Ahead of the Mar. 8 matchup on NHL trade deadline day with the Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets at Climate Pledge Arena, Mike Benton has more with Jordan Eberle, defenseman Jamie Oleksiak, a 93.3 KJR-FM chat with Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, and an AHL catch up with Firebirds assistant coach Jessica Campbell.
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(00:01):
Welcome to Cracking this Morning, apresentation of the Kraken Audio Network and Sports
Radio ninety three point three KJRFM.Here's Mike Betton. You could very well
be listening to this podcast and checkingyour news feed wherever you get it at
the same time in but we're goingto share for you. May have a
short shelf lif but we're going togive it a go here anyway for Cracking
(00:23):
this morning. Welcome to Trade DeadlineDay, Friday March eight, Tonight the
Seattle Kraken. After getting everything resolved, we'll take on the Winnipeg Jets.
We promise you all the dust we'llbe settling here on all of this.
Your face off coming seven pm Pacifictime from Climate Pledge Arena. Everafitzi al
Kiniski on the call. Mike Bettonagain with you. I'll join you back
(00:45):
by the Course Light landing and Sectiontwenty for the Course Light pregame show opening
up at six point thirty. Bythe way, we will have trade Deadline
coverage on your radio flagship home ofthe Kraken ninety three to three KJARFM ten
am to one pm for Puck andJim. I'll join you live for that
show from thirty two Bar and go'llgo ahead and check us out ever it
(01:07):
fits you, among others also dueto stop by during the show. Got
to pack one here for today foryou. The Kraken coming in right now,
six points back of the wildcard spot. The climb up hill is deep,
yet it is still realistic as they'llaim for back to back wins over
the Winnipeg Jets. After beating WinnipegTuesday night in a thriller of a photo
(01:30):
finish for three at Canada Life Center. The Krakens seven to two to one
in their last ten games still foundroom to make moves on their roster,
and they traded Alex Weinberg on Wednesdayto the New York Rangers in exchange for
two draft picks, including a secondrounder coming up this next off season.
Other potential moves it is speculation atthis point and we'll digest it more in
(01:53):
just a bit for a pretty busypodcast that we have for you. Coming
up today is also Women in HotThanky Night for the game against Winnipeg,
which will feature specialty jerseys for theevent designed by Ali Spurlock, a local
artist. Additionally, in the eveningincluding performances by DJ Tina t Youth hockey
intermission activities with snow Kings Girl tenYou Teams, also Madison Stoneman performing the
(02:17):
anthems. For more on the event, checkout NHL dot com slash Kraken and
for jersey info and for auction detailscheck out one Rofoundation dot org. So
At Pack podcast we have for todayGreg Wshiinsky of ESPN stopping by Thursday morning
on the six to ten AM Chuckand Buck in the Morning show right here
ninety three to three KJARFM. We'llhear from Greg. In addition, we
(02:40):
will hear from Krack and defenseman JamieAlexiak on handling a grueling week mentally and
emotionally. Here plus one are theKracking looking for beginning of five game homestand
also in salute for Women in HockeyNight, we take a trip down to
Coachella Valley and hear more in ourconversation we had in our trip to Akrasher
Arena will Coachelle Valley Firebirds assistant coachJessica Campbell. Her work absolutely inspiring behind
(03:06):
the Firebirds bench, and we'll hearfrom Jessica about her work and her experiences.
In just a bit with two daysoff, the Kraken finding enough time
to adjust their roster here to thetrade deadline. As we said, Alex
Wendberg's into the New York Rangers inexchange for a second round pick in twenty
twenty four this next summer. Additionally, a fourth rounder in twenty twenty five.
(03:28):
That is a conditional pick which couldbe upgraded here to a third rounder.
Well, reports are Sharon Jordan Emberley'sname right now, potentially as a
part of the trade market, andEmberly had a chance to respond about staying
or going after practice at Kracken Communityice Plex on Wednesday. Yeah, I
mean I've been through this many times. I know how it goes as a
(03:51):
player. I mean you just tryand focus on playing hockey and let the
other stuff happen around you. Soa lot of it's out of your control.
I mean some of it is,but some not so for this for
me, I mean, those twowins we got were huge, kind of
put us back in the race.I think, maybe inject a little bit
of life into this group. Ithink after the Edminton game, you look
and everyone else had won. Itwas, uh, you look at it
(04:13):
daunting, But as soon as youstart climbing again, and we've been playing
good hockey, so key for usis just trying to play as many important
games as we came down the stretchsee where it ends up. Do you
feel that your stance is still thesame today about your vision being here with
this team. Yeah, I meanI've expressed that, you know, as
far as that's concerned, We'll justsee what happens. I think for me,
I'm just trying to focus on playing. Obviously we're done with the games
(04:36):
before the deadline, and hopefully somethinggets done. But it's it's really able
to see what happens given how goodyou guys are playing right now. How
tough is it to kind of jugglebut are we in it? Are we
not? How are they going tohandle this? What's it going to look
like come Saturday? Like what's thekind of emotions like in handling that of
Well, I mean from a playerstandpoint, you know, where we just
(04:59):
want to continue to win. Ithink from a management standpoint it's a little
harder eight because they're I'm sure they'restuck between do we have a chance or
we want to get rid of somepieces? So I can't I can't really
mention any or say anything on theirbehalf. I think as I can only
say as a player, we're justfocusing on winning and trying to give ourselves
a chance to get in. Isthis situation unerving or uncomfortable for you?
(05:23):
I think in the past it hasbeen right, and I mean for me
now it's it's uh, I've beenthrough it so many times that you just
kind of become status quo. Ithink it gets harder to get older when
you have a family. You know, your wife and your kids and that
sort of thing that comes into play. But you know, I look at
it as, uh, you justtry to go to the rink and do
the best you can every day andsee where the ship fall. How updated
(05:46):
are you on the situation? Isyour agent call you like the end of
every day, update hour by hour? How does that go? No,
No, it's it's uh. It'snot as dramatic as maybe people think it
is. It It really isn't.So yeah, I just the nice thing
is that we've been playing hockey.The hard thing really is in two days
off now, right, so youstart seeing stuff happening. It's easier when
(06:06):
you have to play hockey. Thetrade deadline coming up noon Pacific time today,
and with that a chance, wehad to sit down with defenseman Jamie
Alexiak on how the Crack and arehandling this week from a mental and emotional
standpoint, plus what's their mission headinginto a five game homestand opening up this
evening, there's more of the manthey call the Big Rig. I think
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at this point season, nothing isreally going to come easy, you know.
