Chicago Wolves vs Texas Stars: Inside the Series Preview with Skyler Brind'Amour

Texas took seven of eight from the Chicago Wolves in the regular season. So what changes now that the AHL playoffs are here and the opponent is the Texas Stars in Cedar Park? We sit down with Wolves' "Insider" Andrew Rinaldi and Wolves' centerman, Skyler Brind"Amour, for a frank, detailed preview of a series that will come down to execution, discipline, and who can win the “small margins” when games tighten up.

Skyler walks us through the parts of hockey most fans feel but rarely measure: faceoffs that flip possession, penalty kill reads that erase a power play before it starts, and the uncomfortable truth about turning pro. He shares what it was like going from big minutes at Quinnipiac to fighting for ice time in the AHL, how injuries can knock you out of rhythm, and why earning trust through details creates opportunity. We also talk chemistry and accountability alongside Josiah Slavin, plus what it takes to stay calm when matchups get heavy and emotions run hot.

We get into special teams strategy, playoff-style net-front chaos on the power play, and the willingness to block shots when one puck in the wrong lane can decide a game. You will also hear Skyler’s perspective on leadership in a young locker room, the boost of reinforcements, and the unique dynamic of having an NHL head coach as your dad while still keeping “hockey” separate from family.

Highlights:
• Wolves postseason momentum and the road start in Cedar Park
• Watching the Hurricanes playoffs and the family connection to Rod Brind’Amour
• Quinnipiac development and why faceoff wins swing games
• The jump from college to the AHL and learning to impact limited minutes
• Chemistry with Josiah Slavin in shutdown matchups and on the penalty kill
• How opportunity and details drive Brind"Amour's scoring growth
• Leadership on a young roster and setting standards by example
• What makes Ryan Warsofsky “Spiros” effective and why buy-in matters
• Keys to beating Texas including power play execution and shot-blocking PK habits

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Transcript

Playoff Setup And Guests

SPEAKER_02 0:31

Well, Chicago Wolves are busy preparing for their upcoming series with the Texas Stars, which kicks off Tuesday night at AEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas. The Wolves finish the season on a roll and will head into the postseason, firing in all cylinders. Joining me to talk about the Wolves upcoming series and more, I'm delighted to welcome in our Stormtracker Chicago Wolves Insider, Andrew Rinaldi, and a very special guest, Chicago Wolves Star Centerman, Skylar Brindamore. Gentlemen. And you know, we spend a lot of time on our podcast this year telling people about the good things you've been doing. It's been fun. Andrew and I have talked about you on the Wolves, Chicago Wolves Report quite a bit. And uh the uh on the Keynes podcast side, uh Aaron Katie and I have been talking about you a lot, and recently, of course, really enjoyed the time you spent with the Canes. Uh, and of course, we had Sparrows on recently, and he was very complimentary of what you've been doing. So great stuff, great stuff. Anyway, uh what a tie to be a hockey fan for the Keynes and Canes farm system. Wow, this is great, right? We got playoffs going, and you know, you're getting ready to go. And boy, what about last night?

SPEAKER_01 2:03

That was a crazy game. That was uh, like you said, this is the best time of the year for sure. Uh playoff hockey, nothing like it. And uh, yeah, I mean that's second period of last night game. Uh I was watching it here with uh Charles Alexis Lago, actually, my roommate here. So we were uh we were yelling at the TV a little bit and getting fired up. And uh, you know, I think we both just wanted to strap our skates on and get our series started and get and get going.

SPEAKER_02 2:28

No, I can imagine. And and and if you're like us, we're on the edge of our seat the whole time, right?

SPEAKER_03 2:33

So yeah, oh yeah.

SPEAKER_02 2:35

Oh man, it's nerve-wracking, but but it must have been great for you. I mean, with your dad and and such an outstanding performance by the canes. Did you get a chance to talk to him after that? Have you said, hey, great.

SPEAKER_01 2:47

I talked to him actually, let's see, after game three. So we we talked a little bit and uh just catch up, and he was obviously um you know happy with what they've done so far in the first three. And then um yeah, he's always you know pretty dialed in at this time of year. And um so I we you know we don't necessarily talk as much as we we normally do throughout the year, but um yeah, no, he was he was fired up and uh yeah, I mean what a what a great series. I mean that was uh you know four games, they're all just super tight. And uh I mean that's playoff hockey. Um and so um yeah, credit to the to the guys up there. They uh they certainly brought it. And um, yeah, hopefully they get uh get a few days to get some rest and maybe some guys get back healthy and um yeah, then you gotta do it again.

SPEAKER_02 3:35

Well, you and your roommate Charles Alexis the goal, of course, were up there recently, so you'll have a you know you're up close and personal with those guys, so it it just makes it a little bit a little bit better, right?

SPEAKER_01 3:44

Yeah, it's cool. I'm obviously you get to know them a little bit and um obviously you know I've always been a fan of the of the canes. Uh but yeah, when you get to know them on a personal level a little bit more, it's it's even more so um you're rooting for them. And um, you know, they're such an easy, easy group to cheer for because they're you know all great people up there. And um yeah, I'm I'm excited for them. I you know, I think they uh have a real chance to go on a long run. And uh, you know, I know Raleigh will be will be buzzing for the whole playoff run.

Hurricanes Playoffs And Family Pride

SPEAKER_02 4:13

Well, yeah, no kidding. So I thought we'd spend a minute and talk a little bit about your time at Quinipiac um 2019 to 23. Um, you know, and you kind of you know honed your craft and then in 23 had a pretty darn good year. Um you're uh gladiator ECAC best defensive forward. You're named to the ECAC third team all conference and earned all academic recognition.

