next you know, rest time until the
All Star break.
Speaker 3 (41:44):
After that, it is a grind. The league is a grind.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
I don't know how. Yeah, it's a grind. It's a lot.
So the boys deserve the time off that they get.
Hopefully it's cold here. I don't know what you're saying
that right now in Calgary, Johnny, but it was twenty
three degrees when I woke up this morning. No way,
that is not okay. Yeah, I'm not joking. I took
a snapshot of my of my phone, was.
Speaker 3 (42:10):
Like, that's crazy, insane. Yeah, I mean it's no.
Speaker 6 (42:13):
Like just can walk around in a sweatshirt normally, not
not recently.
Speaker 3 (42:17):
No, wow, yeah, it's crazy.
Speaker 4 (42:19):
Like I think the moment we left for this trip,
like it got really cold in too, So I'm like,
you gotta be kidding me, man, Like the moment we
leave it gets it gets cold.
Speaker 3 (42:28):
But San Diego was absolutely gorgeous.
Speaker 4 (42:30):
We got day off in San Diego, went to the
beach for the first time and like a very long
time since summer.
Speaker 3 (42:37):
I had a great night there. And yeah, and here
in Calgary it's it's pretty cold. But we missed.
Speaker 4 (42:42):
We once again missed. They get these like weird win
vortex things and that's where against into the negatives. The
last time we are here, we missed it by a week,
and I think we're missing it by like a few
days because in this weekend it's gonna get in the
negatives again. But right now, it's uh, let's look at
the weather. Let's see where what is it currently right
now in Calgary it is forty degrees. It's forty one
(43:03):
degrees right now. It's that Yeah, that's pretty good considering
we're in Calgary.
Speaker 6 (43:08):
So, flying between San Diego and Calgary, did you fly
over La.
Speaker 4 (43:13):
No?
Speaker 3 (43:14):
No, I don't. I don't think we did, because like, are.
Speaker 6 (43:17):
You sitting on the right side of the plane and
not the left side of the I mean I wasn't
like you would have hit it just like on take off.
Speaker 4 (43:23):
Yeah, but I don't know if I don't know if
planes like want to necessary fly over that area, I don't.
Speaker 3 (43:28):
I don't know what the regulations are. But no, I
send an aso seed.
Speaker 4 (43:32):
I have sat next to Robin Russo and Steve Potvin
for the last like five flights. So yeah, I noticed
it's by alphabetical order now, which I also feel bad
because again I'll see which means I have the most space.
Speaker 6 (43:45):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (43:46):
And then you have these ut hockey players who have
to sit in the middle of each other, and they
sometimes they kind of offer your seat up.
Speaker 3 (43:53):
No, I don't want to. Well, I don't worry about time.
Speaker 4 (44:00):
One time, one time, same spot, and uh, you know,
the guys were like, oh, come on, like this is
ridiculous and then Montana on your Bootie looks back at
me and I'm just kind of smirking because I'm just laughing,
like this is this is funny, and he's like, shape
what you doing over there?
Speaker 3 (44:14):
Smirking at us, like it's like shut up.
Speaker 6 (44:16):
It was just like six three, like.
Speaker 4 (44:19):
Yeah, well he I think he I think yeah, I
think he was in a middle seat, and I like,
the guys are just all going off on each other
and I'm just that.
Speaker 6 (44:26):
Five two and I get mad when I get a
middle seat, and I my footprint is not that big.
So yeah, you even imagine.
Speaker 4 (44:34):
The only middle seed I've gone this season when we
was when we first flew to Abbotsford on West Jack
because the West Jesse assigned seating, and I think Southwest
is doing assigned seating like very soon too, so it
will be free throw, yeah, because I guess they're tired
of people like fighting for seats.
Speaker 3 (44:51):
I guess, which I've never seen before. I don't know.
Speaker 4 (44:54):
Yeah, the first time I sat next to Kevin Cannaughton
and Hunter Drew, but since then I have now uh
sat next to Robbie Russo and uh Steve Pavin. Popn
always gets the window seat, Robbie Russo's in the middle,
and then I'm on the very right side.
Speaker 6 (45:10):
That sounds beautiful for Robbie Russo.
Speaker 3 (45:13):
It's not bad.
Speaker 4 (45:14):
I be nice to the head and sitting next to
the head coach who just works the whole time. And
then I either sleep or just uh or just put
on some movies and put on my noise canceling headphones
and just kind of feel to myself. Robbie always orders tea,
which I like because I'm constantly drinking tea now too,
so I also ordered tea. Kim, did you see my voice?
Did you hear my voice go out? Last week in
(45:36):
San Diego? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (45:37):
That was That was a first. It's I don't know
how it happened.
Speaker 4 (45:41):
I don't know how it happened, because it's like I
feel like it should have gone out and so many
other times before that.
Speaker 3 (45:46):
But that final game was so rough.
Speaker 4 (45:49):
I was completely battling through it, and I'm I'm glad
that we got the win at least and it was
all worth it. But yeah, Robbie Russol always orders tea,
and I do too.
Speaker 6 (45:56):
Now, nice, it's a little little adulting that you're doing
right now.
Speaker 3 (46:03):
Yeah, I guess so. I mean, with this uh, with
this job is definitely made me feel like I'm adulting. Well, Kim, uh,
I think that I think that'll be it.
Speaker 4 (46:10):
I think we're just ready to uh get rolling tonight
in Calgary and yeah, great show, great having Kevin.
Speaker 3 (46:17):
Canada on and let's get to work. Let's go to work,
all right, Let's go to work. Thanks everyone for tuning in.
Speaker 4 (46:23):
If you want to listen to the podcast version, listen
on Tucson roadruns dot com, slash happier and we will
see you for Roadrunners warm up tonight in Calgary
It's five o'clock.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Got yours hues Day's two sun runners have me out
from Fox Sports fourteen fifty AF Jonathan, Shit, right, we.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Know the story, but you gotta tell the viewers that start.
It's so funny.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
It's our usual Tuesday night.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
So I don't know.
Speaker 4 (00:19):
Maybe we should start implementing some break dance pre games
during the season and see how that goes.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Right here on Tucson Sports Day yet, Fox Sports fourteen
fifty A.
