Quotes from forwards Owen Allard and Miko Matikka and Tucson Roadrunners head coach Steve Potvin after the Utah Hockey Club's 4-3 overtime win at the Rookie Face-Off.
The Utah Hockey Club came out on top in overtime, 4-3, over the host Los Angeles Kings at the Rookie Face-Off, thanks to a goal by Owen Allard after squandering a 3-1 lead late in regulation.
Here's quotes from Allard, forward Miko Matikka, and Tucson Roadrunners head coach Steve Potvin following the thrilling victory.
Forward Miko Matikka
"It's a huge win for us. Last night, we were not happy with the way it ended, and I think building off of yesterday, today we had a way better game."
Tucson Roadrunners head coach Steve Potvin
"It was a well-fought battle. At the start of the game, I challenged the guys to show up emotionally and physically and purposefully, and they did just that."
Forward Owen Allard on his overtime winner
"I was at the end of my shift. I saw the D had a poor gap on me, so I just decided to try to put on one on net, and it was lucky enough to go in."
Allard on his play at the Rookie Face-Off so far
"I'm a player that doesn't really focus too much on points. I'm more of a two-way forward that's hard to play against. My game is just doing the little details right, and knowing that the points will come."
Matikka on his first-ever goal
"You don't want to get stuck on those situations where you hit the posts. Luckily, I got a good bounce, so it felt pretty good."
Potvin on Matikka's performance
"It was a really good response (to last night). A lot of the players, when they're faced with adversity, we want to see how they respond. He did what he does best."
Potvin on Gabe Smith's fight
"I don't think he's fought really much in his career so far. He makes it hard on the opponent, and they're aware of it. I thought it was a real strong showing for him."