SPEAKER_01 4:40

That's great. Hey, there we go. That's yep. Mom's happy about that one.

SPEAKER_02 4:44

Uh yeah, I was gonna say, I bet I bet your mom and dad were excited about that academic side. Yeah, you know, you gotta get that uh get that done. But that's great. And you played in all 41 games, you had an excellent season, 32 points, and one of the things I noticed was you led the nation with 500 face-off wins. So you were doing it back then.

SPEAKER_01 5:04

Yep, yep. That's uh that's the Quinnibiag way. We uh that's something that uh you know, I've always grown up um been a centerman, so I've always taken draws and um understood how important um you know, all the games is obviously now with playoffs, everything is even smaller, the margins, but um throughout the season, just winning face-offs is something that you know can really affect the game. Um you don't really think about it, to be honest with you, as a fan watching, like you don't you know, you don't think too much of it, but yeah, it eliminates a lot of things or creates some things in the offensive zone. So um, you know, at Quint and Pieck that was we harped on that all the time. And it was every day after practice, like if you're a center, you have to take draws. And he and it's uh you know, it was something that I think is really just beneficial because not only was no for me, obviously, but we had a lot of guys in on our team that year that were really good. So you're practicing against guys that are that are really good. And um, I don't know what all our numbers were on the team. I I don't remember that, but I I'm pretty sure all of us were were pretty uh you know above 50% because um that's one thing about Rand. If you're not not above 50%, you're not you're not playing center center there.

SPEAKER_02 6:16

So well, and you carried that up into the uh into your time with the Kanes as well. I was very impressed with how you handled yourself in the DOT. And and you know, in this series that the Canes just had, I mean that was a big discussion point, right? Because the Sens, uh the Sens, one of the top face-off teams of the league, and they just they just you know humbled the Kanes the first couple of games, right? They just oh my god, they're just devastating in the face-off dot. And and I guess Rod got back, your dad got back there and said, Hey guys, we gotta get this right. Get the Fox out and start dropping them, right?

SPEAKER_01 6:48

Yep, that's right. I'm sure he was uh knowing him, he was uh yeah, probably not too happy with the with the face-off numbers. And um, again, that's credit to the guys up there. They they dug in and were able to uh kind of even that out in the last couple games, and you know, I think that made a little bit of a difference for sure.

SPEAKER_02 7:05

Well it's huge, and and that was really impressive, you know. So so that's great. And then of course, uh you know, the uh the major culminating thing that happened uh, of course, with you at Krnipiac was winning the NCAA national championship in 23. That must have been just amazing for you.

Quinipiac Habits And Faceoff Edge

SPEAKER_01 7:24

Yeah, that was uh one of the obviously best uh best nights of my life for sure. And um I like what made that so special um to me was you know, obviously I was there for four years, and then during my time there they kind of implemented that COVID year. So we actually had um a lot of fifth year guys. So I was with them the my full four years and and then my class as well, the seniors. And so um, you know, you grow to obviously become you know your teammates at first, but then you become really close with all those guys and you're with them every day for you know four years. And so um, and then you know, a lot of those guys came back for that fifth year because you know, it was yeah, like we had we thought we had a chance to win it if if those guys came back. So um that was really cool and um something that obviously I'll never forget. And um just the whole not even just you know the the that night, but just the whole season in general was was one of the most fun I've ever had playing. I mean we just we were rolling, but we you know we knew what our our mission was and um and yeah, it was just a great group of guys and uh something that you know obviously when I get to go back there too, you know, and do the alumni skates now. Um it's pretty it's pretty cool to see all those guys, and you obviously have something now that you know you always have for the rest of your life with with that group in there, and um it's it's really cool.

SPEAKER_02 8:42

Yeah, and and a number of the guys, of course, have gone on to continue fine careers. Um you know, Colin Graf, uh doing well in San Jose, uh Jake Jake Quillin, a good opportunity with Toronto this year at the end of the season. He's done well. Zach Metza in Buffalo, you know, Sam, Sam uh Lipkin and other guys. I mean, they've all they've all kind of gone on. It's exciting, right? I mean, it's it's got to be great for you because you know, and of course you're you're doing it as well. And and Charles Alexis uh doing it as well. So a bunch of you guys, right? So so it's really great. And you know, it's funny because when I watched that that whole series and all that action quite closely, and uh you remember that uh that Jake and and Colin, of course, were free agents, and there was a lot of a lot of discussion about that, right? And I actually did a podcast on that and and said, Keynes, you gotta sign these guys.

SPEAKER_01 9:34

Yeah, I try I try to get those guys to to sign here, but they uh they went back for another year and then I I got out of their ear a little bit, and so then they they went elsewhere, but obviously, obviously it worked out for him pretty good. So they made they made the right decision.

SPEAKER_02 9:48

Yeah, they've done great. And and you know what, it's it's just a testament to the program and Rand and everything he did with you guys. So so that's great. And that was uh I really thought that was that was exciting. Andrew?

Turning Pro And Earning Minutes

SPEAKER_00 9:59

Yeah, yeah, and then so you you know, you kind of ride that high of the national championship, the pedigree and everything, and you you know, you graduate, you turn pro and you start off with Charlotte Checkers. And so it's um, you know, that year Carolina didn't really have an AHL affiliate, but it gives you an opportunity to stay close to home and and all that. Um I believe you played with a local buddy of mine, Jerry Mayhew, on that team. Um yeah, guy uh guy's a beauty, isn't he?

