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Wichita's hockey team

Kollen Long

Kollen Long has covered the Wichita Thunder since 2001. The journalism instructor at Bishop Carroll High School, Long is a former sportswriter at the St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press.

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 16 - 35 of 252 (Page 2 of 13)

Submitted by Thunder Fan from Wichita KS

Q: Kollen, Just wondering what you think is going on with Duda ? Is he done as a hockey player and is this his last year. I have heard he will be in the front office next year. Seems like a bad finish to a great career. After all , two years ago , top finisher in the CHL

Answered 02/07/08 22:52:17 by Kollen Long

A: I am not sure what to make of the Duda situation. Weingartner benched him for the third period on Saturday, saying he needed more from his captain. Then Duda didn't play on Tuesday to rest various nagging injuries, according to Weingartner. His status is uncertain for tomorrow night. Duda is apparently struggling to stay healthy, and his numbers are down (9 points in 19 games). In the preseason, Duda told me he would play as long as he's having fun. I can't imagine this year has been very enjoyable. I figured Duda would play this year and next. Now, I'm thinking this might be his last season. But that's just my feeling. Still, whatever happens this year doesn't diminish what a great player and ambassador he has been for the Thunder organization for years. Being more outgoing than Clayton, Duda has really been the face of the franchise. He'll be missed whenever he hangs them up.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Kollen after being lulled to sleep Saturday night when the Thunder could'nt even muster up one goal to prevent them from going down in the record books as the team the MUDBUGS beat to break the CHL season record for most shutouts in a season .The weekend was luckly salaved for this NY sports fan on Sunday .First after being down 3-0 to Montreal I watched my N.Y. RANGERS come from behind to beat Montreal 5-3 .Then there was ELLI & THE GIANTS REDEMTION for all the verbal abuse we New Yorkers have suffered from both the Bo Sox and Patriot fans these past few years .YEAH BABY NOW THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT .

Answered 02/05/08 01:26:45 by Kollen Long

A: I am a Colts fan, so I feel real hatred for the Patriots. It made my weekend that they choked away a chance at history. As for the Thunder, Bossier is obviously very very good, Muscutt isn't popular but he is the CHL's best coach, and the Thunder is playing with a makeshift lineup. At full strength it would be tough for the Thunder to beat Bossier. What happened this weekend was no surprise, but I can see why it was depressing to watch for folks who paid good money to go to the games.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Ladies night is when all female Thunder fans get to have a meet a greet with all the players .Its a real Puck Bunny festival .

Answered 02/05/08 01:22:11 by Kollen Long

A: Well, who doesn't like a good festival.

Submitted by Mr. Pink from Wichita

Q: How ya doin?

Answered 02/02/08 03:46:40 by Kollen Long

A: Pink! I knew you'd be back after you did your 30 days. Easy stretch this time?

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Hey Kollen with all new players Ladies Night is gonna be like a blind date for the puck bunnies !

Answered 01/30/08 23:22:03 by Kollen Long

A: I'm not sure what this means, but ok.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Food for thought! OK I'll need a beer & a salty pretzel to think about it . And none of that stinking cheeze . Seriously Bruce & Richardson became my favorites from opening face off at season opener . I think Green will become a crowd favorite once he's recovered from broken hand . But Travis & Janson are loved for their scoring and especially Jason for getting local news to cover more hockey !!!

Answered 01/30/08 23:21:20 by Kollen Long

A: Rob loves Bruce's game, and I think Richardson has met the lofty expectations that came with his signing. I don't watch local news, so I'll trust you that there's more Thunder coverage.

Submitted by Matt, from BC from Wichita, KS

Q: Hey Kollen, or Mr. Long, as it used to be, couple questions: Do you think Rob can be the real deal over several years? I love his passion and attitude, but can he bring in some quality players who play to his style? By the way, love your articles in the paper, keep up the great work.

Answered 01/30/08 23:19:31 by Kollen Long

A: Rob has done a good job in a tough situation. The question is, can he recruit the players he wants? It's not fair to judge him on the players he has brought in this year...there just aren't a lot of good players available, and the ones that are available would choose to go to a better team than the Thunder. So I guess to judge if he can recruit, you have to give him a season to do it and take your chances he can find quality players. Chris Presson will have to decide if Rob gets the opportunity. That's why he gets the big bucks. And thanks for the compliment. I hope I gave you an A.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Hey Kollen , some of Thunder fans can't seem to make up their minds . Do you prefer a coach with ARMS FOLDED or one like Weingartner ARMS WAVING ?