I mean, this guy's fighting forjobs, guys fighting for playoffs.
So I think it's important for usto stay locked in and make sure that
we're so improving as a squad andkeeping it tight. And I think today
was a good step in that direction. What did the wins over Calgary and
win a Pig tell you as faras this team's capability to down the stretch,
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I mean, it's kind of beenthe case all year, you know.
When we play right, I thinkwe don't give up much and we
can put the pocket the net whenwe get our chances. And I think
against two good teams like that,two hard fought games, it was a
good test for us and we justgot to keep that same mentality moving forward.
You know, like I said,nothing's gonna come easy. We have
(07:10):
to expect that, and I thinkhopefully, you know, we've learned throughout
the season that we can't expect towin games easily and maybe we're not going
to score it well, and wegot to make sure that we can grind
them out. Alex Wenberg, youwere here with him from the start.
What did he mean to this room? And as a teammate, I'm you
know, it's always tough to seeguys go, and especially a guy like
(07:30):
Wenny. I mean, he's,you know, very positive guy, great
guy to have around the room,and great family man. So it's tough.
Again, another guy that was herein the beginning and helped it was
an important part of the locker roomand important part of building the culture on
here. And like I said,it's a great guy off the ice,
so tough to lose him. Ican't help but think just how much resolve
can play to this team's advantage,given the fact that they were to be
(07:54):
able to hang in their last fourteenseconds against Winnipeg in that last trash.
But what a Joey to court youas far as what he's capable of to
make a safe like that in thefinal seconds. Yeah, Joey's been big
for us all year, and Ithink he plays hard and we want to
play hard in front of him.And I think that was the case for
the last fourteen seconds too. Imean you see the guys diving in front
(08:16):
of shots and boxing out, andyou know Lars made some big, big
blocks there as well. So Ithink you know, we're all we're all
playing hard for each other right now, and that's that's keep coming down the
stretch. Finally, what's the goal, what's the mission, what's the vision
for this home standard? I thinkwe just got to say we played in
(08:37):
the road and keep that going,keep know that it's not going to come
easy, know that we got togrind it out and know that, you
know, maybe we're not gonna getcushy leads might be down a couple of
games. Mistakes are going to happen. Things are going to happen, but
we have to respond and keep aneven keel and just keep pushing forward.
I mean that's just kind of playoffmentality, and I think we even have
to have that point that mentality rightnow. Matchup number two of the season
(09:00):
coming up and the first time Winnipegwe'll visit Seattle for the entire year,
once again the Crack and one fourto three over the Jets on the game
winning goal by Andre Burakowski, whileJoey Decord, coming off of four games
of rest, turned in a thirtysave effort, none bigger than one save
he made in the last fourteen secondsto preserve the one goal cracking victory.
(09:22):
On Winnipeg's extra attackers situation, we'reto the cracking stand and what's developing in
the trade market, Well, afew more moves made sense then, but
for more context, Greg Washinski forESPN stopping on by Chuck and Buck in
the Morning, heard six to tenam weekdays on ninety three to three KJRFM,
and Greg sharing more on the chaosleading up to the noon trade deadline
(09:43):
today. Kind of a crazy dayyesterday. I know the deadline is tomorrow,
but it kind of felt like itmight have been yesterday based on the
amount of trades that we saw.But there's still a lot of business to
be done, obviously in the nexttwenty four hours or so. They really
do make a lot of trades inthis league. I mean, they are
reactive at their trade deadline. Itrarely disappoints, doesn't it. You're absolutely
(10:05):
right, And that's despite having ayou know, salary cap that does discourage
a lot of movement. And whatyou've seen, I think in the last
few years is these teams just gettingreally, really creative. I mean,
there were trades that I that Ihad reported yesterday and three hours later I
was still waiting to see what thedetails were because you're getting other teams involved
(10:28):
to handle the salary cap hit,and there's all these conditions on draft picks
and all things. So the caphas really forced these teams to be a
little bit more creative and bring inthird teams and that kind of thing.
Well, looking at the Weinberg trainin particular, how do you assess it
once you see the details come out? Well, I mean, I think
(10:48):
the Kraken lucked out with the waythat the market went. There weren't a
lot of centers available to begin with, and then you know, a lot
of Linholm gets traded, and SeanMonahan gets traded around the All Star weekend.
That leaves Adam Henrique is the topcenter. Then he gets traded and
and then you're looking at the depthchart at the at amongst the centers at
(11:09):
the deadline, and Wenbrook's pretty highon that depth chart just because if they're
not being a lot of other optionsavailable with expiring contracts, so they had
a nice asset to trade. TheRangers definitely had a need at third line
center after the injury to Philipedal thatthat you took him out of the season
and getting back a second and whatcould end up being a third is nice,
(11:31):
a nice bit of business, Ithink for Ron Francis, Well,
we did criticize it at least acouple of us on the show because it
feels like a cell move now herein Seattle, even we talk show os
are kind of new to this wholeprocess. It's only really our second trading
deadline that we've ever really covered orbeen a part of. But it definitely
(11:52):
feels like a cell move for ateam that is five points out in the
Stanley Cup playoffs. And we knowwhat can happen in this Stanley Cup playoffs
as long as you just get intothe postseason. So is this not that
unusual to you that a team thisclose would sell its sixth highest score on
its team for two future picks thatcan't help them. Now, Well,
(12:15):
I mean, you get three classesof teams at the NHL trade deadline,
you got buyers, you got sellers, and then you get teams like the
Kraken that are kind of trying tothread the needle a little bit and improve
themselves in the future while also nottrying to undercut what is basically a team
that has a twenty five percent chanceof making the playoffs right now, which
ain't which ain't bad. In thecase of Winberg, what the probably signals
(12:39):
and I haven't heard anything definitive fromthe team, but what that probably signals
is that he's not in the plansbeyond this season, or you know,
there's not a contract that these thathe and the team could come to that
was going to keep him here.And so once that's determined, if you
think you can maybe still make theplayoffs without him in the lineup, then
you try to maximize their rather thanhaving had him walk away for nothing.