Speaker 4 (00:29):
Fox Sports fourteen fifth am our usual Tuesday night get together,
Jonathan shafeyre with Cam Coder Roeblitz. It is game day
and Calgary right off the top of the hour, Kevin
cannot and join Gus. Kevin really appreciate us giving us
your time on the game day. I know you're preparing
for a huge matchup tonight versus the Calgary Wranglers. Appreciate
(00:51):
you joining us. And yeah, just what's your usual game
day routine?
Speaker 5 (00:54):
Like, well, we usually are at a break in the
morning for morning skate. We do that, get a couple
of meetings out of the way, everyone kind of gets
their sticks and get ready for the night. Get on
the ice quick practice just to get the legs going
and then back to the hotel to rest up and
(01:15):
get a meal in, and you know, it's kind of
an all day preparation for tonight's match.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
Yeah, and it's a huge match.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Right We're well within the first place, well within first
place of the AHL's specific division. I mean, Calgary is
only eight points over us right now, and if we
get four big ones and all of a sudden, we're
very much in the mix as well. Has that kind
of been communicated to you guys, are you know? I
don't know how much you guys are looking at the
standings day in and day out, but you know, was
that communicated to you or is it just just do
(01:46):
what we got to do and do what we can control.
Speaker 5 (01:49):
I think everyone looks at the standings. I don't think
that it's something that we talk about on a daily basis.
Everyone kind of has it in the back of their minds.
Especially going into each game, you kind of know where
the other team is and in relation to you in
the standings. The thing about this league is it's always
really tight, especially this division. Things can fluctuate quite a
(02:10):
bit with those standings. So I think that that, you know,
makes every game really important. Calgary, like you said, obviously
ahead of us, but that gap can close a lot
quicker with two big wins on this trip, so something
we're definitely focused on. But right now, the main focus
is just going out, having a good start tonight and
(02:31):
winning the game.
Speaker 6 (02:34):
Kevin, who do you think is the biggest revelry in
the division right now? I feel like there's a few answers,
and so I don't know, I need your insight on this.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Sorry, biggest rivalry?
Speaker 5 (02:46):
Yeah, I think I think you're always you always have
good competitive, you know, emotional games that the teams above you.
I think that you always have, you know, big games
against Colorado is one team that comes to mind. I
(03:07):
think Calgary is a team that we're focused on right
now because we want to face them.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Down, you know.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
I think I think you just play every team so
often that you've got to have these little robberies with
everyone some weekends to get a little more heated than others.
But right now, like I said, main focus is definitely
the Wranglers, gotcha.
Speaker 6 (03:32):
I mean that that obviously makes sense. That's the shark
closest to your boat right now, so when they are
a rather a formidable shark, so so that makes sense
one hundred percent kind of getting We're just meeting you.
You're new to Tucson Ish a little bit. You and
I have actually never had a chance to talk. This
is our first time talking, right, I've not interviewed you before, I.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Think so, Yeah, I think this is the first one.
Speaker 6 (03:58):
Yeah, nice to meet you. You have such a storied
hockey career, and you have lived in some amazing places.
I actually made a list of them and it did
not stop. It just went on and on. And you've
lived in some really, really really cool spots. Without the
(04:21):
obligatory Tucson answer, what are some of the favorite places
that you've lived?
Speaker 5 (04:28):
Well, yeah, I've been very fortunate to play in some
awesome cities, Tucson being one of them. I think ones
that come to mind right away is Dallas was a favorite.
That's actually where my wife and I call home now
in the off season, and that'll be home moving forward
when this is all seven done. Last year played for
(04:51):
the Rain. We're living in Hermosa Beach. That's uh, that's
up there in terms of places to live. And then
again when I was in Florida, I guess the trend
is being close to a little water always it's a
little bit nicer. So those would be the two spots
that jump out for sure. But of all the stops
I've made, I've enjoyed every one of them. I've had
(05:12):
great experiences in every city with every team, and you know,
it's been an awesome journey.
Speaker 6 (05:18):
And you're originally from Edmonton, right, Yes? Did you grow
up there or were you just born there? And that's
what they put on all the all the step sheets.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Born and raised there? Yeah, that was home. Family still there.
Speaker 5 (05:34):
Used to go back there every summer till maybe I
was twenty five to twenty six years old, and so yeah,
now now I live in Doubt in the off season.
Both my kids are American. Life's American, so kind of
putting the roots down down there. But no, Edmonton will
always be home.
Speaker 6 (05:54):
That's awesome. Did you grow up I know your brother
played hockey in college. Did you grow up in a
hockey family? Like, how did that come about for you?
Speaker 1 (06:05):
Yeah? We just started playing at a really young age.
Speaker 5 (06:09):
Like most kids in Evonton, there's not a ton of
other options when it comes to sports there that it's
getting a lot better now, but during our childhood, hockey
was definitely the main one. I think a lot of
Canadian kids play hockey at some point, if not all
of them, some decide to continue on with it, but
for me, it was, Yeah, it was kind of always hockey.
(06:30):
My brother was always playing growing up. Here's something I
looked up to, so I always wanted to be doing
what he was doing. And yeah, hockey is the one
that I chose and was passionate about, and luckily is still.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Doing it to his day.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
And is it Is it just you and your brother
or are there more siblings? And if it's just you
and your brother, is he he's older?
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Right, he's older. I have two older sisters as well.
Speaker 6 (06:55):
Oh oh you're the baby of the family then yeah, yeah, yeah, okay,
all right, that's awesome. I'm always just curious where people
are in the birth order chart.
Speaker 5 (07:04):
Yeah the youngest. Yeah so, but yeah, Sean, my brother
is my idol growing up. So whatever he was doing,
I was doing, and he was playing hockey.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
So going back to you know, all the spots that
you've lived at.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
You did play for the Arizona Coyotes for for quite
a while, even had a short stint with the Tucson
road Runners.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
All the way back in twenty sixteen.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
You know, what was your time like living in Arizona
and playing for the Coyotes, and you know what did
what was the main decision or the reason why coming
back to Arizona and to play for the road Runners,
And then which is what's it like for you to
be back in Arizona as a whole.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Yeah, I guess I should add Arizona to that list.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
We really, we really loved living in Scottsdale there when
I was with the Coyotes. I was fortunate to be
there for four years. We ended up actually staying there
in the summer for those years as well.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
I just loved it.
