Q: With all these tight races for the playoffs, can you think of a better time for hockey in the state of Colorado? 
A: There hasn’t been since I moved here in 2003.  Besides the Eagles and Rage having great seasons, there has been a lot of excitement generated around the Avalanche.  Joel Quenneville has done a remarkable job with the amount of injuries the Avs have sustained and has them in position for their first division title since 2002-03.  And don’t forget DU and CC’s superb seasons.

Q: As the voice of the Colorado Eagles, what have you seen in this team that’s different from previous years?
A: I think the ability of the team to respond when their backs are against a wall.

Q: How is it having two successful CHL teams in the same state?
A: It has made for a great rivalry and sold some tickets in Broomfield.  Brent Cullaton put the Rage on his back and gave them a shot this season and brought some new “minor pro” fans into the fold. 

Q: How exciting was it to learn that Altitude wanted you to do post-game analysis of the Avalanche?
A: It was very exciting to be given the chance. It didn’t see real until I started, and that first game I felt like a 5-year-old on his first day of school!  Man, I was nervous.  The big thing was finding how I would fit it in.  Eagles President Chris Stewart unselfishly made it work when I already had a lot of responsibility with the team, which some people in his position may not have done.  If it weren’t for a lot of people along the way, going out of their way, I wouldn’t have these great opportunities.

Q: How are both jobs different and what is the best part about both?
A: I love the play-by-play; that’s my ultimate passion.  I have had the opportunity to move on to the American Hockey League a number of times but have elected to stay in Colorado because of the situation I am in with the Eagles. The best part of the Eagles job is that of all the minor pro leagues, including one or two NHL teams, there isn’t a better situation to be in as a play-by-play broadcaster. From having fans like the Eagles do, to the opportunities down the road, to living in this great state nothing can compare.  The best part of the Avs post-game job is working with the people I get to work with.  Producers Matt Krol, and Jim Cremmins have been imperative in my advancement. Also Kyle Keefe and Sandy Clough (he’s not as gruff in person) are really nice people, who help me each night I am on.  The biggest difference between the two, is that you feel more involved in the “team and game” itself when your doing play-by-play. When you’re a studio analyst you’re more objective.

Q: How do you feel about the acquisitions of Forsberg and Foote?
A: The Avs made some great moves by adding those two players. From a marketing and ticketing standpoint not giving anything up for Forsberg regardless of the results, the Avs couldn’t lose. The best part is that Forsberg is still a great player that will help this team do some great things.In Foote’s case, not only does he bring leadership to the backend, but if you notice fundamentally he is one of the best defensemen in the league. With all the injuries to the team and a slow start for Scott Hannen, Foote comes in and becomes that rock solid, relatively mistake free defensemen that every cup contender needs.I understand the question didn’t include Ruslan Salei but he brings great depth to the backend, including toughness, and with those two, Jeff Finger, Jordan Leopold, Steady Kurt Sauer, and the improving Hannen and Jonny Liles the Avs have one of the better defensive corps in the NHL. Don’t forget Clarky too!

Q: Did you see an attitude change in the team after the trade deadline?
A: I think there was an attitude change in the whole state!  Tickets at the Pepsi Center are a tough ticket, and I can’t believe how many Forsberg and Foote jerseys have come out of the closet!  Plus I even saw a Chris Drury jersey at the game the other night!!! Haha

Q: If you had to choose a current Avalanche player to have the puck in the final seconds to win the game, who would it be?
A: Tyler Arnason or Jeff Finger!  Why you ask? Arny and I lived together in college at St. Cloud State and if I didn’t stick up for my dawgs, Arny or Fings (SCSU as well) I wouldn’t be a true Husky!

Q: Would you rather see tight playoff races (like the Eagles and Avs are/were a part of) or would you rather Colorado teams have comfortable leads?
A: I and the fans would probably like to see it come down to the wire and have some excitement building going into the playoffs but I guarantee Joel Quenneville and Chris Stewart would like to have the divisions and playoffs wrapped up a long time ago!!

Q: What things do you expect to see in the near future for professional hockey in Colorado?
A: With the way youth hockey has grown in the state and what the Avs have done for hockey as a whole for Colorado and what the Eagles have done in the Northern region, we will see more and more NCAA and NHL prospects out of the Centennial State putting it into a class with  Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Alaska and Massachusetts.