(13:01):
And so it's a tricky balance.I think teams like the National Predators,
for example, are trying to weighthat balance too. They have a guy
named Alexander Carrier on their defense thatcould easily move for a really nice return
at the deadline, but at thesame time they want to maybe keep him
around to try to make a playoffrun. So that's the balance of trying
(13:22):
to strike and we'll see ultimately,depending on what they do with those picks,
and depending on whether or not theyreally miss Wemberg if they've struck the
balance. There's no word yet abouthow they will replace him. I've read
some things saying that in time theycould bring up Shane Wright, which was
their first round pick back in twentytwenty two. What's the over arching opinion
(13:43):
of him as a prospect at thispoint, I mean all of us waiting
for him to actualize as the playerthat he was touted to be in the
draft. Obviously, the crack andhave been very careful about his development and
giving him time to find his game. And again, you know, sometimes
it just takes a few more yearsfor guys to really find their games.
(14:03):
I mean, look at Lafrenier withthe Rangers, for example, who when
he was the first overall pick hecame into the league, didn't really do
much of anything in his first coupleof seasons, had people wondering if he
was going to be a bust,and now is one of the more dependable
goal scorers. So it takes sometime, especially for a young center,
and I think the rest of theleague kind of looks at it as it's
(14:24):
a development curve and just could takea little bit longer than maybe for other
prospects. Greg Washinsky as our guestsenior NHL writer at ESPN. We check
in with Greg usually annually to gethis thoughts on the Kracking, and now
we're sitting here on the eve ofthe NHL trading deadlines. We wanted to
bring him aboard and before we getto maybe some other stuff that could happen
(14:46):
between now and tomorrow around the league, I would just ask you to assess,
from your high perch above us all, Greg, where the Cracking are
right now in their development. Whatkind of job do you what kind of
position do you think that the crackand are in a few years into this
at their existence to really be anannual contender going forward. Well, obviously,
(15:13):
you know, we're just at thestart of the thing, and I
think the good news was obviously theplayoffs and the playoffs win last season to
kind of like give a little aproof of concept for this roster. But
they're you know, getting into thatthat that point where a lot of the
players who they you know, acquiredearly on, whether it was through the
expansion drafted, through free agency earlyon, are starting to come to,
(15:37):
you know, their unrestricted free agencyyears and the restricted free agency years.
I think of a guy, forexample, Lake Jordan Beverley, who I
know, you know, there's there'sstill a lot of interest in the trade
deadline, a lot of talk ofa potential reunion between him and the Edvson
Oilers, but at the same timethe idea that the Cracker are trying to
re sign him and keep him aroundas part of this thing that they're building.
So it's an interesting time. It'sit's a time when they're they're obviously
(16:00):
building out their farm system after havinga couple of drafts, and it's time
where they're going to have to reallyfigure out what they want to do with
the veteran players they have on thisteam, whether they should move them out
for future picks and prospects or keepthem around for what they're building in the
short term. We take a tripdown to Coachelle Valley to visit an inspiring
figure and an assistant coach that asleading the Coachelle Valley Firebirds to unprecedented success.
(16:26):
That's Jessica Campbell, a part ofDan Bile's My coaching staff, who
last year helped guide the Firebirds towithin one win of a Calder Cup championship
in their expansion season. Coming intotoday, they're tied for the best record
in the Western Conference, So notbad as far as a follow up act,
as they're looking to mole players likeShane Wright, Ryan Winterton, and
(16:48):
Moore to prepare for an NHL career. Jessica sat down with us on our
trip to Akrascher Arena on her journeyand Firebirds progress in the Desert. This
team's roll right now, Jessica,I mean, what defined success to you
with what you've seen grow and developednow versus one year ago. Yeah,
I mean that's a great question.I think with our team just the progress,
(17:11):
you know, last year. Ithink we established a culture that this
year we tried to match and improveon and continue to emphasize with our guys,
and we have a very different dynamicsand make up this year than last.
And I just think that culture hascarried us through to this year to
establish where we are now. Andit's a testament to the growth and the
work that the guys have put inand sticking to our structure. How much
(17:33):
more do young players have to dowith that dynamic this year than versus last
year. Yeah, they're an integralpiece. Like if you look at the
makeup of our team, obviously ouryoung core is a big piece of that.
And so for them really settling inthe first couple months and getting used
to the pace of this pro level, and they did that, they adjusted,
then they bought right in. Theyyou know, embraced their roles and
(17:56):
they've all got bigger roles as aresult. So it's exciting to see.
It's exciting to see the growth ofall of our players, but especially our
younger core really establish the type ofplayers that they can be and we know
they can reach a higher ceiling still. I mean, that's a beauty of
this league and that you have playerswho don't just come from major juniors.
Some will come from the college ranks, some will come from overseas. So
(18:18):
how different are those conversations when youhave to emphasize pace and emphasize the next
step, say versus one guy comingfrom one level and one part of the
globe versus the other. Yeah,there's a lot of different pieces you obviously
tackle and every player has a differentbackstory and obviously a different pathway. They
got to us at on a differentpace and a different path, and so
(18:41):
it's just helping them, I think, establish quickly or as quick as you
possibly can, the type of playerthat they are and the success that they
can have as that type of playerwithin this league. And it's a fast
paced league. There's so much skill, there's so much depth, and you
know, even just in our divisionalone, anyone can really beat anyone and
we've seen we've seen that this year. But for I think the uniqueness to
(19:03):
each player's pathway. For us asa coaching staff, it's just really guiding
them through the process of improving everyday. And obviously they're structure their systems,
but mostly it's empowering them within theirskill set to bring their best every
day and to watch them really flourishwithin the structure of our team. I
mean, I can't think of asfar as the coach as I've talked to,
(19:25):
they say the greatest compliment. There'sno greater compliment than being told I
made so many players better. Ihelped them reach them to be at their
best. So a lot of Krakenfans, a lot of listeners are curious
with where the young guys are headedright now, and the first guy that
comes mind, obviously is Shane Wright. He's been big, but how big
(19:48):
this year? Yeah, he's beencrucial for us. He's come up at
huge times and huge moments and onspecial teams as well. At the power
Play, He's scored some huge goalsfor us. But I think Shane,
he's he's right where he needs tobe. I think the you know,
the entire crack and organization and fanbase should be really excited about the development.