Speaker 5 (08:00):
Yeah, it was it was the longest time I spent
with one team. So there's definitely, uh, you know, some
emotional connection there for you and there for as long
as we were. There's just an awesome team and awesome staff.
As unfortunate to see them go, but I think they're
in a better position right now. Hopefully one day they
(08:21):
can figure out a way to get a team back there.
But yeah, in regards to coming back to this, you know,
organization in Tucson's always nice, and there's some familiar faces
and a bit of history, so that was definitely appealing
when I was decided to sign here.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Speaking of history, you played with Shane Doan right for
a couple of those seasons, and then played some with
Josh Stone this year as well.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
What was that like?
Speaker 4 (08:48):
You know, playing with the legendary Shane don and then
you know, fast forward all these years later. Then now
you and Josh done are are connecting on goals and
kind of just doing the same thing.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Yeah, that was cool. We Shane was one of the
greats to ever do it. I was very lucky to
have a chance to be his teammate. I think anyone
you ask about him says nothing about good things. He's
just a great human being. He's a great hockey player,
a great teammate. It is a little weird now, I
mean I remember running into Josh when he was deciding
(09:21):
whether to go major junior or college and talking to
him about that when you're just a kid, and you
know now he's a throw he's a man and a
really good hockey player. So yeah, it's it's cool to
say I've been on the teammates with both of them
and makes you feel old, but they're both They're both
great people. I mean, Josh was raised by a great
(09:44):
family and he can tell he's a great person himself.
So it's nice to see him called up right now.
Hopefully we don't see him back down here, and you know,
I wish him not the best.
Speaker 6 (09:54):
Kevin, was the most memorable moment that you've experienced on
the ice that fans may not know about? Uh?
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Well, I think the first NHL game is always a
special one.
Speaker 5 (10:09):
It's kinda it's just one that you you worked so
hard for and when then when it comes, it's it's
pretty surreal. So that's one that definitely comes to mind. Uh,
it's you know, the first goal is always exciting. That Actually,
I got to play in the Spangler Cup two years
ago for Team Canada. That was probably one of the
(10:33):
bigger moments in my career. Just I'd never worn the
Mayple leafs before, so for me that was that was
pretty special. I didn't think that was ever going to happen,
and to have an opportunity to where that jersey is
was really awesome. So those kind of three moments I
think would be my top three right now in my career.
Speaker 6 (10:54):
Okay, yeah, that's awesome. I was watching an interview with
Shane pin So recently where he was talking about how
when he was a teenager, you know, he kind of
sacrificed a lot of his personal life to to just
get better, to just constantly improving. I'm curious if when
you look back at being younger, what did what did
(11:18):
your life look like as you were coming up through
Saskatchewan and Spruce Grove, Vancouver, what did your life look like?
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Sorry you cut out there a little. I lost you
guys for a second.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
That's okay, I try to remember my question. No, no, no,
that's okay.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
I was it was.
Speaker 6 (11:39):
I saw an interview with Shane Pinto recently and he
was talking about how much he kind of had to
sacrifice his personal life when he was in his teenage
years to just make himself better so that he could,
you know, get get to the professional level. And I
was curious, you know, as you were coming up through
Saskatchewan and Spruce Grove, Vancouver, what did your life look
(12:01):
like as you you know, we're on your trajectory towards
professional hockey.
Speaker 5 (12:07):
I kind of I think every year, as you're growing up,
things start to get a little bit more serious. One
example would be we did a lot of skiing and
snowboarding as kids, and eventually get to the point where
you know your winters are sign up with hockey and
your off season has become more about training and so
things like that. You know, you start to do less
(12:30):
and less of It's kind of just year by year,
the commitment becomes more and more because you see what
other guys are doing and you know you have to
keep up and try and try and be better than them.
And so I think it's just kind of progressively becomes
more and more part of your life. You're moving away
(12:51):
from home, you know, a lot of guys do it.
I played junior a luckily, you know, burt Us, I
was able to live at home for that season. But
then I went to college, you know, at eighteen, and
haven't really been back since other than in the summertime.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
So yeah, you got to be prepared to pack your
bags and move around and put in the time and
you know, dedicate your life to it.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
Speaking of family, you know, I think the luxury of
playing in this league, of course, is traveling around and
seeing different family all throughout North America, and Calgary is
one of those spots where we have a lot of
guys have family in the crowd, including yourself, And what's
that like for you, Neil, Just to kind of have
that extra jolt knowing that you have family and friends
in the crowd in a in a way arena just
(13:38):
rooting on for you guys to get some big wins.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
Yeah, it's nice.
Speaker 5 (13:42):
It's nice when you go to a road city and
you got some people there that you know, family friends,
get them tickets and have them come cheer you on.
So I always love the support. I'm always very appreciative
of people coming out and searing for me and supporting me.
And you know, luckily, being from Evonton, I've made a
few stops there. We've gotten to play in front of
(14:04):
my family there, and they've been kind enough to travel
to places like Calgary to come to see me or
or even all those cities. So yeah, it's it's always
great having your friends and family in the stands.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (14:17):
And the friends and family you'll have tonight, we'll get
to see you play with Maverick Lamer, who's just reassigned
to US back from the Utah Hockey Club. You know,
started us, started off with US earlier this season, played great,
played great up in the NHL as well. But how
excited are you to be in a d pair with
them and just seeing what you guys can construct up
(14:38):
for us tonight.
Speaker 5 (14:39):
Yeah, we got a couple of shifts there at the
beginning of the year before he went up, so you know,
we've played together a little bit. But it'll be nice to,
you know, have him back. He's obviously a really good player,
a lot of skill, He's got all the potential in
the world. Just a young kid, but you know he's
got a real high ceiling. So love to do any
(15:00):
I can to help them, you know, get back up
to Utah as.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Soon as possible.
Speaker 5 (15:04):
And I think for us and we're just going to
go out there and you know, play well together, play
for each other, and I think it'll be a good tarn.
