#41 Partick Thoresen

We are joined by Springfield forward, Patrick Thoresen. He had been re-assigned on a conditioning assignment by the Edmonton Oilers. Thoresen hasn't played with Springfield since November the 30th.

Question - How are things going for you Patrick at the NHL level?

Answer - Well, it's been going good. I thought I put in a good effort up there. Especially in the beginning when I was first called up. Last week, I only played one game or something so I kind of lost my game a little bit. I guess that is why I am here, to get my game back and to get some ice time. Up there {in Edmonton} it was hard to get some ice time.

Question - Well you certainly did well with the Falcons earlier this year. You were leading the team with 12 goals prior to your call up there, just before December. What is your mindset coming back here?

Answer - First of all, I am very happy to be back here and to be able to play some hockey again. That's why I left Norway to come over to North America and play hockey. I am going to try and go in there and do the best I can, to help the team win the game. If I can score a couple of goals, it's a big bonus.

Question - There are four players still on recall. Guys that have seen action with Springfield earlier this year and are now with the Edmonton Oilers. Two defensemen Ladislav Smid and Matt Greene. And two forwards as well; Zack Stortini and Robert Nilsson. How are all of those guys doing?

Answer - They are good. Doing excellent. Stortini is a factor of toughness up there. He is doing his job excellent and Robert is putting up good numbers. With Matt Greene, he was only here for one game I think. But he was out for two months or something so I guess they want him to come down here to get his first game over with instead of getting thrown into the NHL. With Ladi, he has just been improving since he got up and he is becoming a really good defenseman.

Question - What type of role were you playing with the Oilers?

Answer - More of a checking line role. Trying to close down their best lines. Played a lot against Jagr and Gomez. All the tough lines up there. I try to be a physical presence as well and if I can bang in a goal here and a goal there, that's a big bonus for the team. I thought it went well.

Question - How did management leave it with you on this conditioning assignment? How long are we expected to have you in Springfield?

Answer - Well the rule says after two weeks that the Oilers have to decide if they take me up or they are going to have to put me on waivers like they did with Matty Roy. We just wait and see what happens and play good hockey here and just let them know, we'll show them that I can play at the higher level and get back to NHL hockey.