SEASON REFLECTIONS: JOSH COUTURIER

Q: Overall how do you feel the season went?

A: Overall I think the season went well. I think we started slow, but overall, with the leadership group we had this year, we were able to settle everyone down and go forward from there. Obviously, we were most likely going to make playoffs, so that really stinks to have this whole thing happen and not be able to make a push for the Kelly Cup, but it is what it is at this point. Overall, I did think it was a really good season.

Q: What was your favorite moment during this season?

A: My favorite moment was definitely the Newfoundland trip. Playing the reigning champs, best team in the league, to go there and take three out of four was just something in itself. Being able to explore Newfie with the guys, go out, have some fun, as well as take care of business. That was the most fun, for me.

Q: What was your favorite promotional night?

A: I thought the Miracle night was sick! That was my favorite honestly. I was able to get my jersey too! As someone who lives in the United States and grew up with Miracle being one of my favorite movies, I mean, I never got to put on the USA sweater, like some of the guys like Scotty [Savage]. To be able to put it on was just so cool wearing those colors. That was the most fun. I got hit in the chin and I was bleeding all over my jersey, I really thought that was pretty cool. It was very well done, all around from the staff down.

Q: Which of your teammates were you most impressed with?

A: This could go around to a lot of guys, but the guy I was really impressed with was Ty Ronning. Just from last year, his first-year pro, he went home that summer and got stronger and got his skills better, and it showed. He was up most of the year. He was my roommate for a bit, and I got to know him even better. Overall, I think I was most impressed with him.

Q: Did you meet any of your personal goals? If yes, what were they?

A: Something that I did that I really take pride in is when I was hurt, I went on the bench, tried to help guys out, guys that were struggling, I’d take them out to dinner and settle them down and be there for them whenever they needed something. That’s something that I’m pretty proud of. Not being able to play, to be able to do that and help the team in a different way. I definitely enjoyed it. I work with kids in the summer at camps, so to be able to coach your colleges was pretty cool in itself, and they gave me the respect that they would any other coach, which was pretty cool. I think coaching is definitely something that I would be interested in.

Q: Is there anything that you want to say to the fan base?

A: Honestly, thank you! I think we have the best fans in the league. They support us all the time. We go out in the community, whether we are going out for a beer or helping out in a school, it’s so fulfilling when the work that you do really rubs off on the fans. They come to the games and support us, win or lose. They still come up to us and say, “good game”. I got pretty close with one of the season ticket holders, Travis Blake, we have the same birthday. He was great, just checking in, how was I doing, since I was hurt all the time. It is real exciting and it’s pretty cool overall to have your fans really care about you.