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Q: Colorado went from considering NHL assistant coaches Bob Boughner and Kevin Dineen as well as AHL coaches in yourself and Jared Bednar, who got the gig after Patrick Roy resigned. What does that say about the decision and where the game is going?

A:”The AHL has been a strong developmental league for players and coaches for a long time. The game is going in a certain direction in how you have to treat players, teach them and communicate with them. The AHL is a good breeding ground in a lot of areas for the NHL.”

Q: Aside from winning a Calder Cup, you’ve done it all at the AHL level. What’s left to accomplish?

A: You’re always improving. Your fire is always burning. Do I think I’m going to be a better coach next year? I think so. But if you talk to Mike Babcock, he’ll probably say the same thing. That’s part of the competitive spirit that coaches have. And when you’re in the hockey business, you’re always thinking about how you can make your team better and how you can coach better. It’s not a job to me. I love doing it.”

Q: You probably don’t like the coaching scrutiny in Vancouver. The Willie Watch seems to be never ending, even with Desjardins getting a management vote of confidence last March. There’s pressure to get off to a good start and get back to the playoffs. How is your relationship with Desjardins?

A: “We’ve had a great relationship from Day 1, and even before he was hired on (in Vancouver), he was a friend of mine and I got to know him through Mike Johnston. And that’s been one of the enjoyable things that last few years. It’s talking hockey with Willie and it’s always been great.”