Parse/Tukonen interviews

SCOTT PARSE

Q: There's certainly been a lot of talk about you. It seemed like contract negotiation was a real roller coaster for you. Was it?

A: Kind of. I'm glad it's done now. I'm happy to be here. I know what's going on and I know what I'm going to do, so I'm excited and looking forward to what's going to happen.

Q: Going to Grand Rapids, did that end up being a good experience for you?

A: Oh yeah, definitely. Playing in the American league, that's a great experience and it's going to help me out for the start of this year.

Q: Did you always think things would work out with the Kings, or was there a point when you thought maybe it wouldn't?

A: I hoped it would work out. I wanted to come here and play so I'm just glad it finally did and everything is taken care of. I'm excited to be here.

Q: What does this week mean to you? What do you hope to get out of it?

A: It's a good chance to meet some of the guys again and meet the coaching staff and see how things run around here. That's why it was important that I got signed and got the deal done, so I didn't have to come into training camp and not know what to expect. That's a big plus about being here.

Q: What's your mindset coming into training camp? Do you think about trying to make the team?

A: Yeah, I mean I think that's what you've got to do. Realistically, who knows? But yeah, why not come in with that attitude, sure.

Q: Could you describe your style of game, for people who haven't seen you?

A: I played the last four years in college and I pretty much did everything: power play, penalty kill and put up a lot of points. I had a good plus-minus. A little bit of everything, I think.

Q: Did you find yourself getting underrated at all because of where you played (Omaha)?

A: No, I don't really say that. I don't really care, to be honest. I had a great time in Omaha. I was really happy to be here.

Q: What was it like playing hockey in Nebraska?

A: It was fun. It's actually a pretty big city, so it's not all cornfields and what people might think of Nebraska. It was a lot of fun playing there.

Q: So it's not all football there?

A: No. (laughs) Well, it's a big part. Nebraska football is big.

LAURI TUKONEN

Q: You've been through a couple of these now. Do you feel more comfortable very time you're here?

A: For sure, it's easier to come here when you know what to expect from the camp and all the places are familiar to you. For sure it's easier to come here.

Q: How was the experience in Manchester last year?

A: It was good. We had a real good team and I think we played real good hockey. We came up short a little bit (in the playoffs) but I think it was a good experience.

Q: Has it been good for you personally, to have that experience in North America?

A: It's now been two years in Manchester, so it's been a good experience I think. I've learned a lot. I've learned the language and all the systems are a little different, so it's been good.

Q: Are you looking at the upcoming training camp as an important time to impress some people?

A: Oh yeah. It's my turn to step my game up. I'm just trying to work my way up to make the team this year. That's my goal and I'm going to do everything that I can to make it happen. I'm going to go in with a lot of confidence and we'll see what happens.