SPEAKER_01 10:29

Um yeah, he actually just texted me today. It was oh really funny. That's funny you brought it up. Yeah, yeah. He was asking me about he was you know, wish me luck in playoffs, and then uh but yeah, he's uh he's an awesome dude. He's great.

SPEAKER_00 10:39

Oh, that's incredible. I got him up after that. Um but anyway, so how is do you did you find like your game kind of shifting as you made your debut in the pros, or were you just kind of sticking with what worked for you in Quinna Piac and just kind of getting your uh just kind of getting your first experience there in uh in the American League?

SPEAKER_01 10:59

Yeah, I mean obviously that that first year was uh was a tough year for me. There's you know, there's no doubt about it. Um I think any you know, you go from college to to pro, it's definitely a jump. Um I think a lot, you know, a lot of younger players, especially, you know, you that first year is always hard, but for me, you know, I was a little bit older playing four years of college and getting there. So um I was you know, obviously I knew it was gonna be a jump, but um I think getting there and kind of realizing, oh, you know, like this is this is definitely a a a level up here um was tough to to adjust to at first and then um you know then I had some injuries that you know are never you never want to blame, you know, excuse for missing time, but sometimes you get out of rhythm and then um with the way the league is, you know, there's always guys coming up and and taking spots and and doing that. And so as soon as you get out of the lineup, you know, and then you gotta work your way back in and then um things like that. And so um, yeah, it was a tough year. There's there's no doubt about it. But I also learned a lot. Like I, you know, for me it was okay, I gotta figure out how I gonna make an impact here. Um, you know, I was when I got there, I was, you know, I think my my game in in college kind of built up and I went from being kind of just a shutdown guy to my last year was more of both kind of offense and defense, and then I got to, you know, I was playing whatever, 20 something minutes a night every night in Quinnipiac, and then you go to Charlotte and you start off, you're playing, you know, eight eight to ten minutes, and it's it's kind of like uh you know a little bit of adjustment as far as how do you make an impact in those in those minutes, and that's um something I had to learn. And um, you know, for me I was I give a lot of credit to that staff down there. Um Jordy Kinnear was was really good. Um you know, he was hard, but he he was fair, and um, you know, he he was kind of what you know helped me out the whole year about, you know, look, I know you're not getting you know a ton of ice time, but here's what you have to do if you want to, you know, improve on that. And so we had a lot of video and things like that. And so one of the things, you know, we kind of already talked about it was um winning faceoffs because he would, you know, if we had a D-zone jaw, he'd throw me out there to win a draw and um and stuff like that. So that's how you get a little more ice. And so little things like that. And then um, you know, I've never been someone that looks at points and it's like I gotta get this amount of points or anything like that. But um, you know, in order to kind of contribute offensively, you gotta be out there. So how do you get yourself out there is kind of what I learned. And um yeah, I mean it was it was definitely a tough year mentally more than than anything. Um, just trying to to find that balance, but uh it's definitely helped me grow because it, you know, it it wasn't easy, but it was uh a learning experience for sure.

Defensive Matchups With Josiah Slavin

SPEAKER_02 13:39

Interesting. We're looking at uh some of the things going on with the Wolves this year. One of the areas that we've talked about and had some fun with has been uh your activity alongside Josiah Slavin. You've been together with him quite a bit this year. Um, and you know, you get into you guys take the tough defensive matchups, you go out, you kill penalties, you do all the heavy lifting out there defensively, and so on. And we said, hey, you know, they're man, they're like Jordan Stoll and Jordan Martin. Do you feel that's a pretty good comparison for you guys?

SPEAKER_01 14:09

Yeah, maybe not quite that level. Those guys are world-class, but uh we try to we try to try to be, I think. Uh um, but yeah, he's uh obviously unbelievable to play with because uh you know what you're getting from every night. I mean, there's no shortcuts in his game. He plays the right way, he's um you know, relentless on the forecheck, the back check. Um, and he you know one other thing that's kind of underrated with him is um like his stick is so active in the D zone. So he actually breaks up a lot. Like I always kind of joke with him, like, you know, thank thank gosh I have you out here, you know, because I get beat and he's right there, and I'm like, don't look so bad. So um I always uh I always appreciate him. He always um you know is a great player, and then also just you know, kind of a minor thing, but he's such a good person that um you know sometimes in in a game it gets really heated and I tend to be on the kind of side where I get super frustrated when when things aren't going you know my way or or whatnot or the team's way and he kind of always is there and he's like hey we're good, like let's let's get back at it, let's just keep it simple, let's let's get back to work. So he he's a nice calming influence um on me out there. And um yeah, we uh you know we also joke you think we both went up to Carolina together. We were always saying, you know, they can't can't put us on the ice without the other one out being out there. So um but yeah, he's uh yeah, he's been great. And obviously it's nice when you play with someone for that long because then the you know the chemistry's there and um just you know you know where he's gonna be and um vice versa. So uh yeah, I mean we love the the assignment of of trying to shut down guys, that's that's a role, and and we try to do the best we can to that.

SPEAKER_02 15:45

Yeah, and and I did talk to Spiros about that, and and he was uh again very complimentary. He thought you guys as a pair were just tremendous and doing that good work, and and he kind of laughed and thought, uh, yeah, they're they're a lot like Martin Ukinstall.

SPEAKER_01 15:59

So it's kind of we'll take that comparison. We we got a ways to go, but we'll take that comparison.

SPEAKER_02 16:03

Yeah, I thought that was a lot of fun. That that's great. So yeah.