And and I know we as astaff are happy with his growth this
(20:11):
year and every day he takes stepsand he's establishing the elite player that he
is. It's a skating and hisshot and you know that's exciting to see.
And I know he's just going tocontinue to take massive steps as he
grows. We've heard the word confidencebe used before with Shane, and I
use this question one time with ourcolor analyst Al Kiniski during one game.
(20:33):
There's a saying that sometimes confidence leadsto success, but sometimes maybe it can
be vice versa. What do youmore believe in as far as that phrase
confidence leads to success? Yeah,I mean I think it goes both ways.
I think success feeds more confidence,and obviously the more confidence you have
the usually the better the execution.And it goes both ways. So I
(20:57):
can't say I'm on either that.I think they go hand in hand.
But I do think that confidence comesfrom work and progress and preparation, and
that's a testament to what Shane hasdone. You know, we have a
great setup here in a model fordevelopment, and I think we love every
day the opportunity to come to therink with all the tools and ice and
the facility, but seeing a playercome in, you know, specifically in
(21:21):
Shane's situation, it's no different thanany of our younger players, but they
just want to get better, theywant to learn, they want to grow,
and whether it's through video or juston ice, extra time reps and
supporting them to work on their game. Shane is I think he's put in
the work and he's reaping the benefitsof it and taking huge steps. But
it's it's a process and that's wherethe confidence starts. But it's really exciting
(21:45):
to see Brian Winterton took massive stepsof passing the eye test, winning win
to the NHL for a few games. What's working for his game right now?
He's he's just a relentless player,you know, his his greatest strength
is his tenacity with his stick andpositionally sound and he knows how to impose
I think, his game on hisopponents. And so when he's been at
(22:07):
his best for us, he's apest to play against. He uses his
speed and he's just a well roundedplayer. And that's why I think he's
such an exciting prospect and I knowhe's going to continue to take huge steps.
Obviously offensively, he's taken a hugeturn and he's popped in a lot
of goals for us in the lastcouple of months. So to see him
now getting success as a result ofhis confidence establishing his game in this league,
(22:30):
he's a really exciting player to watch. You've got a big defenseman on
that back end right shot d Hedon't grow on trees, and his name
is Billy Otto Vinen. Speaking ofhuge he brings a huge presence. But
what have you seen as far asthe steps that he's taken this year.
Yeah, Otto's he's very obviously aspecial player as well in terms of his
makeup. He's a massive presence andhis stick, his size, and his
(22:53):
his skating presence. Obviously, Ithink he has really strong offensive instincts.
He knows when to join the rush. He wants to shoot the puck,
he wants the puck, he wantsto make plays. So he's dangerous when
we get him on the offensive Blue. But I think too, he's continuing
to learn how to establish his physicalpresence and use his body to his advantage,
and so we're excited to see himtake those steps, both on the
(23:15):
defending side but also joining the rushand being, you know, a player
that's hard to defend as well ashe is a defenseman, but really utilizing
his makeup to be a bigger andbetter player every day for us, what's
been so rewarding about what the Krakenhave given you in this job, with
(23:37):
this building and with this city aswell. Oh, it's a tremendous opportunity.
I mean, I feel fortunate everyday that we have this setup and
the support that we do, youknow, from everyone in the organization.
We're all on the same page aroundthe development side, and that it starts
here and it starts you know,every day, and that's the mindset we
(23:57):
try to really get our guys tobuy into, and really they are all
bought in, from our veteran groupto our young guys. They step into
the rink every day and they knowthat there's an abundance of resources and our
staff is all in to help them. And we all have different backgrounds and
for me, you know, cominginto this with a skating and skills background,
I love the work part of it. I love that our schedule allows
(24:21):
us to be able to work onour individual games and work in pods and
you know as forward groups and defensivecore groups, so that we can really
emphasize getting these guys to the levelthat we know they can reach at the
NHL. Finally, what do yourecall about being behind the bench for an
NHL game. Yeah, it wasawesome, It was It was a special
moment for sure, and I thinkfor me it was pretty normal just being
(24:42):
around the krack In group and ourguys, and I had worked with NHL
players before, so being behind thebench and I think in the cracking threads,
for me it was a special moment. It felt like a step in
my coaching path and just you know, a glimpse into what maybe the future
goals could be. But for me. I'm so excited about being here,
(25:02):
being where I am and getting betteras a coach every day, But those
moments, they definitely cherish them.Great to hear from Jessica Campbell. Once
again. We have more of thatconversation podcasted on The Crack and Audio Network.
Simply search for it on the iHeartRadio app. The Winnipeg Jets coming
in in contention for top record inthe Central. They're two points off the
(25:22):
pace at thirty nine seventeen and fivepoints with eighty three and two backup Dallas.
Among those to watch out for onthe Jets side, Adam Lowry,
the son of Cracking assistant coach DaveLowry. He's got a three game point
streak and comes off a multi pointeffort in the game Tuesday against the Crack
In gonna be a good one.We have a lot to cover as well,
leading up to trade deadline time andbeyond for the game this evening.
(25:45):
Join us at six thirty CORSLVE pregameshow opens up coverage, then your puck
drop a little past seven o'clock allacross the Emerald, Queen Casino, Kraken
Audio Network. Big Podcast here fortoday, Big thanks again, to Jamie
Alexiak, Greg Gushinski, the Chuckand Buck in the morning show, and
to Firebirds assistant coach Jessica Campbell,in addition to Jordan Beverley for stopping on
(26:10):
by with us after practice for acouple of minutes on Thursday, Again,
Kraken Jets this evening, we'll passseven o'clock Pacific time. We'll talk to
you then. I'm Mike Benton.Enjoy the game, Happy Friday. You're
home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninetythree point three kJ r FM.
