We caught up with the Winnipeg native and Predators forward following the Jets/Preds game to get his thoughts on the game, the return of the NHL to the Peg’ and what it means to play against the returned Jets.
IC: Talking with a Winnipeg guy, how does it feel to get back to the province of Manitoba and play against the Jets?
Colin Wilson: It was very exciting. That was my team growing up until they left and it was very exciting to play them.
IC: Your dad was born in Winnipeg and played 10 years in the NHL, was he in attendance tonight?
Colin Wilson: Yup, him and about 15 other people in my family.
IC: How many phone calls do you expect to get everytime the Predators play in Winnipeg (in years coming)?
Colin Wilson: I expect to get quite a few. There are a lot of people who will want to hang out and get tickets. A lot of friends and family.
IC: What did you think of the atmosphere at the MTS Centre?
Colin Wilson: Amazing. There are a few barns like that in hockey, that can get that excited for a pre-season game. Obviously with all the hype it is very exciting for the fans.
IC: How do you feel about your game tonight?
Colin Wilson: I had some good puck possession but it wasn’t the game I wish I had played. I was a bit hesitant out there, could have been better. I’m not particularly happy with it.
IC: What do you expect from your team moving forward?
Colin Wilson: We’ve got a young, fast team and tonight didn’t show off our talent’s too well, as we are a very hard working team and tonight we weren’t going that well.
IC: The Predators were one of the most dominant teams in the pre-season, do you think you guys can challenge to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference?
Colin Wilson: I believe we can. We have great goaltending, great defence and we have a lot of forwards who are going to surprise other teams. I think we definitely can.