Scoring Growth Through Opportunity

SPEAKER_00 16:07

I uh I got I gotta jump in here real quick because it's it's funny. You said you don't usually like looking at the numbers and the offensive output and everything. That's exactly what I'm gonna talk about here because well, you know, when you look at what you uh, you know, obviously your your season in Charlotte and your even your last year in Quinpiac, um back-to-back 16 goal seasons in Chicago is kind of something that uh that really stands out to me and it really hasn't uh kind of mirrored that earlier in your career or anything like that. Um is it just been like uh a focus of the coaching staff to get you more involved, or is it something as simple as just more opportunities and just the numbers have looked better for you?

SPEAKER_01 16:47

Yeah, I mean I think it's I mean it all starts with with more opportunities, to be honest with you. Um, you know, that's when I first got here last year, you know, um there wasn't anything given. It was hey, we you know, and I end up felt like I played pretty well to start, and then you you do that, it turns in you get some power play looks and um you get a few to kind of bounce off you or something, and then all of a sudden it's like hey, that you might actually be able to score, and then you know, and then you um get some you know, you get a little bit more and more. And um yeah, I mean I think that's the biggest thing is really just getting that opportunity and then you gotta make the most of it. Um, you know, I obviously in the summer I I take you know, I I I work pretty hard on trying to, you know, finish around the net and um work on those little details. And so um at the you know, at the end of the day, you can get the opportunity, but if you're not uh able to put it in or things like that, then it doesn't really matter to be honest. So um yeah, I I think it it mostly do with just getting an opportunity, and then obviously um our coaching staff down here does a great job with with giving you little things to to help you in that. Um and then you you know it's up to you to try to go and uh you know and put them in and and and make a difference.

SPEAKER_02 18:01

Well, you know, you you talk about getting goals, and of course, uh last year in your call-up you scored, which is great. And uh so that must have been a big throw for you. But you know, this year, you know, we're really excited to see you get called up again. And I don't know, I just felt like you were much more comfortable out there. Did you was it different for you this year?

SPEAKER_01 18:22

Yeah, I think definitely a lot more comfortable. Um obviously the first first time you get called up, it's just uh you know, it's a whirlwind. It's uh a lot of uh a lot of emotions and um you know a lot of nerves and and and all things like that. So um, you know, I felt like this time going up was a little more a little calmer, a little kind of understood what the game was gonna be. You know, before you you really have no idea. So you're I wouldn't say you know, you you feel like you're prepared, but at the same time you're like, I don't know, like you just don't know. So um so anyway, so yeah, this time it was you felt a little you know a little bit calmer. And um, you know, the thing is with going up late in the season like that where they're resting so many guys too, it's like you're gonna get ice time, like you you know, because they you know you're trying to save the other guys. So um you're kind of thrown into the fire, which is great. Like it's um you understand that like how hard of a league it is, but you know, you're not kind of tipping your toes in it. Like you're you're full in it, and it's um it's really cool. And it was you know, obviously a lot of fun. And it was awesome that you know we had a bunch of guys get called up because that also makes it a little bit easier with you know when you have a a bunch of guys up there, not only just on the ice, but you know, we had a day off in in Utah or whatnot, and so you were able to you know hang out with those guys and and kind of get away from the rink and things like that, which made it um you know even more even more special.

Call-Ups And Leading Younger Teammates

SPEAKER_02 19:42

Well, that's amazing. And and you know, uh we were you know, as I say, we're very excited to see you guys get called up. And we have been talking a lot. Uh I particularly was pressing hard for the canes to continue to win uh as the season kind of wound down. I mean, I was you know, they got to get first place in the East, and they got you know, they they gotta try to pass Dallas, you know. And I kept saying, you know, it's important uh to have that Holmice advantage, you know, because of the matchups and you know all the stuff that goes with that. And and we saw some of that, of course, in these past years. And and I really felt like that. And then and then, you know, they said, okay, you know, like last year we're gonna arrest a few players, you know, and and then they arrest a bunch, and they start calling up, you know, a bunch of folks from from uh from Chicago, and and we're going, well, well, I don't know how this is gonna work. And all you guys did was, you know, win most of the games.

SPEAKER_01 20:32

Yeah, you know what? That was another thing where you you feel like it's honestly I don't know about you know, obviously the manager and all that stuff, but I'm sure they weren't like, oh, we have to win these games. But as the guys that when we went up, it was like we wanted to make sure that we we won. Like it was is important to us because um, you know, we were not I mean again, and and they still had guys in the lineup and those guys carried and they were you know obviously the really good and f uh for the canes. But uh, you know, we obviously didn't, you know, we didn't want to mess it up. We wanted to uh try to get some wins and uh and keep the thing rolling for them going into playoffs. And so um yeah, I felt like you know, I don't know forget how many guys ended up getting caught up at the end there, but um, I think we all really try to take that to to heart and just you know do our job and then um you know uh make sure we get get the two points as as best we could.

SPEAKER_02 21:23

Yeah, I think it was seven or eight. You know, we saw we saw you know Felix Ungersorm come up and you know uh Ronan Seely, I think a lot of us were really excited to see Rona get up there and you know it was just great. It it was fun. And you guys did an awesome job. You know, one of the things that you know, as I look at the Wolves season this year, you know, you've got you've got some young guys that are, you know, they're coming along and they're trying to figure out the you know how this works and they're looking for leadership and mentorship and so on. And I guess you you know you're in that role now. So um so so it it must be rewarding for you. I mean, you see these players, they're they're starting to grow their game, they're growing personally. How do you find that?