Speaker 6 (15:14):
Kevin, I have a multi layered question for you. I
was trying to find you on socials and you don't
have an Instagram account. He does not know, so how
how can you please tell me how to survive without
being on social media?
Speaker 3 (15:29):
How do you do this?
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Well?
Speaker 5 (15:31):
I had so, I had Twitter in my early days.
I ended up deleting it. I think I was playing
for the Columbus Blue jackets.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
I just.
Speaker 5 (15:41):
People were just, I don't know, sending stuff that you
don't want to read. I'd wake up in the morning
and look at my mentions people tell me I suck
or what they want to trade me, and probably isn't
a healthy way to start your day. So I just
I got rid of that, and then I don't know.
I've always been more of a private person. I guess
I do have an Instagram account, but like people on
(16:02):
there are people that I have met.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Personally, that I know personally, so I keep it.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
I keep it pretty quiet on there, but yeah, it's
it's kind of nice. I don't really I like having
my circle, and uh, I don't really need to be
interacting with anyone.
Speaker 6 (16:20):
On there that I don't know that is so mentally healthy.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
I am so jealous of you.
Speaker 6 (16:28):
So you're married to Brooke, and I know you have
I just googling. You have a four year old name Remy.
I know you like to be private, but then you
said you had another child also, who I'm assuming is
younger than Remy because she was your first. I know
it's still like early days of being a parent, but like,
do you see hockey in the future for either of
(16:49):
them even, you know, just like kind of playing having fun,
understanding the game, you know, maybe not like playing professionally,
you know at that level.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
I don't know. Me hasn't really shown much interest in it.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
You're taking her skating a few times, and I've got
friends with kids that are just in love with hockey.
They see their parents doing it and all that. But
now my daughter hasn't really sold much interest right now.
Definitely not going to stop her from from trying it.
You know, She's gonna be allowed to pursue whatever she
wants and it ends up being hockey.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Great. If not that that won't bother me either. So
we'll see.
Speaker 5 (17:28):
And then yeah, I have another daughter as well, if
she just turned one, so she's uh, she's got a
long way to go.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
But maybe, uh, maybe she'll pick up a stick at
some point. And like I said, though, if not, I'll
support them and whatever they're doing.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
That's awesome. In your career, you have a shockingly reasonable
amount of penalty minutes, which for a defenseman can be
you know, a little bit of a surprise. How do
you manage that? Like, what did you get to a
point in your career where you're like Okay, I'm just
gonna this is the game that I'm playing. I'm just
(18:03):
I'm level headed, I'm dialed in. I'm not I'm not
doing that, or you know, is it just kind of
who you are off the ice is who you are
on the ice? What is what does that look like?
Speaker 1 (18:17):
I don't know.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
I never really thought about I tell the notes, to
be honest, I think it's just kind of sometimes they
come in bunches, sometimes I don't.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
Kind of depends on the game.
Speaker 5 (18:25):
A lot of the time that I was in the NHL,
games were kind of spread out, you know, play one,
sip five, So when you do get in the lineup,
I wasn't really looking to spend the whole night in
the penalty box. I wanted to, you know, get on
the ice and contribute any way I can try and
stay stay in for the next game.
Speaker 1 (18:43):
So I think.
Speaker 5 (18:45):
There's a time when you have to you know, be
you know, playing a little more physical and all that.
But I think just focusing on being steady, defending hard,
and doing everything can help the team wins. Kind of
my mentality.
Speaker 4 (19:02):
Going back to your oldest daughter, Remy, she had a
great day last month at the build of bear in
which you took her on a Monday, a school day,
so you were able to get that offer, and she
had a great time, was handing you constant accessories for
her teddy Bear. She's still using the teddy bear that
she made or is she grown old of it already?
Speaker 1 (19:24):
No, she still loves It's still at the house and.
Speaker 5 (19:27):
Yeah, it's in her rotation of toys that she's always
carrying around with her.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
So that was a good day.
Speaker 5 (19:32):
She was really excited about that and seeing her and
Aggie's daughter, and so I'm getting excited.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
It was a cool moment. I was happy we did that.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
Yeah, and how close are you and Aggie got in
this past season as well, you know, you two being
an assistant captains near the same age and you know
both you know, bringing your families here into Tucson, Arizona
to play for the road Runners.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
Yeah, he's a great guy.
Speaker 5 (19:56):
We're roomed together on the road We've lived just down
the street from each other in Tucson. Our daughters get
along really well, so I think, you know, in the
American Hockey League there's definitely less families on the team usually,
so it's always nicely.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
We got a couple of a couple other.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
Kids around similar age to yours, and they can get
together and you know, our wives can get together and
uh just you know, similar schedules, similar interests, and works
out really well.
Speaker 6 (20:25):
Ken, I want to take you a little bit off
of the hockey, the well the well worn hockey path,
and ask you, if you were in a zombie apocalypse,
how long do you think that you would last.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
I think i'd actually last quite a while.
Speaker 5 (20:41):
Yeah, we got yeah, we actually got some survival kits
at home and all that, and.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Like we'd last we'd last that at all. We'll see,
I guess wait, in a decent amount.
Speaker 6 (20:54):
Okay, would would with the tactics? No, because Cameron Hebeg
also said that he could last well because he could
just disappear into the wilds of Saskatchewan and be fine
by himself. And I was wondering if that was, like,
is that your tactic? Also? Is just you know, just
to get away.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
From it all.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
I'd probably hunker down at home for as long as
I could and then yeah, I don't know, I have
to put a plan together.
Speaker 6 (21:21):
Okay, I appreciate that. Okay, one more, one more thing
that has nothing to do with hockey. Your birthday's coming
up somewhat, it's next month. At the end of next month,
we have, I want to say, like ten guys who
have birthdays before your birthday next month. So a lot
(21:41):
of a lot of the same astrological signs in between you,
your pisces. Did you know that your prices? Do you
know astrology at all?
Speaker 1 (21:50):
I knew that as a prices. I don't know what
that means or okay, really beyond that.
Speaker 6 (21:56):
Yeah, I'm gonna describe it to you because I'm so curios.
