Callahan Meets With Media Ahead of Game 1

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As the puck gets ready to drop on Game 1 of the Toronto Legion and Chicago Phoenix series, we sit down with Legion Rookie Harry Callahan.

 

Media: What do you think will be the toughest part of playing the Phoenix in the first round?

 

HC: Shutting down their best players is going to be hard for sure. Sundin and Gaming have both had very good years offensively, and both deserve any accolades that they get. Chicago has also received very good goaltending from Artyomov, so breaking through there will be hard for sure.

 

Media: What is the path to winning this playoff series?

 

HC: I think that our focal point needs to be on playing our game that has made us successful this season. With our strength in net and on the back end, if we can play tight hockey and slow down the best players for Chicago, I think we can have some success when they're not on the ice. Drawing the minutes against their best and winning the minutes against the rest is a recipe for success.

 

Media: You tied for the best plus/minus on the Legion roster this regular season, is there anything specific that you worked on for that, and do you think you can continue that into the playoffs?

HC: My largest priority this past off-season was improving my defense and puck handling attributes to try to not be a defensive liability making the jump to the VHL this season, and I think that it definitely helped. I've been fortunate to play with a couple of offensively gifted players who help drive the play, so I can focus more on being a stronger defensive contributor with them.

 

Media: Speaking of your linemates, Mac Atlas and Jimi Jaks finished 1-2 in points on the team this season. How can you better capitalize offensively to keep pace with those two players?

HC: I think that my role at the moment is to be the support player with those two, the chances will come with that as well. I'd still rather focus on improving defensively, while allowing them to be very strong at the offensive end of the ice. Anything that I can add to that is a bonus.

Media: After a successful regular season, do you expect to be in the running for VHL Rookie of the Year?

HC: I hope to be a finalist this season, but realistically there seems to be a runaway winner for RotY this year. Axle Gunner had a great season offensively for Moscow, and looks like the deserving winner this year. Just to be in the mix to be a finalist is fortunate this year if that happens.

Media: Thanks for meeting with us today, good luck in the playoffs.

 

HC: Any time, it was a pleasure!