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Reign Postgame Quotes: Brodzinski, Budaj, Stothers, Backman

The Reign tipped the Barracuda 2-1 in a tight one last night. Ontario Reign Insider has collected most of the postgame quotes, but here’s some exclusive stuff from Jonny Brodzinski and Peter Budaj.

Jonny Brodzinski about his strong first period:

Yeah, a lot of 2-on-1’s. Just couldn’t find the back of the net I guess. But I created a lot of chances in the first period, for sure.

Brodzinski on his growth so far this season:

Yeah, at the very beginning of the season, it’s kind of a tough transition from college to the professional level. It’s a lot faster, you have to make your plays a little bit quicker. But I’m starting to catch on now, get a little more confidence and get a lot more scoring chances, so it’s good.

Peter Budaj on if Stothers has clarified how he will split time with Bartosak:

We got a big win tonight. We got to focus on our next game. So we’ll see what’s going to happen next week.

Budaj, when asked if he has any comment about the tweet he sent out earlier in the day that went viral:

No.

Mike Stothers talks about Nic Dowd’s play:

Dowder’s been unbelievable for us. He’s done everything we’ve asked. He’s a great faceoff guy, he makes plays, he’s responsible in our end. Power play, penalty kill. His game has come a long way. I think maybe the turning point for him was last year in the playoffs. He didn’t get maybe the praise or the accolades for his performance, but the people who watched hockey, upper management in our organization watched him throughout the playoffs and were thrilled with the way he was playing and it hasn’t stopped. He’s just been full throttle. I know he had a good summer working and training and he wants to be an NHL regular. You know what, he’s opening some eyes and he’s making a statement.

Stothers on Sean Backman (Backman was standing at the side):

(looks over at Backman) I don’t say anything about him. (laughs) Backs is great. He’s a good leader for us, and he’s one of the hardest working guys every day—whether it’s practice or games. And his energy rubs off on everybody. He’s a small guy that plays big, plays a big game. You know what, it took him a while to find the back of the net, I think the other night in Stockton was his first goal, but he was contributing with assists and setting players up. Again, there’s a guy who plays in all situations for us. He was part of our core group last year and a big part of why we had the success that we did and he’s carried it over this year. He’s been terrific.

Backman on how his game has grown from being a secondary player under Mark Morris to now:

I just think Stutts has a lot of confidence in what I can do and that’s what this game is all about, it’s just playing with confidence, and I think that’s what it is.

Backman talks about Kempe’s offensive maturation:

He’s a heck of a player. I think I’m 10 years older than him. (laughs) The guy can skate like the wind, shoots the puck hard, and he’s going to be a really good hockey player.

Talking Points