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Watch: 7 best things Tucson Roadrunners said in press conference before AHL playoffs
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Watch: 7 best things Tucson Roadrunners said in press conference before AHL playoffs

  • Apr 16, 2018
  • Apr 16, 2018 Updated Apr 16, 2018
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From Tucson being a "hockey town," to the unusual series format, check out what the Roadrunners had to say as they prepare for a run at the 2018 Calder Cup.  

Tucson is a 'hockey town'

Roadrunners vs Griffins

Tucson defenseman Andrew Campbell (2) left, and center Ryan MacInnis (72) come up to congratulate left wing Tye McGinn (16) for his empty netter that sealed a 3-0 win against Grand Rapids in their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 6, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

In its second season in the Old Pueblo, the Tucson Roadrunners, American Hockey League affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes, will compete in playoffs for the first time with hopes of claiming the Calder Cup.

The last time a Tucson minor league affiliate of any sport participated in playoffs was in 2006, when the Tucson Sidewinders won the PCL title, capped off by the Triple-A Championship in Oklahoma City. 

The Roadrunners enter playoffs as the No. 1 seed with a 42-20 record, but will start their playoff run on the road against No. 8 San Jose Barracuda. The Roadrunners will play the first two games on the road and will finish the final three at the Tucson Convention Center. Games One and Two will be live streamed at Brother John's BBQ on Stone Avenue. Game One is on Thursday with Game Two on Saturday, both with a 7 p.m. puck drop.

Tucson Roadrunners president Bob Hoffman, general manager Steve Sullivan, head coach Mike Van Ryn and team captain Andrew Campbell spoke to the media Monday afternoon, watch what they had to say as the team prepares to hit the road to San Jose. 

Team's growth in Tucson

Tucson Roadrunners president Bob Hoffman on the team’s engagement with the city and turning Tucson into a “hockey town”: pic.twitter.com/euDRcUPB7N

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 16, 2018

Establishing a winning culture

Tucson Roadrunners general manager Steve Sullivan says the main goal was to “create a culture of winning. Our best bet was here in Tucson.” pic.twitter.com/wPHzTQWZGe

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 16, 2018

Representing the city

Tucson Roadrunners head coach Mike Van Ryn on making the AHL playoffs: “We’re excited to get going, and we’re excited that Tucson gets to be a part of it.” pic.twitter.com/rPto7QW1gS

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 16, 2018

Words from the captain

Tucson Roadrunners captain Andrew Campbell on the season and looking forward to playoffs: pic.twitter.com/kgpIN0CsXp

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 16, 2018

How does the 2-3 playoff series work?

Despite being the higher seed, the Roadrunners will start their playoff series against the San Jose Barracuda on the road. Why?General manager Steve Sullivan explains: pic.twitter.com/lJKCMWY8bV

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 16, 2018

The opponent, and advice to the young players

.@RoadrunnersAHL captain Andrew Campbell on facing San Jose, and giving advice to some of his teammates who are playing in the playoffs for the first time: pic.twitter.com/Ciw1fPvC4d

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 16, 2018

Talent development and winning

Tucson Roadrunners head coach Mike Van Ryn on the balance between developing players and winning: “When you get that development and the guys follow that, the wins just come. ... It’s just trusting the process and knowing where you’re at with each guy.” pic.twitter.com/1WgFZ28rXe

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 16, 2018

Related to this collection

Roadrunners playoff tickets go on sale Friday

Roadrunners playoff tickets go on sale Friday

Tucson could host three playoff games in first round of American Hockey League series.

Playoff pairing set, Roadrunners expect 'hard-fought series' against Barracuda

Playoff pairing set, Roadrunners expect 'hard-fought series' against Barracuda

Best-of-five series starts Thursday in Northern California, moves to Tucson starting in Game 3.

Roadrunners end regular season with win, will face San Jose in playoffs

Roadrunners end regular season with win, will face San Jose in playoffs

Tucson wins 6-3 over San Diego, keeping Gulls out of postseason.

Timothy Gassen: There's too much good to worry about the bad, ugly in Roadrunners' season

Timothy Gassen: There's too much good to worry about the bad, ugly in Roadrunners' season

Western Conference champions have talent, poise to make deep playoff run.

Photos: Tucson Roadrunners 3-2 San Diego Gulls, AHL action

Photos: Tucson Roadrunners 3-2 San Diego Gulls, AHL action

Roadrunners clinch the western conference regular season championship with a 3-2 win against San Diego in their penultimate home game at Tucso…

Roadrunners sneak past Gulls, clinch AHL Western Conference title

Roadrunners sneak past Gulls, clinch AHL Western Conference title

Team will host regular-season finale Saturday night before opening the playoffs. 

Tucson Roadrunners blank San Diego, clinch AHL Pacific Division title

Tucson Roadrunners blank San Diego, clinch AHL Pacific Division title

Team will return home this weekend for a series against the Gulls.

Photos: Grand Rapids Griffins 4, Tucson Roadrunners 1

Photos: Grand Rapids Griffins 4, Tucson Roadrunners 1

Home ice doesn't help as the Roadrunners fall to the Griffins 4-1 at Tucson Arena, Tucson, Ariz.

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