So you, Curtis, Julian, Leyton, and Montana are all Pisces,
and this is how Pisces are described. You're known for
your dreamy nature, deep empathy, and artistic flair. Pisces men
have a deep well of emotion and tend to be
extremely reactive when their emotions run high. They wear their
(22:19):
hearts and their sleeves and have a great deal of
emotional intelligence. Do you think that's accurate?
Speaker 1 (22:28):
Yeah? I think so. I guess I could check a
few of those boxes.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Yeah, and the and the rest of the boys.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Maybe, yeah, a little bit, I could. We could make
it work.
Speaker 6 (22:44):
Yeah, okay, all right, cool, I just want I wanted
to check. That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Yeah, I didn't know.
Speaker 6 (22:53):
Yes, very very emotional, like you like to talk about
feelings kind of person nice.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Yeah, well awesome. Kevin, thanks so much again for joining us.
We really appreciate giving us your time on a game day.
Wish you well good luck tonight, and yeah, let's get
some victories against Calgary. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
No, I appreciate you guys having me on. Thank you
very much.
Speaker 4 (23:16):
Number forty four defenseman Kevin Cannanddon on the show, Kim,
you said that was the first time you've ever talked.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
To him literally literally.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
Funny story too.
Speaker 4 (23:25):
So when we were in Coachella Valley last week to
start off this road trip, saw Kevin that morning skate
in Coachella Valley and I was like, oh, you know,
because usually what I do is like, grab my camera,
get my microphone, I get all set up, and I'm
kind of just waiting for a specific guy I want
to grab, and that day it was Josh Dom because
he was assigned to the All Star. Also wanted to
(23:47):
grab aku Ra too, because I feel like we hadn't
gotten him yet for anything.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
So maybe you'll be our guest on the Happy Hour show.
Very soon too, and.
Speaker 4 (23:55):
Kevin walks by and he's like, what's up, man. I'm like, Oh,
it's cam Damn, I'm pumped.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
Let's do it.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
He's like, yeah, maybe I can score it today and
we can do an interview for once. And I'm like, hey,
we grab but that's the thing. We grab him like
all the time, like at least at home we do.
I feel like we've grabbed him all the time. So
I was a little confused by I know, he's just
joking with me, obviously, and then we end up winning.
And it was just usually when we're on the road
(24:20):
when we brought a bus out right after a game,
like I kind of just grab whoever I can grab,
you know, and walk downstairs.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Happened to Jessee Andre Agazino.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
So I'm like, oh, perfect, he scored a goal tonight,
I'll grab him interviewing him.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
Finish shit. Kevin Cannanan walks up.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
He just does a little like the heck Man's true.
Speaker 6 (24:38):
We have talked to I goo a lot.
Speaker 4 (24:40):
I think, Oh, I mean we talked to everybody, but
like we definitely have grabbed Kevin a good amount, just
maybe not on like happy or maybe I haven't because
usually we get him at home a lot because he's
he plays good at home.
Speaker 6 (24:52):
But then I haven't interviewed him one time at home.
Speaker 4 (24:55):
But then but then I'm like, okay, well, because Chase
usually grabs him for like our media villa, like we've
gone him at home a lot, like at least like
at the podium and stuff in our in our media spot.
But then I just tell him like, come here, man,
like I got to you. I mean, you had a
good game tonight, you got an assist, You're a captain
of the team. And uh. It's funny too because when
I when I ask guys to come on the show, uh,
(25:18):
you know, I'm usually saying like, oh, Kim and I
do these and some of them don't ask me, like, oh,
who's Kid. But I wonder if Kevin was like, who's Kim? Like,
I don't know, maybe he thought that for a moment before,
uh before coming on. But yeah, great interview, you know,
talking about a huge game for us tonight, Kim and
really next two big games where eight points away from
(25:40):
the first place spot of the HL specific Division race.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Calgary's uh, they're they're treading a little bit.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
But I don't think people are realizing that, you know,
a lot of teams are eyeing that first place spot
right now, and I think all the pressures on Calgary.
They've lost their last three in a row, they recently
got swept by Colorado. Uh, last time we lost to
them twice, we were down to five hundred and fast forward,
we're nineteen three one and oh. So due to math,
we're nine three to one and oh since playing Calgary
(26:08):
last and I think our team's been much more different
than that last series. And I think that's what makes
me really excited for these next two games, to just
try to even up the playing field and get back
within first place.
Speaker 6 (26:21):
I think when we saw them last time, we were
carrying the baggage from last season, postseason and just a
lot of anger there probably. And then also William Stromgren
was an absolute menace to us.
Speaker 3 (26:34):
Oh my god, last when he scored.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
When he scored sevent in game one, I'm like, all right,
this is this is not gonna be easy. And I
think the thing to Cam is those were two good
Like I feel like we still fought in those two games,
right Like first one we were down three nothing, almost
came back three to two. Second one, we were well
within it, but then Calgary just you know, kind of
ran away with the game. And again, even when we've
(26:58):
talked about this recent stretch that two sons been playing fantastic,
we keep saying we haven't really seen the team at
this full potential yet, and you know, maybe I might
have to wait because you know, when you lose guys
like Josh Jones to the call up and Andrew Agazino, uh,
you know, suffering a lower body injury, he'll be out
for a bit. You know, maybe we won't see it
just yet. But we're still gonna win games because now
(27:20):
we have guys like Ryan McGregor filling in the hole,
and Miko Mittika's back from injury as well. Julian Lutz
is very expected to be back soon too. So yeah,
let's let's Loots when well, when I talked to him,
he was like, call me LUTs, and I'm like, okay, perfect,
that's that's fine.
Speaker 6 (27:37):
Everybody calls him Letsie, but it's Loots.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
Let's see whatever, you know, I do, whatever the guy
wants wants me to say it, call him by.
Speaker 6 (27:43):
But but yeah, regardless, lots of lots of changes and
tell me more about Aga. Like when you say that
because I don't know when we talk about him, you know,
not seeing him for a minute, what do we is it?
Speaker 1 (27:55):
Like?
Speaker 6 (27:55):
Are we talking four to weeks, eight weeks?
Speaker 3 (27:58):
I don't want to say too much.
