Avalanche Weekly

Rookie Camp: Pickard, Patterson, Millan

r.boulding — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:35 +0000

Last week we posted two different audio interviews from the Colorado Avalanche rookie development camp. The first was from prospective defenseman Stefan Elliott. The second was from Elliott’s natural defensive partner Duncan Siemens.

Justin Goldman wasn’t done with just them though, as he was obviously at camp to check out the goalies in the Avalanche system. Unable to speak with Sami Aittokallio due to the lack of a Finnish translator, Justin was limited to chatting with the other three netminders at camp: Calvin Pickard, Kent Patterson, and Kieran Millan.

Goldman went on to elaborate on his conversation in a post over on his independent goalie scouting site, The Goalie Guild.

For Pickard, I focused our short interview around his impressive durability. As you’ll hear, I consider him the epitome of a major-junior workhorse since he faces a higher volume of shots and starts than almost every other CHL goaltender…

For Millan and Patterson, I focused our interview on revealing the importance of education with two high-level NCAA goaltenders. Please note that Patterson answers questions first, so that you can distinguish between the two puck stoppers.

::Listen Now::

Courtesy of Mile High Sports Radio

What do you think?

Rookie Camp: Duncan Siemens

r.boulding — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:32:12 +0000

Independent goalie scout and Avalanche Weekly host Justin Goldman made it out to the Colorado Avalanche rookie development camp today, scouting mainly goaltenders. He did however have a chance to catch up with a few of the others players who made it out to Denver.

At 6 feet tall and 192 pounds, 18-year-old prospective defenseman Duncan Siemens is a big kid. He’s also a tough kid and one that knows how to find the back of the net when he has the chance. Siemens, who managed 43 points, 121 penalty minutes and a plus-40 rating across 72 regular season games, was ranked 10th amongst North American skaters by Central Scouting Services in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and was the defensive partner of Stefan Elliott while with the Saskatoon Blades. Much like his favorite player, Scott Stevens, Semens prefers a physical game and has been compared to Chris Pronger.

Siemens is also on the hunt for a place on the roster and joined Elliott as one of Goldman’s non-goalie interviews today.

“You know I’m going to come into camp and put everything I have on the ice and leave that decision to the coaches… and whatever happens, happens.”

::Listen Now::

Courtesy of Mile High Sports Radio

What do you think? Do you like what you hear?

Rookie Camp: Stefan Elliott

r.boulding — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:29:52 +0000

Twenty-year old defenseman Stefan Elliott is a big name at camp this season as he was favored to serve the Avalanche after a very strong training camp and pre-season showing last year. He didn’t manage crack the lineup though and spent the rest of the season with his Saskatoon Blades. There he finished with an outstanding 81 points in 71 games and went a whopping plus-62. Did I mention already that he’s a defenseman? Elliott went on to add eight points in 10 playoff games before joining the Lake Erie Monsters in their playoff push, adding two helpers in five games for them.

If there is a defensive vacancy on the roster this season, Elliott is expected to be the call up. He will be one exciting kid to watch at camp and was the first of Goldman’s interviews today.

“Obviously my goal is to make the team. I’m going to come to camp and just work as hard as I can and just try to make a tough decision for the staff… I’m just going to do everything I can to show them that I deserve to stay.”

::Listen Now::

Courtesy of Mile High Sports Radio

What do you think? Do you like what you hear?

Avalanche Weekly 3-27-11

r.boulding — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:09:53 +0000

The latest episode of Avalanche Weekly is now available for your listening pleasure.

Tune in to hear Dan, Justin, and Rick discuss Brian Elliott and the work he has put in, the Avalanche being “officially” eliminated from playoff contention, and the announcement that Joe Sakic will be joining the organization.

There are also two very special guest appearances on the program. The first is former Colorado Avalanche forward Shjon Podein. Podein played in 699 NHL games, including four seasons with the Avalanche and finished his career with 100 goals, 106 assists and 439 penalty minutes. He called in to talk winning the Stanley Cup, wearing his gear for 25 straight hours, and more.

Podein now runs Team 25: The Shjon Podein Children’s Foundation, which is dedicated to improving quality of life for children with illness while also providing a community of support. He is also on Twitter.

Former Avalanche forward and current Columbus Blue Jackets assistant coach Dan Hinote also joined the program. Hinote played in 503 NHL games, including five and a half seasons with the Avs. Through hard work and passion he earned every one of his 38 goals and 52 assists and was considered a leader, the heart and soul of his team. Hinote discussed roles on the Avalanche, coaching the Blue Jackets, and becoming a friend with benefits of the program.

