This is a strong team, even stronger than we had four years ago. Those who were rookies in Salt Lake have developed into real performers now, and our first-timers in 2006 are poised for some very noteworthy results themselves, which we can continue to build from.

Salt Lake has a shot at the playoffs, and we are the team standing in their way,

It's important that everyone feels they have a role on this team. They told me in 2002 (in Salt Lake City) I would play at least one game and I was really excited. Just to have that chance ... and hopefully these guys will feel the same way, that they'll play one game or two.

It's time for Salt Lake City to have another major league team.

I think they lost to Sweden in Salt Lake City and came back to win. They have a really strong group mentally. They'll be fine.

There are a select few clubs that do a good job of preparing youngsters. It's fairly specialized, fairly small numbers. Maybe somewhere around 100 total.