Welcome to Cracking this Morning, apresentation of the Kraken Audio Network and Sports
Radio ninety three point three KJRFM.Here's Mike Betton. You could very well
be listening to this podcast and checkingyour news feed wherever you get it at
the same time in but we're goingto share for you. May have a
short shelf lif but we're going togive it a go here anyway for Cracking
(00:23):
this morning. Welcome to Trade DeadlineDay, Friday March eight, Tonight the
Seattle Kraken. After getting everything resolved, we'll take on the Winnipeg Jets.
We promise you all the dust we'llbe settling here on all of this.
Your face off coming seven pm Pacifictime from Climate Pledge Arena. Everafitzi al
Kiniski on the call. Mike Bettonagain with you. I'll join you back
(00:45):
by the Course Light landing and Sectiontwenty for the Course Light pregame show opening
up at six point thirty. Bythe way, we will have trade Deadline
coverage on your radio flagship home ofthe Kraken ninety three to three KJARFM ten
am to one pm for Puck andJim. I'll join you live for that
show from thirty two Bar and go'llgo ahead and check us out ever it
(01:07):
fits you, among others also dueto stop by during the show. Got
to pack one here for today foryou. The Kraken coming in right now,
six points back of the wildcard spot. The climb up hill is deep,
yet it is still realistic as they'llaim for back to back wins over
the Winnipeg Jets. After beating WinnipegTuesday night in a thriller of a photo
(01:30):
finish for three at Canada Life Center. The Krakens seven to two to one
in their last ten games still foundroom to make moves on their roster,
and they traded Alex Weinberg on Wednesdayto the New York Rangers in exchange for
two draft picks, including a secondrounder coming up this next off season.
Other potential moves it is speculation atthis point and we'll digest it more in
(01:53):
just a bit for a pretty busypodcast that we have for you. Coming
up today is also Women in HotThanky Night for the game against Winnipeg,
which will feature specialty jerseys for theevent designed by Ali Spurlock, a local
artist. Additionally, in the eveningincluding performances by DJ Tina t Youth hockey
intermission activities with snow Kings Girl tenYou Teams, also Madison Stoneman performing the
(02:17):
anthems. For more on the event, checkout NHL dot com slash Kraken and
for jersey info and for auction detailscheck out one Rofoundation dot org. So
At Pack podcast we have for todayGreg Wshiinsky of ESPN stopping by Thursday morning
on the six to ten AM Chuckand Buck in the Morning show right here
ninety three to three KJARFM. We'llhear from Greg. In addition, we
(02:40):
will hear from Krack and defenseman JamieAlexiak on handling a grueling week mentally and
emotionally. Here plus one are theKracking looking for beginning of five game homestand
also in salute for Women in HockeyNight, we take a trip down to
Coachella Valley and hear more in ourconversation we had in our trip to Akrasher
Arena will Coachelle Valley Firebirds assistant coachJessica Campbell. Her work absolutely inspiring behind
(03:06):
the Firebirds bench, and we'll hearfrom Jessica about her work and her experiences.
In just a bit with two daysoff, the Kraken finding enough time
to adjust their roster here to thetrade deadline. As we said, Alex
Wendberg's into the New York Rangers inexchange for a second round pick in twenty
twenty four this next summer. Additionally, a fourth rounder in twenty twenty five.
(03:28):
That is a conditional pick which couldbe upgraded here to a third rounder.
Well, reports are Sharon Jordan Emberley'sname right now, potentially as a
part of the trade market, andEmberly had a chance to respond about staying
or going after practice at Kracken Communityice Plex on Wednesday. Yeah, I
mean I've been through this many times. I know how it goes as a
(03:51):
player. I mean you just tryand focus on playing hockey and let the
other stuff happen around you. Soa lot of it's out of your control.
I mean some of it is,but some not so for this for
me, I mean, those twowins we got were huge, kind of
put us back in the race.I think, maybe inject a little bit
of life into this group. Ithink after the Edminton game, you look
and everyone else had won. Itwas, uh, you look at it
(04:13):
daunting, But as soon as youstart climbing again, and we've been playing
good hockey, so key for usis just trying to play as many important
games as we came down the stretchsee where it ends up. Do you
feel that your stance is still thesame today about your vision being here with
this team. Yeah, I meanI've expressed that, you know, as
far as that's concerned, We'll justsee what happens. I think for me,
I'm just trying to focus on playing. Obviously we're done with the games
(04:36):
before the deadline, and hopefully somethinggets done. But it's it's really able
to see what happens given how goodyou guys are playing right now. How
tough is it to kind of jugglebut are we in it? Are we
not? How are they going tohandle this? What's it going to look
like come Saturday? Like what's thekind of emotions like in handling that of
Well, I mean from a playerstandpoint, you know, where we just
(04:59):
want to continue to win. Ithink from a management standpoint it's a little
harder eight because they're I'm sure they'restuck between do we have a chance or
we want to get rid of somepieces? So I can't I can't really
mention any or say anything on theirbehalf. I think as I can only
say as a player, we're justfocusing on winning and trying to give ourselves
a chance to get in. Isthis situation unerving or uncomfortable for you?
(05:23):
I think in the past it hasbeen right, and I mean for me
now it's it's uh, I've beenthrough it so many times that you just
kind of become status quo. Ithink it gets harder to get older when
you have a family. You know, your wife and your kids and that
sort of thing that comes into play. But you know, I look at
it as, uh, you justtry to go to the rink and do
the best you can every day andsee where the ship fall. How updated
(05:46):
are you on the situation? Isyour agent call you like the end of
every day, update hour by hour? How does that go? No,
No, it's it's uh. It'snot as dramatic as maybe people think it
is. It It really isn't.So yeah, I just the nice thing
is that we've been playing hockey.The hard thing really is in two days
off now, right, so youstart seeing stuff happening. It's easier when
(06:06):
you have to play hockey. Thetrade deadline coming up noon Pacific time today,
and with that a chance, wehad to sit down with defenseman Jamie
Alexiak on how the Crack and arehandling this week from a mental and emotional
standpoint, plus what's their mission headinginto a five game homestand opening up this
evening, there's more of the manthey call the Big Rig. I think
(06:28):
at this point season, nothing isreally going to come easy, you know.
