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The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have gotten off to one of their better starts in recent years. Their start can be attributed to the play of 2014 first-round picks Michael Dal Colle and Joshua Ho-Sang. I had a chance to talk with them following last Friday's practice.
What are some of the biggest differences between juniors and the AHL?
Joshua Ho-Sang: There are huge differences, all weight and size (laughs). Coaching is a lot different too. Guys pay more attention to the little details, figuring that out and the new holes are probably the toughest part. Once you get adjusted to a new league it's definitely a lot easier. The first couple of months are tough because you're tip-toeing, figuring out what you can and cannot do, what works and what doesn't. It's a big jump but it's like switching schools, it's not different you just have to get to know everybody.
Michael Dal Colle: Coming to the rink and playing against men. It's not like juniors playing against kids your age. You're playing with guys with families off the ice. The game is faster and more physical. There's less time and space to make plays. It's definitely harder to score.
The Sound Tigers have been playing well to start the season; what are some of the contributing factors?
Ho-Sang: I think we get contributions from everybody. Our top two guys (Bracken) Kearns and (Steve) Bernier, those guys are veterans in the league. They've experienced ups and downs. So they know how to bring that consistency and the nights that they can't do it, it seems like the young guys like me, Mikey (Dal Colle), Fritzy (Tanner Fritz) and Carter (Verhaeghe) step up. We have had a really good balance of that actually. When guys can't score, you always have a line that's doing something and that contributes to a successful team. Our D has been amazing. We started off the year with ten defensemen. All ten have been in the lineup and have played unbelievable.
Dal Colle: Everyone is buying in. Our coach (Brent Thompson) runs a pretty tight ship. Some good systems and we work really hard. From the first line guys to the fourth line guys, everyone buys in.
You guys have mentioned the veterans like Bernier and Kearns; have any of them taken you guys under their wings?
Ho-Sang: Kernel and Bernie are really nice to me all the time. They kinda take care of the team. They are a big part of where we are as a team right now. They try to keep everyone in control on the bench and hold people accountable.
Dal Colle: They are all awesome. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys. I didn't know what to expect. You hear some stories coming into the AHL. But they have all been great. This is one of the closest teams I have played on and I have played on some championship teams.
Bernier scored a pretty crazy goal last week against Hartford, have you ever seen anything like it?
Ho-Sang: No I haven't. But that's what happens when you play the right way. It's amazing having guys score goals like that. Everyone wants to be out there for an empty net but you have a few guys who are better at it than others.
Finally, the Islanders have struggled to start the season, do you guys expect to be called up this season?
Ho-Sang: You would have to ask them. To be honest, I am really happy with everything that's going on here. We've been battling for first place. It's unfortunate to hear that they're in last place, but I'm here in first place (laughs). It's tough. I really respect all the guys there. I can't imagine what it's like dealing with what they're going through. I do believe that they're a very good hockey club, a lot better than their results. I'm down here with a great group of guys fighting for first place so that's where my head is at.
Dal Colle: I hope so. The ultimate goal is to play in the NHL. As soon as I get there obviously it would be best. I definitely have to dig hard and develop all aspects of my game. This is a development league and so it's been good for me.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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