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Friday Followup – Second Interviews, Fourth Round Picks, etx.

(I should probably be timely and make a LOST pun here, but I’m afraid I never did get into the show. Sorry!)

As expected, the coaching search continued this week, with Kevin Dineen and Scott Arniel both completing their second interviews with GM Scott Howson, team president Mike Priest, and majority owner John P. McConnell. At this point, the search appears to hinge on when Guy Boucher will be available to interview. The Bulldogs currently lead the Texas Stars in the AHL’s Western Conference Final two games to one, with game 4 tonight at 7:30 CDT. With the Bulldogs unable to manage the sweep, it’s likely that any potential interview will need to take place in Ontario, and likely not before the end of the week at best. The current theory making its way around the CBJ fan community is that Howson will likely attempt to meet with Boucher while he is in Toronto for the NHL scouting combine next week, possibly making the drive down the 403 to meet with Boucher in Hamilton if the coach cannot get away from the rink.

Meanwhile, Dispatch columnist Bob Hunter explains why the search taking longer than anticipated is a very good thing, while The Dark Blue Jacket answers the important question “Who is this Guy Boucher?” with an excellent look at Boucher from the perspective of fans and industry members who have seen him up close, and Jackets Required weigh in on their picks for the job.

In player news, the Jackets announced that they have signed 2008 fourth round pick Steven Delisle to a three year entry level deal, Kris Russell completed his World Championship run with Team Canada, contributing 1 goal and three assists in their campaign, while Jakub Voracek and Team Czech Republic will be taking on Sweden Saturday in the semifinal round. Russell was also named one of Team Canada’s “Players of the Tournament.” Congratulations to Kris for a great performance at his first Worlds appearance. Here’s hoping that the Jackets postseason success in the next few years forces it to be his last for some time.

At the Junior level, 2009 draft pick David Savard has finished his Memorial Cup experience, with Moncton getting swept out in three games, while Matt Calvert may find himself next to go if the Wheaties cannot solve Calgary tonight. The Hitmen defeated Brandon 4-1 in the WHL playoffs prior to the Cup, and hammered the Wheat Kings 5-1 in their round robin matchup on Wednesday night. The Wheat Kings need a big effort from Calvert, their co-captain and top scorer, if they hope to reach the finals against the Juggernaut that is the Windsor Spitfires on Sunday.

On the local blog front, our Prospect Tournament is into its 8th round, with our final four to be announced next week! Don’t forget to vote!

Finally, if you happen to be in Las Vegas this weekend, Mike Commodore has a bit of a problem