Coach Maurice – Opening remarks. Is he a patient man? Taking us through past few days. First impressions of the hockey club. What are his goals? What did he think of his time in Russia and why did he come back? How does he plan to get these players to play a consistent game? What was the reason he chose the Jets? Does he like the challenge of turning things around. How much better is this team than its record? Thoughts on his roster. What will the experience in Toronto be worth for a market like Winnipeg? What might fans see different on the ice tonight? What is his philosophy on goalies? Thoughts on Dustin Byfuglien. Where does his passion for hockey come from? On being a disciplinarian.
Quotable Comments:
Opening remarks – “Would like to thank the ownership and the management of the Winnipeg Jets for the opportunity. I am very excited to be here”.
On his patience – “I think there is a time for patience and there’s a time for action….we need to become a more patient hockey club but that has nothing to do with passivity”.
On making the decision to come to Wpg – “It was very, very quick. Didn’t take long. I wanted to be here”.
On his impressions – “I like the speed and I like the youth more than anything else”.
On his goals – “There are two goals for the hockey team and the first is the playoffs but its not the primary goal. That will get taken care of. Listen. There is not a lot of meat on the bone and we are a ways out and there is not a lot of time on the clock. Those are the facts. We’ve played 47 hockey games and we have won 14 of them. That’s telling you we have a big hill to climb.”
On why the Jets – “Youth, size and speed”.
On the team’s record – “This team is as good as its record and no team is ever better than its record. Take those numbers and hold them to your heart cause we got what we earned.”
On what fans might see vs. Phoenix – “Tonight your guess is as good as mine. I’ve been here for four hours”.
On his goalie philosophy – “There is no hard and fast rule. We need a guy to step up. Don’t care who it is.”
On Dustin Byfuglien – “I do truly believe that Dustin Byfuglien can be a very big impact defenceman and positive impact defenceman. I also believe he can be a very strong forward”
On where his passion for the game came from – “Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada”.