SPEAKER_01 22:07

Yeah, I mean, that's you know, that's awesome to be a part of. Um obviously kind of it's funny, whatever. Last year, you know, I've second year pro, and then um you get kind of here, and you're one of the older guys already, and you're kind of like, whoa, you know, you um but that's um you know the way we are. We got with a lot of young guys, and um and it's it's awesome. I mean, those first off, they're just talented hockey players, all of them. They all um are just I don't you know they can do crazy things with the pot. I mean it's it's in it's impressive to see every day, but um you know it's also what I love about it is everyone's so hungry to to get better. And so it's every day of practice, it's a compete level um because all the you know everyone's pushing the envelope to to take the next step in their game, and so you either have to push yourself to make sure that you're continuing to go or you're gonna get left behind. So um that's what makes it fun for me when you have you know a lot of young guys because it's everyone's you know super fired, fired up and hungry to to get better. Um and then you know, even you see it from guys from year one to year two that have been here, it's they've all gotten um way better and they've gotten way more comfortable. And um, yeah, obviously we have a great leadership with Josiah and you know uh Seely and Robes. And those guys do a great job uh, you know, being the main leaders, but we also a successful team, you you have more than just the the letters that are leading. You gotta have a lot of guys that uh are doing the right things. And so um, you know, I'm not the most vocal guy, but uh I feel like I try to try to do the right things on and off the ice every day. And um, you know, if maybe a young guy sees that and hopefully, you know, they say, okay, we you know this is how you do it, then then great. And so um, but yeah, we have a lot of guys like that, and that's what you know makes our team so special, in my opinion.

SPEAKER_02 23:57

Yeah, and I mean you're leading by example, as you say, and and you know, in the when Sparrows was on, he was talking a lot about different players, and and you know, it just it's just incredible to see the group that's that's been put together. Uh, you know, we those of us who get a chance to cover the wolves really uh we always have lots to talk about.

SPEAKER_01 24:16

Yeah, yeah, exactly right.

Why Spiros Wins The Room

SPEAKER_02 24:18

There's a lot of good stuff going on. And and no, talking about Sparos, um, you know, we we really you know we enjoy Sparos a lot, and we were so excited when the announcement came out recently that he's now the formal head coach. He's not interim anymore, and and you know, we we we were thrilled. And um so you know, what's it like playing for him though? I mean he's a great guy to to have on here, but no, he he's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 24:44

Um, like obviously you guys know you you've had him on and you know him, and you know that's who he is, and so he he doesn't try to tr change himself, which I think sometimes if you know a coach goes from assistant to head coach in the middle of the year, you might sense like uh you know it might change, and that's just natural, but um a lot of times that's you can kind of sniff that out as as being fake is you try to do something that he's not, and so um I get a lot of credit to him because it's hard um to go from assistant to the head coach, especially during the year, and so he hasn't changed, and that and that's what um to me is is why he's been successful as our as our coach, because um, you know, he's obviously he's he's hard on you and he and he expects a lot, but um you want to do that for him because one, he's just you know such a good person um that you want him to be successful because of you know the the way he is. And so um yeah, he's been great. Uh like a lot of things too that from last year to this year that we kind of felt like you know, all the players um we talked about like we maybe you want to see a little bit of an improvement here um just from like a practice or video or or something like that, you know. Obviously at the end of the year, um, you know, people ask input on the players, and um he's really took that to to heart and understood where we're coming from and then uh has implemented that to our team. So um he's been awesome. And again, everyone loves to play for him and wants to play for him, wants to win for him. So um to me that's the sign of successful coaches if uh if he got full bot buy-in from your team, and um he certainly has that.

SPEAKER_02 26:22

Yeah, oh for sure. And and you know, he's he's so complimentary of others. I mean, all he wanted to do is talk about the players and and his uh his other coaches, and and uh you know, just kind of hey, I'm gonna share this because it's really the other people that are making it happen. So great guy, and I say we're delighted that uh that he was able to do that.

Texas Rematch Mindset And Road Start

SPEAKER_00 26:42

Yeah, I think it's uh it's a big vote of confidence in the organization heading into the postseason to be like, okay, we're making this official. I think that's I mean, it's it's wonderful. I'm super happy for him. I know the whole locker room is, and um, and I think it's gonna give him a little a bit of an energy boost coming into the series, which let's just put the elephant in the room right uh right now. We gotta point this out. Um, you're going up against uh the Texas Stars here, and and we're gonna call it the first round. HO playoffs are weird, but it's the it's the first opponent, and um this is a team that's taken seven out of eight games from you guys this season. It's it's been kind of a thorn in your side all year. Um and it's you know, they've been a well-coached team. It's just just the constant year after year with this squad, no matter who's wearing that jersey. Um, but I kind of want to know the mentality of the locker room in there once you guys kind of figure out that this is who you're gonna be playing. Is it like are you guys relishing chance to kind of get some payback against them, or is it just kind of business as usual? We don't really care who's in front of us, we're gonna go out and play our game.

SPEAKER_01 27:50

Yeah, I mean, it's a little bit of both. I think uh at the end of the day, it's who who we play, and then it doesn't really matter. We gotta go and and play our game and beat them, but at the same time, uh, we're excited that it's that it's Texas. We obviously owe them a few. Um yeah, I mean, uh you know, there's no secret. Uh they've had our number this year. Um, but you know, that's the regular season. Playoffs is a whole different animal, and um, you know, we're excited uh to get to get down there uh tomorrow we fly in. So um yeah, they have a good team. I mean, there's there's no doubt about it. Um they play hard. Um, you know, they got a good goalie who's played really well against us. Um but we we're confident in our group and we and we feel really good about it. Um you know, we just gotta play our game. We we're deep, we got four lines, we got six defensemen, we got um two goalies that have been great all year. So um we're we're excited. I think um, you know, like I said, it playoffs are a little bit a little bit different animal than than the regular season. So um we're we're ready to go, that's for sure.

