Manitoba Moose news & notes

Most of the Moose didn’t skate today as they get back in business and start to prepare for the AHL playoff 1st round series against the Grand Rapids Griffins which gets underway on Saturday, April 21st at 2pm.

On the ice:

A couple of the injured players did take to the ice at the IcePlex alongside Mike Keane who works with player development.  Julian Melchiori, who is still dealing with a concussion and Charles-David Beaudoin who has a broken jaw, were the only Moose skating today.  Coach Vincent indicated it is still “week-to-week” with Melchiori but as of right now they don’t see him being part of the lineup during the 1st round.

Back in the playoffs:

It was pretty clear that the Moose are excited to be back in the post-season for the first time in a number of years.  After making it to the Calder Cup Final in his first year in pro hockey JC Lipon realizes that you cannot take it for granted “Now that I’m older I kinda realize you never know if you’re ever going to make it back to the playoffs again….but I’m glad we’re in a position to chase the Cup.”.  However he isn’t sweating the fact that the team lost home ice advantage “we’re pretty good on the road” which is born out by the fact that the team went 25-9-2-2 (third best in the entire AHL) this season.

Third year pro Nic Petan is a player who had a ton of playoff success with the Portland Winterhawks but has obviously not played in the post-season since turning pro with either the Jets or Moose organization.  Recently back from a concussion it was clear that he is relishing the opportunity to be back playing some meaningful hockey.  “That’s what you play for all year long.  The last two years, you play hard all year long and you don’t make playoffs, it does really suck.  Now that it’s just five days away, just even coming up to it, getting ready for it, the motivation to get it going, even the meetings are so exciting, everyone is talking about it and everyone is just ready to go.”.

The captain Patrice Cormier reinforced how much it means to be back in the playoffs.  “It means a lot obviously.  For myself you go to the Finals one year and then you think you’re going to make the playoffs every year”.

Goaltending plan:

While coach Vincent admitted they do have a plan in place for the series he wasn’t ready to share it quite yet. “We do have a plan” but when asked if he would be willing to share it “not really.”.

See you later Sami:

The Jets recalled all-star defenceman Sami Niku this morning to provide them with some insurance with the injury to Tyler Myers and with Tobias Enstrom not yet ready to resume his spot in the lineup.  The Moose recognize that they will have a big hole without the high flying Finn in their lineup although it is yet to be determined if he will be back in time for the games this weekend.

Loaned:

Another new face has been added to the fold as the Moose will be getting another Manitoban to their ranks.  The St. Louis Blues organization have assigned Tanner Kaspick, who was born and raised, in Brandon to Manitoba to the Jets AHL squad.  Kaspick was drafted back in 2016 in the 4th round and spent most of his WHL career with the Brandon Wheat Kings before being dealt to the Victoria Royals.

Interviews:

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