Interview Links

Here are some links to a couple important Smokies interviews we've done recently.

First of all, Trail Coach and GM Jim Ingram discusses the trade today:

• Ingram on Corcoran trade Part 1
• Ingram on Corcoran trade Part 2

Second, President Tom Gawryletz breaks down the team's financial situation:

• Gawryletz on finances Part 1
• Gawryletz on finances Part 2
• Gawryletz on finances Part 3

Third, here's an interview with Trail Jays Pitching Coach Collin Gibbs. The Jays won the Canadian Days Tournament over the weekend. They went 4-0 in their first games of the pre-season. Kellen Jones of the Vernon Vipers threw a complete game for the Jays in the championship game. Congrats to the Jays and I hope to see more of the same.

• Gibbs on tournament win Part 1
• Gibbs on tournament win Part 2

Fourth, I did an interview with Connor Jones on he and his brother Kellen heading to Quinnipiac University in 2010. The Montrose natives will continue to build that rivalry with the Smokies for the next two BCHL seasons before heading off to Division 1 NCAA hockey.

• Connor Jones on scholarship Part 1
• Connor Jones on scholarship Part 2

TOMORROW ON OVERTIME

We'll talk to new Smokies goaltender Marco Raimondo. How does he feel about being a Smoke Eater? What goaltender inspired him to strap on the pads? Who does he model himself after? What are his goals? The Montreal-er will tell his story tomorrow night on Mountain FM. We'll have more on Marco on the blog after the show as well. Hopefully you can tune in. We're also going to be talking about a major bike race that could be coming to the West Kootenay. Our topic of the day will be referees and whether they're worse today or if we just have better technology to scrutinize them. Call in at 1-877-560-1010 or *MTN on a Rogers Wireless. E-mail me at mullin@mountainfm.net

NOTES

Congratulations to Rossland's Dallas Drake for making the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in a long career. The 39 year old is a gritty warrior on the ice. With his team fading in Games 4 and 5, Drake stepped up with a goal, an assist and a huge hit in Detroit's Game 6 win against the Stars. I'm not usually a huge Red Wings fan, but you have to cheer for this gutsy player. Crosby and Malkin will get other chances, this may be Dallas Drake's last kick at the can. Go get that Cup! I've got Detroit in 7. I hope and pray this will be a classic series. The playoffs have been pretty boring getting here, but a great finals could make up for it.

Too bad about Canada losing the World Championship to Russia. I missed the game, but I have to wonder if it's time to start questioning Cam Ward as a go to goaltender. He had one hot run in the 2007 playoffs. Since that time he's been average at best for Carolina, and he gave up a couple of questionable goals in Canada's 5-4 loss to the Russians. I'd rather have seen someone a little more consistent in net. I think that was Canada's downfall. The Russians get their top goaltender to show up days after a playoff exit while Luongo, Brodeur, Giguere and other top netminders are no-shows for Canada. I think it says something that our boys can still get to overtime in a gold medal game with marginal goaltending. Bring on 2010!