SPEAKER_00 28:55

Do you guys think it's uh do you like the the chance to start the series on the road, or do you think you would have preferred maybe having the home fans in front of you first?

SPEAKER_01 29:04

Um to be honest with you, it doesn't really bother me either way. I I don't mind going there first to be like to be honest. Um you know, obviously the weather will be nice there, so that'll be a good little step off the plane and we'll get a little sunshine, which will be good. But um yeah, let you know it's every game it's we're trying to win every game, and it's when we go there, if we can, you know, it's just about one game at a time and um play the first one, win that one, and then um and then reset and do it again, and then we can come home and close out the series. So um yeah, uh we're excited about it. And um, to be honest with you, we haven't I haven't really thought about if I'd rather play there or here first. It's it's uh wherever we go, that's that's the way it is, and let's let's go make the most of it.

Special Teams Plan For Playoffs

SPEAKER_00 29:49

Not even a factor. Oh, that's great. Um so we saw we saw up with the canes just how important special teams are in in terms of just how momentum swings and everything. I mean, look how how strong that penalty kill was against Ottawa with the 95 penalties that some the senators had kept getting every uh every period. Um but beyond that, you know, just kind of as we turn back here to you guys in the Texas, you know, looking at how, again, with that momentum of special teams going back and forth, how do you think that your units kind of stack up with the stars on the power play and the penalty kill?

SPEAKER_01 30:27

Yeah, I mean, obviously, like you said, it's a huge in in every series. Um, you know, you tend to whoever has the better special teams ends up winning series most of the time. Um, so we know that we've worked a lot on it this week um on both the PK and the uh and the power plays. But um yeah, I mean we feel good. We have a plan of what we you know want to execute. Obviously, you know, you talk more about power play, but like we you gotta make plays when you're out there. Um you gotta get pucks to the net and and get in front of the eyes and and kind of bang away. Um obviously we have a plan of things we want to attack, but um Dan Price runs the power plays and he does a great job of giving us kind of a skeleton of what he sees and and video and things like that. But um at the end of the day, like you we gotta take some ownership of it as as players that are on it and um take what's given and and then really especially you know our unit, the second unit, uh it's a little more of let's get the puck to the net and let's you know cause a little bit of chaos there. Um and so if we do that, I think we'll have a good good chance of being successful. And then on the PK, yeah, that's um like you said in the canes series, that you know that probably one on the series is how good their their PK was. Um and so yeah, it's the same thing. We you know at the end of the day, it's you be on the right spots, kind of understanding it. But then, you know, this time of year, especially, you might have to eat a puck, you gotta make sure you you get in front of it. Um you saw that in the Carolina series, guys diving all over the place. Um, so yeah, I mean look, they're they're a good team, they're gonna make plays, that's the way it is. But um at that point, sometimes you know you have to fly on the ice and and and maybe eat one and and save a goal. So um I know we got a bunch of guys in our room, or all the guys in our room that uh are willing to do that. So um should be a good series.

SPEAKER_00 32:13

Yeah, um we get you guys got the veterans. Texas has a lot of veterans as well. They have a couple, uh Cam Hughes and Cole Lynn that were big parts of Coachella Valley making it to the to the Calder Cup finals there a couple times. So they got the experience on on their back, and you know, yeah, you guys got uh got a couple vets, you got a big lineup with the a lot of young talent there too. So is it I mean, do you kinda I don't want to say you guys kind of get uh it's like it's hard to kind of contextualize it, but they've got a lot of guys that have done it and been there before. So how do you kind of do you kind of battle with them with that that big game experience that they've brought at this stage?

SPEAKER_01 32:59

Yeah, um to be honest with you I don't really know. I mean, yeah, like you said, they have some guys that have been through it, um, you know, more maybe more than than we do, but um yeah, like I again maybe will make a difference. I don't know, I can't tell you for sure, but um I d to me it's it's about every every year, every playoff series it's different. So it you know, you kind of forget about the the past. Like we you know, we learned from last year. We have a lot of guys returning. Um I know it was a playing series, but um you know, we learned from that. We've you know, I mean I can't speak for everybody, but for me that that's up sat with me for for a lot of the summer, how we came out in that that last uh game of the of the series last year. So um I I know a lot of guys weren't happy with with the way we we ended the season last year, so that gives us a little more more fire under us. And um yeah, uh to me, I don't know. I I don't think maybe the experience is as crucial as maybe um you know just playing as hard as you can. And uh and if you do that, I like our chances and um you know you can you can kind of live the results if you're given everything you got and uh um yeah, go from there.

SPEAKER_00 34:15

And then kind of like you know, I I I've been covering this team for for about six years now. A lot of you know, a lot of big studs that have come and gone through this organization. I think this is a really one of the deeper squads I've seen in Chicago, maybe outside of that 22 Call of the Cup team. Um it's high feelings there, so it is what it is. But um what uh you know from what you see in that locker room and from Ice level, what do you see as the bit team's biggest strength leading to uh potential long run here in the playoffs?

