HV71 Jonkoping defeated SonderjyskE Vojens 7–1 in Group C action on Saturday. Afterward a pair of defensive defenceman, HV71's Ryan O'Byrne and SonderjyskE's Mads Bodker, answered a few questions.

by Marcus Vilson

JONKOPING – In a group where all three teams entered the day with 3 points, HV71 jumped into the lead with a big 7–1 win over visiting SonderjyskE Vojens. They now have two more group games remaining – next Thursday back in Vojens and Saturday in Salzburg. SonderjyskE, meanwhile have only the home game against HV71 remaining, where they will have to earn some points if they want to make it to the next round.

Ryan O'Byrne, 31, is a defensive defenceman who has played over 300 NHL games and is now in his third year in Europe, but first with HV71. He speaks after two competitive games with his new club, in which he has 1 assist 2 penalty minutes and is a +2.

What did you think about the game, Ryan?

“I thought we played pretty well. We did a pretty good job by playing our game. We got them early and stayed on them. We got a got team over here with a good result.”

What do you think about your own performance?

“I think I played pretty well and solid. I think playing with Chris Campoli helps a lot and we complement each other well. He's more of a skating defenceman and I'm more a stay-at-home defenceman, so I think we play well together. We both had some success tonight.”

You've played a few games with the team now. What do you think about the team's possibility and potential?

“So far, so good. I really like our team, but most important, I really like the group of guys and I think we all connect well together. We all measure together and there are no guys who put themselves above the team. We all want to win the championship and that's our goal. So far we've had some solid games and I like what I've seen so far.”

You have to upcoming road games now. What are your thoughts about that?

“I think it's a good chance going on the road and get to know the guys. Spending some time with them and socialize some more, so I think it's a well-timed road trip and, at the same time, we've got two important games. Obviously we want to win both of them and put ourselves in a good situation for the Champions Hockey League. I'm looking forward to go on the road and the challenge.” 

Will you win Champions Hockey league?

“That's obviously the goal going in – to win. That was our goal when we started, so we're all on board trying to win it. We've had a good start so far with the two wins and we just go from there.” 

Mads Bodker, 27, is another defensive defenceman who is entering his second season with SonderjyskE after previous stops in Sweden, Russia and Germany. He's represented Denmark at nine World Championships and played in last year's CHL. He has 1 goal in 3 CHL games this year.

What did you think about the game, Mads?

“We had to work really hard right from the start and they did it very well. We had to keep focused on playing a tight defensive game and trying to work as hard as we could. But they are a really skilled team and it was a whole other class we met today.” 

Did you noticed any differences how the gameplay was facing HV71 and Red Bull Salzburg and the way they played?

“HV71 is a more structured team. They don't make any mistakes, while Salzburg just keeps on driving. We surprised Salzburg at home because of their way of playing, but HV71 owned the whole game and they didn't make any mistakes.” 

What do you think about your own performance?

“The whole team had it rough out there and so did I. Because of HV71's skilled offence we had to defend all throughout the game. It was okay, but nothing more.”

You have home advantage against HV71 on Thursday. Do we get to see a different game?

“I think so. We play on a smaller rink, so maybe it will be different for them. We have some guys who met this kind of team for the first time and it was first time travelling for them. I think it's going to be a whole different atmosphere at home and hopefully we have some more offence to offer.”