Hosted by Dan Bettlach, Justin Goldman, and Derek Armstrong, and joined by Rick Berry, Avalanche Weekly can be heard live on Sunday nights from 8-10 pm MST on Mile High Sports Radio AM1510|FM93.7 and online at Mile High Sports.

What do you think?

Avalanche Weekly 2-27-11

r.boulding — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:15:54 +0000

Last week’s episode of Avalanche Weekly is finally live, just in time for you to catch up before tomorrow’s episode.

This show features a plethora of information. Recorded the night before the trade deadline, listeners now have the knowledge to laugh at the trade speculation that is frequent throughout the show. Dan, Justin, and Derek are joined by special guest Bill Ranford, who is more than happy to discuss winning the Stanley Cup, the Disney film Miracle, filling his time during retirement, goalie coaching, and what it’s like being traded.

Ranford is a former NHL goaltender who played for the Edmonton Oilers and the Washington Capitals among other teams during nearly an 18 year career. He finished with a 240-279-76 record and a 3.41 lifetime goals against average and .888 lifetime save percentage.

The guys also discussed the recent Avalanche trades, including the Craig Anderson trade in depth, the potential for trading John-Michael Liles, the recent Avalanche struggles, Sidney Crosby, concussions, teams still in playoff contention, the trade of Brad Boyes, and even the future of Colorado’s goaltending.

Hosted by Dan Bettlach, Justin Goldman, and Derek Armstrong, Avalanche Weekly can be heard live on Sunday nights from 8-10 pm MST on Mile High Sports Radio AM1510|FM93.7 and online at Mile High Sports.

What do you think?

Avalanche Weekly 2-13-11

r.boulding — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:30:10 +0000

After a brief hiatus, Avalanche Weekly returns! This week’s episode is now available for live streaming and features two special guests.

The boys were joined on the phone this week by former Colorado Eagles forward Phil Crowe. Crowe played 54 games with the Eagles during the 2003-04 season after some up and down stints in the NHL. He finished his NHL career with 9 points and 73 penalty minutes in 94 professional contests.

The fun didn’t stop there though, as the boys also got to chat with Jake Schroeder, long time Kroenke Sports National Anthem singer and vocalist for the band Opie Gone Bad.

They also discussed a variety of topics including the downward spiral of the Avalanche and how it impacts the kids who are playing on the team, the St. Louis Blues, goalie fights and fighting in general, the appeal of hockey to a broader audience and Armstrong even makes a comment about the Mario Lemieux situation.

What did you think? Did you listen live?

Avalanche Weekly Interviews Scott Parker

r.boulding — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 05:07:08 +0000

The final guest caller of the week was former Colorado Avalanche inforcer: Scott “the Sheriff” Parker.

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The Sheriff played for the Avalanche across a six year period. He finished his career with 7 goals, 14 assist, 699 penalty minutes, and fought in 60 NHL bouts during his reign. After ringing in earlier to talk with Aaron Miller, one time fan favorite Parker called back to talk about fighting in the NHL, what it was like retiring, and he even lets slip his favorite hockey movie.

What did you think?

Avalanche Weekly Interviews Ken Klee

r.boulding — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:00:13 +0000

Avalanche Weekly was at it again this week, talking to former NHLers like nobody’s business. The second caller of the show was former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ken Klee.

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Klee only played 81 games for the Avalanche, accumulating 19 points and 68 penalty minutes. Klee played nine seasons with the Washington Capitals, and spent time the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers, Anaheim Ducks and Phoenix Coyotes as well. His career spanned 934 games and he managed 195 points and 880 penalty minutes therein.

Klee talked about his time spent playing in Denver, what it was like to retire, his coaching experiences, the max he could bench press, and the NHL record he currently holds.

What did you think?

Avalanche Weekly Interviews Aaron Miller

r.boulding — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:43:55 +0000

Avalanche Weekly was at it again this week, talking with special guest Aaron Milller.

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Miller was a product of the move of Quebec Nordiques to Colorado and he played five and a half years with the Avalanche before moving on to the Los Angeles Kings and eventually the Vancouver Canucks. A career defenseman, Miller posted 25 goals, 94 assists in 677 NHL games. Add to that 12 points in 80 playoff games and Miller had a nice stint playing professional hockey.

Miller talked about his time now that he’s retired from hockey, moving to Colorado with the Nordiques, and he even took some questions from a special caller by the name of Scott “the Sheriff” Parker.

What did you think?

Avalanche Weekly 12-6-2010

r.boulding — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 03:05:54 +0000

This week’s episode of Avalanche Weekly is now available for live streaming and features two special guests.