Depth Goaltending And Team Identity

SPEAKER_01 34:49

Yeah, I mean I think there's a couple things. I think the first off is is we got like you said, we have pretty good depth here. Um I really believe that we got four lines that can play. Um obviously, you know, we got our top line there with uh with Zooks, Robes, and ads. I don't know if there's a better offensive line in the in the AHL, to be honest with you. So um that's a pretty good starting point, I think, when you when you have that. And then um you can follow it up with you know three more lines that uh you know throughout the year have been able to to play uh you know shut down hockey, but also been able to put um Bucks the net when you know other teams are really keen on on the top line there. Um and then the other thing I again we talked about the back end, um we had obviously great players there, and that's been a big uh strength of ours all year. And then um, you know, you go back to our goaltending. I mean, Preem's been the best goal in the age. Like he's uh he's a stud. He's um you know, so I like I feel like we have the recipe, we got the the right the right mix here. Now it's just about um executing on our on our game plan and um being a little more desperate than than the next team. And that's you know that's what it comes down to. So um yeah, I mean again that I'm excited because I uh like you said, I think we got uh a pretty good uh pretty good group in there that can can go on a run.

SPEAKER_02 36:10

Well, you know it's fun because uh when I was talking to Sparrows, uh we were kind of running through the lineup and and uh a couple things that came up. I was talking about reinforcements at that point. You guys had some really good ones that came in, and and one of them was Noah Phil. And he's been on a terror lately, and and all of a sudden now you've got you know, with your big line, of course, which is I mean, we talked about them terrorizing the league when they were you know on fire. Um, and then you bring out the second line, and you've got Philip and of course uh Felix Under Storm, and those two guys have been tremendous with different wingers, you know, Noychev or Bierling or whatever. But the other thing I said, which was kind of fun, there was your line, of course. Uh and you had uh, I think at that time you had Noel Gundler uh on the wing, and you know, we we really like Noel, he's he's great. And then the funny thing I said to Spiro's was I said, now you've got you know, you've got Nikita Pavlichev and you've got Evan Bierling on the fourth line. I don't know a team that's got second liners on their fourth line, right?

SPEAKER_01 37:09

So so yeah, no, exactly. That's what that I and that kind of goes to show you that we got uh we're deep and that and every you know, and I again I the one through four line, like I obviously we you know I don't think we really number it like like that so much, but uh sure yeah, I mean that's that just goes to show you how much depth we have, and then not you know, we've added guys too, and and Philipper's been great. Um yeah, like you said, he's getting hot at the right time, and that's that's that's that's great for us. And so um yeah, I mean I I I really like what what we got got going.

SPEAKER_02 37:42

Well, there's another funny part that uh on the on the Keynes broadcast, I kind of penned this uh Bash Brothers, uh, which was uh William Carrier and uh Nicholas Delorier. And I said, if anybody starts uh getting cranky out there, we'll get the Bash Brothers in and we'll we'll shake it up. And Andrew said, well, wait a minute, I think we could talk about that with uh with the wolves, right, Andrew?

SPEAKER_00 38:05

Oh yeah, I mean, you know, uh Yanni Turkot has been probably one of my favorite wolves over the last couple uh couple of seasons, and I'm I've been familiar with Giovanni Smith and the Central Division for about the last five years now. So um I I don't know about you. Those are two customers I would I would not want to see on the ice at all.

SPEAKER_01 38:25

Yeah, no, those guys are uh are different level tough, that's for sure. They uh yeah, you don't want to I uh you see it in games when Turks is for checking and the D-man is like, yeah, I'm all good. And to be honest with you, I don't blame him. I mean, I it's like guys coming down full barrel and he's you know he's hunting for blood. So um, but that like that's that's his game, and that's what makes him effective is he's puts a little bit of fear in you, and then um you know he's he doesn't just do it for show. I mean he he will do it, he'll back it up. So um yeah, him and and and G are both you know tough as they get and they got no fear out there. And um, you know, obviously Turk's got got an injury. I don't know how long he'll be out, but uh hopefully hopefully we can get him back for a long with long playoff run, he'll be in the in the mix. But um, yeah, G's, you know, same thing. Like guys, uh, you know, they don't want to go to corner with him. And uh you know, that's just gonna show the depth we got because um, you know, we can put him in and he's gonna he's gonna do his job and um cause a little bit of chaos.

SPEAKER_02 39:29

Yeah, that's fun. And and you know, when when Nicholas Delorio first came to the Keynes, one of his games uh against Philadelphia, I think it was he had 11 hits.

SPEAKER_03 39:38

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 39:39

And and the the most in the league this year was 12 by uh Melanson with uh with the uh Seattle Kraken. But I kind of joked about that and I said, I'm man, that's um that's more than the whole team some night, you know.

SPEAKER_01 39:52

Oh yeah, no, that's even that last uh game four there where he's I don't know how many minutes he played, but he had the one shift where he knocked over four guys. Like I was unbelievable. I'm like, he's getting his money's worth, that's for sure. So yeah, he knows his role and he and he does it, he does it well. That's why he's last so long.

SPEAKER_02 40:08

Yeah, no, I think that's great. And and you know, talking about reinforcements, I just wanted to ask you this question too, uh Skyler. You know, Charlie Serato uh has joined the team. He was injured, of course, uh for part of the season with Penn State. And and you got uh Ivan Riadkin back after he terrorized the Quebec Major League. Oh my god, that was just amazing with Charlottetown. Um how are they doing? Folks are wondering what's what's up with these guys.

