The Charlatan: How would you sum up your team’s season and how they came in and performed here at Nationals?
Olga Hrycak: I recognize that it’s not the best schedule you can have where you only play four teams. I mean, I basically know what the other teams had for breakfast the next day. You have to play even better because of the fact they know you so well. So execution is such a big factor and I think we’re starting to understand that.
For us to be here and do as well as we did, even though we lost both games. Yes, it bothers me because I know we can play better, but the thing is, a four-point game, a six-point game, a 10-point game is nothing.
And these are fifth-year players against second-year players. The guys that hurt us were always fifth year players, guys like Kevin McCleery. I can’t replace that kind of experience. That’s why it’s important to us to come back next year. Now we’ll have two years of experience under our belt. We’re going to stay here right to the end, regardless of whether we’re playing because I want the guys to feel what it’s all about to win in some big games.
TC: Do you think it’s a realistic possibility to see your team back here at Nationals next year?
OH: Yes, absolutely. I basically have everyone coming back, and I know that the recruits I have coming in are impact players. We’re talking about a 6’6” athlete, a lefty, who’s got a shot and is capable of shooting the bomber. You know, how am I going to compete with teams like University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, and University of Saskatchewan who have players that are 6’9”? I mean there are going to be mismatches all around.
TC: What are some things you might have to work on to get to that next level?
OH: We have to start shooting the ball better. Quebec has always been criticized for not shooting the ball well. That’s something we’ve been working on and it’s going to take a little bit of time.
TC: Do you think your team’s success will help develop the Quebec league even further?
OH: Absolutely, absolutely. We can only get better. We can only get better and our guys are going to bring that experience back and make them play at another level.