Speaker 4 (27:59):
I don't want to say too much, but yeah, it's
it's a week to week basis, you know, just curious. Yeah,
blocked a shot in San Diego. But he's he's fine,
he'll be okay, he'll be back this season. But yeah,
you know, like regardless of that, it's it's a time
for a lot of these guys to step up now.
And Kim, this is why we always say we got
so much depth in the off season. John Ferguson did
(28:20):
a fantastic job of, you know, bringing Ryan McGregor back,
bringing Hunter Drew back the guys who were in those
fill in roles. And I thought Ryan McGregor had a
fantastic game last week on on Saturday versus San Diego.
And he's been a guy who's been super patient this
whole season, just waiting for his opportunity to play, and
now all of a sudden, he's kind of thrust into
(28:41):
a very important role, uh, you know, in one of
those important sense spots with some offensive talent around him.
So he's gonna be playing in a poor role for
US down this stretch, and I'm really looking forward to
just seeing him play again.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
I think the line that he's on tonight is really
interesting in between Soco and and Aku, very very similar
playing styles between the three of them, which I think
is really exciting to see. Anytime that Ryan is out there,
He's been with us so long. I know that he's
a Tucson fan favorite, so when he's when he's out there,
(29:14):
I know that people are cheering for him. But a
really interesting fourth line for US tonight is Curtis Douglas
and Hunter Drew with Sam Lipkin at the center.
Speaker 4 (29:25):
It's all been rearranged, like the Juggannaut line is gone.
And you know, the two games in San Diego, they
were good games, and you know, we lost the first one.
Matthew Blalta was heroic and net second one was much closer.
We had a two goal lead, San Diego score two back,
we got a late game winning one from Cameron Hebeck
(29:47):
for his tenth of the year, and then we ended
up winning the game. But you know, again, I think
we're still trying to find kind of the niche. And
I think also with a lot of changes coming to
the team again with Josh Jones call up and Andrew
Gazino being out for a little bit, I think that's
why the lines are looking much different, because you have
to just make so many shifts, and especially you know,
(30:09):
it's the lines are based on our opponent too, right,
and with what we're seeing tonight, which we'll also talk
about in our pregame show eventually before puck drop is
you know, the lines are based on the opponent too,
and what Steve Povin and coach see what Calgary's gonna
throw at us, this is the lineup that's gonna you know,
take that throw in and toss it back to Calgary
(30:29):
and try to score some goals back.
Speaker 3 (30:31):
So I always we'll trust Steve Pavin in the process.
Speaker 4 (30:34):
You know, as much as our lines are always constantly changing,
I'll never have a doubt that it's a winning lineup.
And it's again I'm just you know me, I'm the optimist,
but I'm really just really confident in this series. And
I think the Rowers definitely remember the last time we
were here in Calgary, which we lost the two games.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
I think so too.
Speaker 6 (30:54):
In terms of confidence, I'm I'm confident. I like in
the development of some of the players that we were
just meeting for the first time, you know, when we
saw Calgary for the first time, Like Ardam Duda. He
has to me just kind of grown and settled into
a place of I don't want to say comfort with
(31:15):
the team, but but he I feel like he's in
his He's in his niche he's in his zone. He's
just him. And Robbie Russo, especially on that first blue line,
are just a lot of fun to watch. And and
now like you mentioned, with Kevin and having Maverick back,
the blue liners I think are really interesting to watch also,
(31:39):
and kind of this game, I feel like they have
become I don't know how to say. I don't know
if I want to say, like much more strategic than
the defense that we saw last season.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
But.
Speaker 6 (31:54):
Maybe maybe more productive is is the word. Trying to
trying to figure out out Trent. My brain is going
back and forth right HEMI his fairite left hemisphere, trying
to figure out what you know, how I feel. But
and then we get Maddie in goal again tonight, Jackson
is going to be sitting on the boards tonight, So
I'm excited to see what Maddy does also against this team.
Speaker 3 (32:17):
Yeah, and I think the important thing too is, you know,
it came.
Speaker 4 (32:22):
It's crazy to think we're about halfway through the year
and I feel like we've we've been through a full
season already. Know, we've we've gotten to know these players,
they're they're playing styles, the way that the team has
come together. I mean, again to the thing, we've been
through a time in which the road Runners were just
not uh, you know, winning the games of what we expected.
(32:42):
You know, we're near that five hundred spot. And then
once we hit ten to ten is when we went
on our six game winning streak, and then I've still
been getting the wins since. And that's what I've always said.
I you know, you can say for baseball too, and
maybe maybe football. I mean it's a little more uh,
you know, the the games are a lot less, but
I would say, stay five hundred as long as possible,
and then you're gonna go on that nice run and
(33:05):
eventually it will come together and then now all of
a sudden you're in a good spot. And that's exactly
what happened the last time we played Calgary. We lost
both games, dropped to ten to ten on the season,
and then we won six in a row. And now
we're nineteen thirteen, want to know, and with a chance
to get within first place, and I think Maverick Lamber
(33:25):
is gonna be a huge addition for us. We have Again,
we never know how long these guys are going to
be with us. He was initially called up to Utah
based on the injuries. Same with Josh Done as well.
And you know Bill Armstrong is he will always let guys,
you know, bake in the AHL, and we all knew
kind of Lamber was gonna be one of those players.
It was fantastic that he got the fifteen games in
(33:47):
the NHL, and again, don't know when he'll be back,
but will enjoy And while he's here, he's gonna be
playing first line minutes. He's peered with a fantastic veteran
defenseman of Kevin Canadden and excited to see what he
can do tonight as well.
Speaker 3 (33:59):
I think he's just really hungry to get back out there.
Speaker 6 (34:02):
When you talk about staying above five hundred, it's so
much easier say to say it than to actually do
it right, So you and I, you know, sitting here
talking about it is one. It's very very different this
I I talk to the guys a lot about and
I talk myself about the vibes of the team because
this is such an emotional sport. Not that not that
(34:24):
the other professional sports are not emotional. I mean, obviously
even tennis is super emotional, you know, but but these are.