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The boys were joined in studio this week by former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Rick Berry. Berry played 76 games with the Avalanche during his first two years in the NHL before heading off to the Pittsburgh Penguins and eventually the Washington Capitals. He finished his career with 15 points and 315 penalty minutes in 197 professional contests.

Berry wasn’t afraid to jump in and talk about Peter Budaj and Craig Anderson, Kevin Shattenkirk, Milan Hejduk, Carolina Hurricanes rookie Jeff Skinner, and the work it takes to survive in the NHL.

The boys also got to chat with Craig Conroy of the Calgary Flames about staying fresh in the NHL, fighting former Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy in training camp, various pranks and stories and the most fun he’s ever had playing hockey.

What did you think? Did you listen live?

Avalanche Radio Interviews Craig Conroy

r.boulding — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:00:25 +0000

Avalanche Weekly was joined by yet another special guest this week. This time, Calgary Flames forward Craig Conroy called in to talk hockey and share some stories.

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Conroy has played his last five seasons with the Flames, his second tour with the team. He has 182 goals and 360 assists and has just topped the 1,000 game mark with 1,008 games played in the NHL.

It’s just a game, we ought to go out there and enjoy it. -Conroy

He took some time out of his busy schedule to talk with Dan, Justin, Derek, and other guest Rick Berry about the special opportunity to have played in 1,000 professional games. Other topics included staying fresh in the NHL, fighting former Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy in training camp, various pranks and stories and the most fun he’s ever had playing hockey.

What do you think? Did you listen live?

Avalanche Weekly 11-29-10

r.boulding — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:30:16 +0000

In case you missed Avalanche Weekly, it is now available for streaming online.

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Hear Dan, Justin and Derek talk about the recent play of the Colorado Avalanche and what they need to do to continue to prove successful. The boys were joined this week by special guests Ian Laperriere and Brent Sopel who each gave great insight into the world of the NHL.

Topics discussed included the Avalanche youth movement, what it takes to block shots, Lappy’s possible future in the modeling world, Sopel’s system for home security, and winning the Stanley Cup.

If you want to hear the individual interviews, you can listen to Lappy’s and Sopel’s respectively.

What do you think? Did you listen live?

Avalanche Weekly Interviews Brent Sopel

r.boulding — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:40:44 +0000

In addition to having former Avalanche fan favorite Ian Laperriere on Avalanche Weekly, the boys received another special call from Brent Sopel.

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Sopel was kind enough to call in to the show on Monday night and talk with the boys about everything from Evander Kane and winning the Stanley Cup to his old school method for home security.

Now with the Atlanta Thrashers, Sopel has played over twelve seasons in the NHL including three with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning the Stanley Cup last year. He has 213 points in 612 career games including 17 points in 64 playoffs games.

What do you think? Did you listen live?

Avalanche Weekly Interviews Ian Laperriere

r.boulding — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:07:44 +0000

Avalanche Weekly was joined by two very special guests this week, the first being Ian Laperriere.

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Lappy was kind enough to call in to the show on Monday night and talk with the boys. Topics included the youth movement of the Colorado Avalanche, what it takes to block shots in the NHL, a possible modeling career in the wake of a pending nose job, and Avalanche great Joe Sakic.

Laperriere is a paragon of virtue and sportsmanship and is widely considered a fan favorite in Colorado. Playing just four seasons for the Avalanche, Lappy quickly won the fans over with his hard work, fearless shot blocking sacrifice, pugilistic skill and the occasional scoring flash. He played in 307 games for the Avs and accrued 112 points and a beautiful 552 penalty minutes.

What do you think? Do you miss Laperriere? Did you listen to the show live?

Avalanche Weekly 11-22-10 Pt. 2

r.boulding — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:25:44 +0000

Part two of Avalanche Weekly continues here.

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Listen to Justin Goldman, Dan Bettlach, former NHLer Derek Armstrong and Ryan Boulding chat it up about everything Colorado Avalanche and the NHL.

Avalanche Weekly can be heard live on Sunday nights from 8-10 pm MST on Mile High Sports Radio AM1510|FM93.7 and online at Mile High Sports.

What do you think?

Avalanche Weekly 11-22-10 Pt. 1

r.boulding — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 06:03:15 +0000

In case you weren’t able to pull yourself away from Monday Night Football, we now have this week’s episode of Avalanche Weekly available for streaming online.

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Follow the links to hear Justin Goldman, Dan Bettlach, former NHLer Derek Armstrong and Ryan Boulding chat it up about everything Colorado Avalanche and the NHL.

Avalanche Weekly can be heard live on Sunday nights from 8-10 pm MST on Mile High Sports Radio AM1510|FM93.7 and online at Mile High Sports.

:: CLICK HERE FOR PT.2 ::

What do you think?