Separating Dad From Coach

SPEAKER_01 40:35

Yeah, they've both been great. Um obviously Ivan uh we know him uh pretty well. Obviously, he started the year with us, so um got to know him well, and then like he said, he went to to Charlestown and uh made that league look pretty pretty easy. So um, but yeah, no, he he's great. He's obviously super talented. He's gonna be you know a really, really good player. Um yeah. Still young, just turned 19 yesterday. So um but yeah, like he's another guy like for playoffs. You know, he you had to him in, he's he's feisty, you know, he'll get in there, no doubt about it. And um he's got a lot of skills, so he he can make plays, and that's you know, that has that game-changing kind of ability where you know playoffs get tight, he's able to, you know, maybe find something out enough in there. And um, so he's gonna be a big help. And then um Charlie's been been great. Um obviously I haven't seen a play. He's just practiced with us, but you can tell he's got all the tools that you need. He's uh good skater, strong. Um yeah, I'm excited to see him. He's gonna be you know, another one that's that's gonna be really, really good and um is gonna help us in in our playoff run for sure.

SPEAKER_00 41:41

So as we kind of round it out here, there's kind of there's one thing I've always wanted to ask you about because at this level you don't often see someone with such a uh uh connection in the hot in their own organization like you do with your dad. And you know, I just kind of want to know how that dynamic how you guys work on that. Do you separate the professional dad from the the dad dad? Or you're at Thanksgiving dinner and you're talking about how to run the power play.

SPEAKER_01 42:14

Like yeah, no, he we uh we separated pretty good. Um obviously he's uh he's been great with you know growing up and everything and being super supportive. And um, you know, he does he's always done a a good job of you know letting me kind of initiate conversations as far as about you know my game or things like that. Um he tries not to to butt in too much. Obviously there's there's times where you know I things didn't go well, he'll make sure you know he lets me know like what's going on, what are you doing there? Um but for the most part it's uh it's uh you know he lets me kind of you know I'll call him and ask him if you know I feel you know little areas that you know I need to look at and he'll he's got you know he'll obviously help me out and and do that, but he uh tries to stay away from it as as much as he can. I mean he's not he he has a hard time sometimes, you know, at uh stay it away as far as you know see something in my game, he doesn't want to, you know, he wants to make sure he lets me know, but um he does a good job. And then um yeah, I mean obviously when you go up it's you know it's a little bit weird, but it it once you start playing, I mean it's it's hockey. You don't really think about it. Um I know he well, I mean I can't speak for him, but um I don't I don't think he really thinks much of it once we you know you start playing because it's you know he's got a job to do and and so do I. So um but yeah, I mean obviously it's it's a bit weird and um you know it maybe a little bit w more weird at the start, but now it's kind of I kind of don't even really think about it.

SPEAKER_00 43:44

So it's good to know the dynamic doesn't change much from youth hockey to the NHL. Everyone's got their hockey dads, and you know, some can be a little overbearing at times, but I love them. That's right. That's right.

SPEAKER_02 43:57

Well, some of us have been hockey dads. Yeah, we uh we definitely were uh in the mix for sure, but uh great fun and and uh it's great uh to see your kids playing and having success. And and uh I've certainly enjoyed that too. Um okay, so I thought we'd have some closing uh remarks. Maybe Andrew, you could kick it off.

SPEAKER_00 44:19

Yeah, just kind of um I mean you kind of answered it a bit with uh just watching the game yesterday, but it kind of feels like you're already getting the energy going. You guys are chopping at the bit already to get a Texas. Kind of what's the what's the vibe? With uh with the boys after practice.

SPEAKER_01 44:34

Yeah, exactly right. We're I mean we're ready to go. Um obviously to be honest with you, I didn't even want the week off. We kinda wanted we wanted to get going, but um we used it to our advantage, so we we got some rest in and some preparation, but uh yeah, we're fired up. I'm fired up to get there. Um I mean this is you know the best time of the year. I mean this is obviously you know, you regular season you gotta get to get yourself to in a position to have a chance and that and um you know it's a grind. Uh there's no doubt about it. But um, you know, it's and I mean it's fun. I don't get me wrong, but like this is where you know the real fun starts is when you can uh get the playoffs here. And um, you know, I'm I'm fired up, the boys are fired up, and uh yeah, just can't wait to get it going here.

SPEAKER_02 45:17

Well for sure, and and hey Skylar, thanks for spending time with us. Um gosh, this is this has been fun, and uh we've learned a lot and certainly uh understand your situation uh with the with the wolves, how it's gone, and some of your history, and of course all the excitement that's uh that's had for you coming up.

SPEAKER_01 45:36

Yeah, well, I appreciate you guys having me on. So it's it's been good. And uh, you know, I like I said, I saw Sparrows on here, and I'll have to check out the show a little bit more. It's uh it's good.

SPEAKER_02 45:47

Thanks, yeah. We appreciate it. And you know, with uh with Andrew here too, of course, uh we get into some spirited conversations and we have a lot of fun uh talking about the wolves for sure. So yeah, it'd be great if you could uh check out some and tell uh tell some of your teammates. Hey, watch some of that stuff because they talk about you, probably.

SPEAKER_03 46:07

Yeah, it's all good stuff.

Closing Thanks And Listener Prompts

SPEAKER_02 46:09

But uh yeah, thanks again. Thanks again so much, Skylar. And for those of you who've been watching or listening, of course, we're delighted you spent time with us. If you like this episode, please press the like button. If you have questions or comments for Andrew or for Skylar, please put those in the comment section. And of course, if you want to be alerted of future episodes of Storm Tracker, please press the subscribe and the bell buttons, and you'll be made aware just as soon as they're available. As always, we thank you so much for spending time with us and look forward to getting together with you real soon right here on StormTracker.