This is a high you know, high mental You got
to be locked in, you got to be focused on
the game, but you gotta, like like we talked to
Josh about before, you got to still have fun and
enjoy the fact that, you know, you get to play
a game. So there's a lot happening, and when you know,
(34:49):
when the personnel changes happen, it's I think there's always
some level setting that needs to happen. And just even
even a guy, you know, like even when goes up
and then comes back down, you know, just getting him
back into the group of being with this, you know,
this group of people, So like Maverick coming back, even
(35:09):
Kevin going up and then coming back, there's I think
there's always a little bit of some time, you know
that we just kind of need to just take a
deep breath and Okay, this person is back in our lives,
and this is how I play with this person, and
this is what this means with the team, and this
is what they're bringing, you know, bringing to the ice. So,
like you said, a lot of personnel changes happening, and
(35:34):
and then in between all that we're playing then you know,
the number one team in the division right now. Just
so yeah, but but but but they are having their
own they are having their own you know, growing pains
and miseries that you know, we'll we'll see what happens.
Speaker 3 (35:49):
Yeah, every every team goes through it. And it's a
big upcoming two games for Tucson.
Speaker 4 (35:53):
Will we come back here to Fox Sports fourteen fifty A, Yeah,
we will continue previewing this huge series for Tucson right
for pup drop on this game day edition. The Roadrunners
are taking on the Calgary Wranglers tonight and tomorrow. Kim,
you haven't been around the team for quite some time
because we've kind of been on the road for what
(36:13):
almost three weeks. We're in Texas for a couple of
days for our first game of the seven games stretch
away from the Tucson Arena. We came back for one
day bus to Coachella Valley, bus to San Diego and
flew here to Calgary and then we're coming back this Thursday.
We have the weekend off of no games, and then
we're right back to it on Monday and Tuesday for
(36:35):
Martin Luther King Day. So it's, you know, quick as turnaround.
But what's it been like for you that just not
have the guys around for so long?
Speaker 6 (36:43):
I cry a little bit. I'm not gonna lie. I
cry a little bit. It's funny because I miss when
I miss when the team is on the road. But
my son has his own very intense hockey schedule. So
I'm still at the TCC and I'm still like, yeah,
at range all over the state. So yeah, it's obviously
a very different level of playing hockey.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
Yeah, but it is.
Speaker 6 (37:06):
I do pass the TCC like a little bit of
a tear in my eye. I do want to say, though,
last week was National Hockey Mom Day, and all of
the hockey moms out there mad ups like hockey moms
are awesome. None of us that I said Happy National
Hockey Mom Day to even realized it was that day.
Speaker 3 (37:25):
Some of them.
Speaker 6 (37:25):
Our calendars are so messed up because of all the
it travel and our kids crazy schedules, didn't realize that
it was happening. So yeah, I think so I've been busy, sad,
but busy. Yeah, that's how it's been going.
Speaker 4 (37:44):
Yeah, I mean to think when the Gem Show trip comes,
there will be so that's gonna be like and the
Gem Show trip is not the Gem Show trips less
than a month away. We're back for a six game
homestand four games in a week because it's Monday Tuesday
versus Henderson in that follow weekend play the Abbotsford Canucks.
Speaker 3 (38:07):
Yeah, so we'll be back for a bit.
Speaker 4 (38:09):
But then right after those games, then we play Ontario
if I'm not mistaken, and then right after those couple
of games, we go on the All Star Break and
then we go to San Jose to start off a
two and a half week trip. So enjoy it while
the Roadrunners are here later this month, because then after
(38:29):
that it's it's All Star Break and then we're just gone.
Speaker 3 (38:32):
We're gone for a bit. It's like the second or
probably the longest trip of the season, which is always
is Yeah.
Speaker 6 (38:38):
And also February first, Saturday, February first is Wizards and
Witches Night, which I know a lot of people really
really enjoy. So that'll be the last game that we
have here, say February twenty second, which is both Youth
Jerday Night and Dusty's Birthday. So for those of you
(39:01):
planning on getting Dusty something, Dusty, where's a size extra
large road runner? So anybody who's looking to get a gift,
that's what that's what yours in all things, Yes, I.
Speaker 4 (39:14):
Think what's crazy too, Kim, is like that chaotic month
we had of December, right with all the community events
and the season ticket member party and uh we had
which was crazy too because we just came back from
Calgary after losing both games, and then we probably had
the the busiest week ever, you know, of the season,
just ramping up for Teddy Bear Toss.
Speaker 3 (39:34):
And it was a great week regardless.
Speaker 4 (39:36):
You know, we had a great time, you know, doing
all of our events and you know, just getting the
guys out there because we knew that it was going
to be a long stretch before we could do anything
because you know, after Teddy Bear Toss had the holiday break,
after the two games in Abbotsford as well, had the
holiday break, came back for like a quick two game series,
(39:57):
and then since then it's been all on the road
for Tucson, so we really haven't really been home a
lot in about a month. And I think I think
the fans of Tucson are gonna be really excited to
see the boys back at the Tucson Arena. We're wearing
our katinas again on Monday and Tuesday too, so looking
forward to that as well. Yeah, the katinas are back.
(40:18):
I feel like we haven't even seen the katinas in
quite a while too.
Speaker 6 (40:22):
Yeah, we really haven't, now that I think about it. Oh,
that's really exciting. I'm happy about that. That's fantastic.
Speaker 3 (40:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (40:28):
Oh gosh, when was the last time we wore the kachinas.
I don't even remember it was. Gosh, I'm trying to
remember now, what was the last.
Speaker 3 (40:37):
Time we were a goat.
Speaker 6 (40:38):
Nothing. I do not write that down, so I do
not know. But I am excited to see that again.
And on Monday, the twentieth, which is MLK Day.
Speaker 3 (40:48):
Yeah, it's a nice little uh And as.
Speaker 6 (40:52):
An early start too, we don't start at six thirty.
We start at six on Monday and then six thirty
on Tuesday, So just to make it a little extra
confusing for everybody.
Speaker 3 (41:01):
And honestly, Kip, I love I love that.
Speaker 4 (41:04):
Like we get a hockey game on a Monday, you know,
it's uh, even though it is a holiday, most people
won't be going to work. You know, it'll be excited
that day because it just won't be like a, oh,
it's Monday nine to five whatever.
Speaker 3 (41:16):
It's like, no, there's there's hockey today.
