This edition of Bus Texts with Stothers comes from San Antonio, where the Reign fall to the San Antonio Rampage 2-1 to open the 2017-18 season. Forward Michale Mersch picked up the lone tally midway through the second period and goaltender Jack Campbell provided 30 saves.
ORI: You stressed “preparation” this week and in the pregame skate today. Were the Reign simply ill-prepared/caught off guard by the Rampage tonight, especially in the opening period?
Head Coach Mike Stothers: Caught off guard by what?? The fact we didn’t move our feet? The fact that we refused to put pucks behind their D? The fact that we wanted to play every direction, but North? Took until the third period to borrow a compass from a Boy Scout, but then it was too late.
ORI: There were several rushes/plays that were not connecting. Just early season chemistry that needs to be sorted out?
Stothers: Just need to be ready to play right from the start. Took too long to get our feet moving. You can’t make plays standing still. We will get back to work this week with some good practices.
ORI: That was my next thought. How big are these next couple practices before Iowa and Chicago on Friday and Saturday?
Stothers: Practice is crucial this time of year, especially with the roster turnover and youth in our lineup.
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