I mean, this guy's fighting forjobs, guys fighting for playoffs.
So I think it's important for usto stay locked in and make sure that
we're so improving as a squad andkeeping it tight. And I think today
was a good step in that direction. What did the wins over Calgary and
win a Pig tell you as faras this team's capability to down the stretch,
(06:48):
I mean, it's kind of beenthe case all year, you know.
When we play right, I thinkwe don't give up much and we
can put the pocket the net whenwe get our chances. And I think
against two good teams like that,two hard fought games, it was a
good test for us and we justgot to keep that same mentality moving forward.
You know, like I said,nothing's gonna come easy. We have
(07:10):
to expect that, and I thinkhopefully, you know, we've learned throughout
the season that we can't expect towin games easily and maybe we're not going
to score it well, and wegot to make sure that we can grind
them out. Alex Wenberg, youwere here with him from the start.
What did he mean to this room? And as a teammate, I'm you
know, it's always tough to seeguys go, and especially a guy like
(07:30):
Wenny. I mean, he's,you know, very positive guy, great
guy to have around the room,and great family man. So it's tough.
Again, another guy that was herein the beginning and helped it was
an important part of the locker roomand important part of building the culture on
here. And like I said,it's a great guy off the ice,
so tough to lose him. Ican't help but think just how much resolve
can play to this team's advantage,given the fact that they were to be
(07:54):
able to hang in their last fourteenseconds against Winnipeg in that last trash.
But what a Joey to court youas far as what he's capable of to
make a safe like that in thefinal seconds. Yeah, Joey's been big
for us all year, and Ithink he plays hard and we want to
play hard in front of him.And I think that was the case for
the last fourteen seconds too. Imean you see the guys diving in front
(08:16):
of shots and boxing out, andyou know Lars made some big, big
blocks there as well. So Ithink you know, we're all we're all
playing hard for each other right now, and that's that's keep coming down the
stretch. Finally, what's the goal, what's the mission, what's the vision
for this home standard? I thinkwe just got to say we played in
(08:37):
the road and keep that going,keep know that it's not going to come
easy, know that we got togrind it out and know that, you
know, maybe we're not gonna getcushy leads might be down a couple of
games. Mistakes are going to happen. Things are going to happen, but
we have to respond and keep aneven keel and just keep pushing forward.
I mean that's just kind of playoffmentality, and I think we even have
to have that point that mentality rightnow. Matchup number two of the season
(09:00):
coming up and the first time Winnipegwe'll visit Seattle for the entire year,
once again the Crack and one fourto three over the Jets on the game
winning goal by Andre Burakowski, whileJoey Decord, coming off of four games
of rest, turned in a thirtysave effort, none bigger than one save
he made in the last fourteen secondsto preserve the one goal cracking victory.
(09:22):
On Winnipeg's extra attackers situation, we'reto the cracking stand and what's developing in
the trade market, Well, afew more moves made sense then, but
for more context, Greg Washinski forESPN stopping on by Chuck and Buck in
the Morning, heard six to tenam weekdays on ninety three to three KJRFM,
and Greg sharing more on the chaosleading up to the noon trade deadline
(09:43):
today. Kind of a crazy dayyesterday. I know the deadline is tomorrow,
but it kind of felt like itmight have been yesterday based on the
amount of trades that we saw.But there's still a lot of business to
be done, obviously in the nexttwenty four hours or so. They really
do make a lot of trades inthis league. I mean, they are
reactive at their trade deadline. Itrarely disappoints, doesn't it. You're absolutely
(10:05):
right, And that's despite having ayou know, salary cap that does discourage
a lot of movement. And whatyou've seen, I think in the last
few years is these teams just gettingreally, really creative. I mean,
there were trades that I that Ihad reported yesterday and three hours later I
was still waiting to see what thedetails were because you're getting other teams involved
(10:28):
to handle the salary cap hit,and there's all these conditions on draft picks
and all things. So the caphas really forced these teams to be a
little bit more creative and bring inthird teams and that kind of thing.
Well, looking at the Weinberg trainin particular, how do you assess it
once you see the details come out? Well, I mean, I think
(10:48):
the Kraken lucked out with the waythat the market went. There weren't a
lot of centers available to begin with, and then you know, a lot
of Linholm gets traded, and SeanMonahan gets traded around the All Star weekend.
That leaves Adam Henrique is the topcenter. Then he gets traded and
and then you're looking at the depthchart at the at amongst the centers at
(11:09):
the deadline, and Wenbrook's pretty highon that depth chart just because if they're
not being a lot of other optionsavailable with expiring contracts, so they had
a nice asset to trade. TheRangers definitely had a need at third line
center after the injury to Philipedal thatthat you took him out of the season
and getting back a second and whatcould end up being a third is nice,
(11:31):
a nice bit of business, Ithink for Ron Francis, Well,
we did criticize it at least acouple of us on the show because it
feels like a cell move now herein Seattle, even we talk show os
are kind of new to this wholeprocess. It's only really our second trading
deadline that we've ever really covered orbeen a part of. But it definitely
(11:52):
feels like a cell move for ateam that is five points out in the
Stanley Cup playoffs. And we knowwhat can happen in this Stanley Cup playoffs
as long as you just get intothe postseason. So is this not that
unusual to you that a team thisclose would sell its sixth highest score on
its team for two future picks thatcan't help them. Now, Well,
(12:15):
I mean, you get three classesof teams at the NHL trade deadline,
you got buyers, you got sellers, and then you get teams like the
Kraken that are kind of trying tothread the needle a little bit and improve
themselves in the future while also nottrying to undercut what is basically a team
that has a twenty five percent chanceof making the playoffs right now, which
ain't which ain't bad. In thecase of Winberg, what the probably signals
(12:39):
and I haven't heard anything definitive fromthe team, but what that probably signals
is that he's not in the plansbeyond this season, or you know,
there's not a contract that these thathe and the team could come to that
was going to keep him here.And so once that's determined, if you
think you can maybe still make theplayoffs without him in the lineup, then
you try to maximize their rather thanhaving had him walk away for nothing.