Speaker 4 (41:18):
And I think especially that the guys get a well
deserved not two days off because they saw practice, but
they'll have Saturday and Sunday nights too, and even Friday
night too, to you know, kind of just unwind and uh,
you know, be with the families and friends for a
little bit before another chaotic schedule coming up for us.
Speaker 3 (41:36):
So we get a little break.
Speaker 4 (41:38):
But then after that it's completely NonStop and we really
don't get our next you know, rest time until the
All Star break.
Speaker 3 (41:44):
After that, it is a grind. The league is a grind.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
I don't know how. Yeah, it's a grind. It's a lot.
So the boys deserve the time off that they get.
Hopefully it's cold here. I don't know what you're saying
that right now in Calgary, Johnny, but it was twenty
three degrees when I woke up this morning. No way,
that is not okay. Yeah, I'm not joking. I took
a snapshot of my of my phone, was.
Speaker 3 (42:10):
Like, that's crazy, insane. Yeah, I mean it's no.
Speaker 6 (42:13):
Like just can walk around in a sweatshirt normally, not
not recently.
Speaker 3 (42:17):
No, wow, yeah, it's crazy.
Speaker 4 (42:19):
Like I think the moment we left for this trip,
like it got really cold in too, So I'm like,
you gotta be kidding me, man, Like the moment we
leave it gets it gets cold.
Speaker 3 (42:28):
But San Diego was absolutely gorgeous.
Speaker 4 (42:30):
We got day off in San Diego, went to the
beach for the first time and like a very long
time since summer.
Speaker 3 (42:37):
I had a great night there. And yeah, and here
in Calgary it's it's pretty cold. But we missed.
Speaker 4 (42:42):
We once again missed. They get these like weird win
vortex things and that's where against into the negatives. The
last time we are here, we missed it by a week,
and I think we're missing it by like a few
days because in this weekend it's gonna get in the
negatives again. But right now, it's uh, let's look at
the weather. Let's see where what is it currently right
now in Calgary it is forty degrees. It's forty one
(43:03):
degrees right now. It's that Yeah, that's pretty good considering
we're in Calgary.
Speaker 6 (43:08):
So, flying between San Diego and Calgary, did you fly
over La.
Speaker 4 (43:13):
No?
Speaker 3 (43:14):
No, I don't. I don't think we did, because like, are.
Speaker 6 (43:17):
You sitting on the right side of the plane and
not the left side of the I mean I wasn't
like you would have hit it just like on take off.
Speaker 4 (43:23):
Yeah, but I don't know if I don't know if
planes like want to necessary fly over that area, I don't.
Speaker 3 (43:28):
I don't know what the regulations are. But no, I
send an aso seed.
Speaker 4 (43:32):
I have sat next to Robin Russo and Steve Potvin
for the last like five flights. So yeah, I noticed
it's by alphabetical order now, which I also feel bad
because again I'll see which means I have the most space.
Speaker 6 (43:45):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (43:46):
And then you have these ut hockey players who have
to sit in the middle of each other, and they
sometimes they kind of offer your seat up.
Speaker 3 (43:53):
No, I don't want to. Well, I don't worry about time.
Speaker 4 (44:00):
One time, one time, same spot, and uh, you know,
the guys were like, oh, come on, like this is
ridiculous and then Montana on your Bootie looks back at
me and I'm just kind of smirking because I'm just laughing,
like this is this is funny, and he's like, shape
what you doing over there?
Speaker 3 (44:14):
Smirking at us, like it's like shut up.
Speaker 6 (44:16):
It was just like six three, like.
Speaker 4 (44:19):
Yeah, well he I think he I think yeah, I
think he was in a middle seat, and I like,
the guys are just all going off on each other
and I'm just that.
Speaker 6 (44:26):
Five two and I get mad when I get a
middle seat, and I my footprint is not that big.
So yeah, you even imagine.
Speaker 4 (44:34):
The only middle seed I've gone this season when we
was when we first flew to Abbotsford on West Jack
because the West Jesse assigned seating, and I think Southwest
is doing assigned seating like very soon too, so it
will be free throw, yeah, because I guess they're tired
of people like fighting for seats.
Speaker 3 (44:51):
I guess, which I've never seen before. I don't know.
Speaker 4 (44:54):
Yeah, the first time I sat next to Kevin Cannaughton
and Hunter Drew, but since then I have now uh
sat next to Robbie Russo and uh Steve Pavin. Popn
always gets the window seat, Robbie Russo's in the middle,
and then I'm on the very right side.
Speaker 6 (45:10):
That sounds beautiful for Robbie Russo.
Speaker 3 (45:13):
It's not bad.
Speaker 4 (45:14):
I be nice to the head and sitting next to
the head coach who just works the whole time. And
then I either sleep or just uh or just put
on some movies and put on my noise canceling headphones
and just kind of feel to myself. Robbie always orders tea,
which I like because I'm constantly drinking tea now too,
so I also ordered tea. Kim, did you see my voice?
Did you hear my voice go out? Last week in
(45:36):
San Diego? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (45:37):
That was That was a first. It's I don't know
how it happened.
Speaker 4 (45:41):
I don't know how it happened, because it's like I
feel like it should have gone out and so many
other times before that.
Speaker 3 (45:46):
But that final game was so rough.
Speaker 4 (45:49):
I was completely battling through it, and I'm I'm glad
that we got the win at least and it was
all worth it. But yeah, Robbie Russol always orders tea,
and I do too.
Speaker 6 (45:56):
Now, nice, it's a little little adulting that you're doing
right now.
Speaker 3 (46:03):
Yeah, I guess so. I mean, with this uh, with
this job is definitely made me feel like I'm adulting. Well, Kim, uh,
I think that I think that'll be it.
Speaker 4 (46:10):
I think we're just ready to uh get rolling tonight
in Calgary and yeah, great show, great having Kevin.
Speaker 3 (46:17):
Canada on and let's get to work. Let's go to work,
all right, Let's go to work. Thanks everyone for tuning in.
Speaker 4 (46:23):
If you want to listen to the podcast version, listen
on Tucson roadruns dot com, slash happier and we will
see you for Roadrunners warm up tonight in Calgary
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