(13:01):
And so it's a tricky balance.I think teams like the National Predators,
for example, are trying to weighthat balance too. They have a guy
named Alexander Carrier on their defense thatcould easily move for a really nice return
at the deadline, but at thesame time they want to maybe keep him
around to try to make a playoffrun. So that's the balance of trying
(13:22):
to strike and we'll see ultimately,depending on what they do with those picks,
and depending on whether or not theyreally miss Wemberg if they've struck the
balance. There's no word yet abouthow they will replace him. I've read
some things saying that in time theycould bring up Shane Wright, which was
their first round pick back in twentytwenty two. What's the over arching opinion
(13:43):
of him as a prospect at thispoint, I mean all of us waiting
for him to actualize as the playerthat he was touted to be in the
draft. Obviously, the crack andhave been very careful about his development and
giving him time to find his game. And again, you know, sometimes
it just takes a few more yearsfor guys to really find their games.
(14:03):
I mean, look at Lafrenier withthe Rangers, for example, who when
he was the first overall pick hecame into the league, didn't really do
much of anything in his first coupleof seasons, had people wondering if he
was going to be a bust,and now is one of the more dependable
goal scorers. So it takes sometime, especially for a young center,
and I think the rest of theleague kind of looks at it as it's
(14:24):
a development curve and just could takea little bit longer than maybe for other
prospects. Greg Washinsky as our guestsenior NHL writer at ESPN. We check
in with Greg usually annually to gethis thoughts on the Kracking, and now
we're sitting here on the eve ofthe NHL trading deadlines. We wanted to
bring him aboard and before we getto maybe some other stuff that could happen
(14:46):
between now and tomorrow around the league, I would just ask you to assess,
from your high perch above us all, Greg, where the Cracking are
right now in their development. Whatkind of job do you what kind of
position do you think that the crackand are in a few years into this
at their existence to really be anannual contender going forward. Well, obviously,
(15:13):
you know, we're just at thestart of the thing, and I
think the good news was obviously theplayoffs and the playoffs win last season to
kind of like give a little aproof of concept for this roster. But
they're you know, getting into thatthat that point where a lot of the
players who they you know, acquiredearly on, whether it was through the
expansion drafted, through free agency earlyon, are starting to come to,
(15:37):
you know, their unrestricted free agencyyears and the restricted free agency years.
I think of a guy, forexample, Lake Jordan Beverley, who I
know, you know, there's there'sstill a lot of interest in the trade
deadline, a lot of talk ofa potential reunion between him and the Edvson
Oilers, but at the same timethe idea that the Cracker are trying to
re sign him and keep him aroundas part of this thing that they're building.
So it's an interesting time. It'sit's a time when they're they're obviously
(16:00):
building out their farm system after havinga couple of drafts, and it's time
where they're going to have to reallyfigure out what they want to do with
the veteran players they have on thisteam, whether they should move them out
for future picks and prospects or keepthem around for what they're building in the
short term. We take a tripdown to Coachelle Valley to visit an inspiring
figure and an assistant coach that asleading the Coachelle Valley Firebirds to unprecedented success.
(16:26):
That's Jessica Campbell, a part ofDan Bile's My coaching staff, who
last year helped guide the Firebirds towithin one win of a Calder Cup championship
in their expansion season. Coming intotoday, they're tied for the best record
in the Western Conference, So notbad as far as a follow up act,
as they're looking to mole players likeShane Wright, Ryan Winterton, and
(16:48):
Moore to prepare for an NHL career. Jessica sat down with us on our
trip to Akrascher Arena on her journeyand Firebirds progress in the Desert. This
team's roll right now, Jessica,I mean, what defined success to you
with what you've seen grow and developednow versus one year ago. Yeah,
I mean that's a great question.I think with our team just the progress,
(17:11):
you know, last year. Ithink we established a culture that this
year we tried to match and improveon and continue to emphasize with our guys,
and we have a very different dynamicsand make up this year than last.
And I just think that culture hascarried us through to this year to
establish where we are now. Andit's a testament to the growth and the
work that the guys have put inand sticking to our structure. How much
(17:33):
more do young players have to dowith that dynamic this year than versus last
year. Yeah, they're an integralpiece. Like if you look at the
makeup of our team, obviously ouryoung core is a big piece of that.
And so for them really settling inthe first couple months and getting used
to the pace of this pro level, and they did that, they adjusted,
then they bought right in. Theyyou know, embraced their roles and
(17:56):
they've all got bigger roles as aresult. So it's exciting to see.
It's exciting to see the growth ofall of our players, but especially our
younger core really establish the type ofplayers that they can be and we know
they can reach a higher ceiling still. I mean, that's a beauty of
this league and that you have playerswho don't just come from major juniors.
Some will come from the college ranks, some will come from overseas. So
(18:18):
how different are those conversations when youhave to emphasize pace and emphasize the next
step, say versus one guy comingfrom one level and one part of the
globe versus the other. Yeah,there's a lot of different pieces you obviously
tackle and every player has a differentbackstory and obviously a different pathway. They
got to us at on a differentpace and a different path, and so
(18:41):
it's just helping them, I think, establish quickly or as quick as you
possibly can, the type of playerthat they are and the success that they
can have as that type of playerwithin this league. And it's a fast
paced league. There's so much skill, there's so much depth, and you
know, even just in our divisionalone, anyone can really beat anyone and
we've seen we've seen that this year. But for I think the uniqueness to
(19:03):
each player's pathway. For us asa coaching staff, it's just really guiding
them through the process of improving everyday. And obviously they're structure their systems,
but mostly it's empowering them within theirskill set to bring their best every
day and to watch them really flourishwithin the structure of our team. I
mean, I can't think of asfar as the coach as I've talked to,
(19:25):
they say the greatest compliment. There'sno greater compliment than being told I
made so many players better. Ihelped them reach them to be at their
best. So a lot of Krakenfans, a lot of listeners are curious
with where the young guys are headedright now, and the first guy that
comes mind, obviously is Shane Wright. He's been big, but how big
(19:48):
this year? Yeah, he's beencrucial for us. He's come up at
huge times and huge moments and onspecial teams as well. At the power
Play, He's scored some huge goalsfor us. But I think Shane,
he's he's right where he needs tobe. I think the you know,
the entire crack and organization and fanbase should be really excited about the development.
And and I know we as astaff are happy with his growth this
(20:11):
year and every day he takes stepsand he's establishing the elite player that he
is. It's a skating and hisshot and you know that's exciting to see.
And I know he's just going tocontinue to take massive steps as he
grows. We've heard the word confidencebe used before with Shane, and I
use this question one time with ourcolor analyst Al Kiniski during one game.
(20:33):
There's a saying that sometimes confidence leadsto success, but sometimes maybe it can
be vice versa. What do youmore believe in as far as that phrase
confidence leads to success? Yeah,I mean I think it goes both ways.
I think success feeds more confidence,and obviously the more confidence you have
the usually the better the execution.And it goes both ways. So I
(20:57):
can't say I'm on either that.I think they go hand in hand.
But I do think that confidence comesfrom work and progress and preparation, and
that's a testament to what Shane hasdone. You know, we have a
great setup here in a model fordevelopment, and I think we love every
day the opportunity to come to therink with all the tools and ice and
the facility, but seeing a playercome in, you know, specifically in
(21:21):
Shane's situation, it's no different thanany of our younger players, but they
just want to get better, theywant to learn, they want to grow,
and whether it's through video or juston ice, extra time reps and
supporting them to work on their game. Shane is I think he's put in
the work and he's reaping the benefitsof it and taking huge steps. But
it's it's a process and that's wherethe confidence starts. But it's really exciting
(21:45):
to see Brian Winterton took massive stepsof passing the eye test, winning win
to the NHL for a few games. What's working for his game right now?
He's he's just a relentless player,you know, his his greatest strength
is his tenacity with his stick andpositionally sound and he knows how to impose
I think, his game on hisopponents. And so when he's been at
(22:07):
his best for us, he's apest to play against. He uses his
speed and he's just a well roundedplayer. And that's why I think he's
such an exciting prospect and I knowhe's going to continue to take huge steps.
Obviously offensively, he's taken a hugeturn and he's popped in a lot
of goals for us in the lastcouple of months. So to see him
now getting success as a result ofhis confidence establishing his game in this league,
(22:30):
he's a really exciting player to watch. You've got a big defenseman on
that back end right shot d Hedon't grow on trees, and his name
is Billy Otto Vinen. Speaking ofhuge he brings a huge presence. But
what have you seen as far asthe steps that he's taken this year.
Yeah, Otto's he's very obviously aspecial player as well in terms of his
makeup. He's a massive presence andhis stick, his size, and his
(22:53):
his skating presence. Obviously, Ithink he has really strong offensive instincts.
He knows when to join the rush. He wants to shoot the puck,
he wants the puck, he wantsto make plays. So he's dangerous when
we get him on the offensive Blue. But I think too, he's continuing
to learn how to establish his physicalpresence and use his body to his advantage,
and so we're excited to see himtake those steps, both on the
(23:15):
defending side but also joining the rushand being, you know, a player
that's hard to defend as well ashe is a defenseman, but really utilizing
his makeup to be a bigger andbetter player every day for us, what's
been so rewarding about what the Krakenhave given you in this job, with
(23:37):
this building and with this city aswell. Oh, it's a tremendous opportunity.
I mean, I feel fortunate everyday that we have this setup and
the support that we do, youknow, from everyone in the organization.
We're all on the same page aroundthe development side, and that it starts
here and it starts you know,every day, and that's the mindset we
(23:57):
try to really get our guys tobuy into, and really they are all
bought in, from our veteran groupto our young guys. They step into
the rink every day and they knowthat there's an abundance of resources and our
staff is all in to help them. And we all have different backgrounds and
for me, you know, cominginto this with a skating and skills background,
I love the work part of it. I love that our schedule allows
(24:21):
us to be able to work onour individual games and work in pods and
you know as forward groups and defensivecore groups, so that we can really
emphasize getting these guys to the levelthat we know they can reach at the
NHL. Finally, what do yourecall about being behind the bench for an
NHL game. Yeah, it wasawesome, It was It was a special
moment for sure, and I thinkfor me it was pretty normal just being
(24:42):
around the krack In group and ourguys, and I had worked with NHL
players before, so being behind thebench and I think in the cracking threads,
for me it was a special moment. It felt like a step in
my coaching path and just you know, a glimpse into what maybe the future
goals could be. But for me. I'm so excited about being here,
(25:02):
being where I am and getting betteras a coach every day, But those
moments, they definitely cherish them.Great to hear from Jessica Campbell. Once
again. We have more of thatconversation podcasted on The Crack and Audio Network.
Simply search for it on the iHeartRadio app. The Winnipeg Jets coming
in in contention for top record inthe Central. They're two points off the
(25:22):
pace at thirty nine seventeen and fivepoints with eighty three and two backup Dallas.
Among those to watch out for onthe Jets side, Adam Lowry,
the son of Cracking assistant coach DaveLowry. He's got a three game point
streak and comes off a multi pointeffort in the game Tuesday against the Crack
In gonna be a good one.We have a lot to cover as well,
leading up to trade deadline time andbeyond for the game this evening.
(25:45):
Join us at six thirty CORSLVE pregameshow opens up coverage, then your puck
drop a little past seven o'clock allacross the Emerald, Queen Casino, Kraken
Audio Network. Big Podcast here fortoday, Big thanks again, to Jamie
Alexiak, Greg Gushinski, the Chuckand Buck in the morning show, and
to Firebirds assistant coach Jessica Campbell,in addition to Jordan Beverley for stopping on
(26:10):
by with us after practice for acouple of minutes on Thursday, Again,
Kraken Jets this evening, we'll passseven o'clock Pacific time. We'll talk to
you then. I'm Mike Benton.Enjoy the game, Happy Friday. You're
home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninetythree point three kJ r FM.
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