Answered 01/29/08 21:34:50 by Kollen Long

A: I prefer a coach who falls somewhere in the middle like, say, Derek Laxdal. No one questioned his intensity, and he had moments of fiery behavior (Musscutt vs. Laxdal). But, for the most part, he maintained his poise, and I think his teams reflected that demeanor. I get a kick out of watching Rob W on the bench sometimes and I appreciate his passion, but I think he needs to pick his spots when it comes to complaining about calls a little more. He says he is learning, and working on it.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Kollen comparing Duda & Clayton to Hankcuck , Batavanja & Bruce is like comparing apples & oranges . Duda & Claytons job is to create scoring opertunities by passing , set ups , break aways ect . They are not expected to be physical .While Hanchuck , Bruce & Batavanju's job is the physical aspect of the game . Everyone has a specfic job or purpose and not everyone is expected to be physical . Thats like comparing Clayton & Duda's goal & assist with that of Horrell & LaPlante .

Answered 01/29/08 21:31:08 by Kollen Long

A: Ice, I understand the differences in their roles. I was merely pointing out that Hanchuck, Bruce and Batovanja, guys who play the style Weingartner loves, seem to have become very popular in a short amount of time. I was wondering out loud if they have become the new fan favorites. It was just food for thought.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita , Ks

Q: Kollen , with CHL season half over and many of CHL teams with playoff aspirations looking to add depth or strengthen the weak points in their rosters .Coach Weingartner will be in better position to trade to try and rebuild his roster .I think its safe to say not even Thunder Dog is secure and many more Thunder fan favorites like Leibel could and will be traded .There's alot of rumors swirling in wind and over the internet already . But I'm confident you'll stay on top of this with your connections in Homeland Security , wire taps and all and keep us informed , RIGHT ?????

Answered 01/26/08 20:32:06 by Kollen Long

A: Hey Ice: I didn't sleep last night in my efforts to stay up with the latest Thunder happenings. As of 2 p.m. on Saturday, there was no Laplante trade and he was apparently making the trip to Tulsa (although Rob wouldn't say if he was starting). But Weingartner, in his typical tell-it-like-it-is style, said he would deal anyone (Laplante, Duda, Clayton) for the right price. More on this in tomorrow's paper if you're so inclined. I am guessing the days leading up to the trade deadline will be very interesting. And you bring up fan favorites...it's something I have been thinking of lately. Who are the fan favorites these days? I know Duda and Clayton are still beloved by many Thunder supporters, but have they been somewhat replaced as "favorites" by some of the guys that play Rob's style, like Batovanja, Hanchuck, Bruce? I dunno. Food for thought. Would be an interesting topic on one of those message boards I'm sure you prowl.

Submitted by Big T from Helmetta, KS

Q: Mr. Long, I recently moved to the Kansas area from New Jersey and was wondering how Chris Clark has been doing for the Thunder. I had a nephew that played on his travel team in high school and just want to know what you think of his contributions so far and if there is any chance of Chris making it to the big show. Also, I was wondering how long it takes the zamboni to polish that head of yours? Wow, that sucker is huge?

Answered 01/26/08 00:55:14 by Kollen Long

A: I just watched Clark work a successful shift on the PK in his debut, so tell your nephew so far so good. The big show? I doubt it, but he could get an extended shot with the Thunder, given all the injuries. As for my head, I'll have you know it's well within the range of normal. But the way I wear my hair makes it look bigger. Speaking of, I need a new stylist.

Submitted by Miles Raymond from Robbinsvill,NJ

Q: Two questions... 1. How much of the team's turnaround do you attribute to the new coach and how much do you contribute simply to the fact there was a change? 2. They still serving that Cheval Blanc in the press box during the game?

Answered 01/24/08 15:54:21 by Kollen Long

A: Love it when readers number their questions. 1. I attribute all of the turnaround to the new coach. 2. Hasn't the Cheval Blanc peaked?

Submitted by Brian from No location specified

Q: Doesn't look like too many people want to talk with you as of late so i'll throw you a couple of questions. 1. - Now that Rob has had a month or so as coach what do you think of the improvements so far? 2. - Who do you think is more overrated - Wiebe or Goupil? Both were touted in pre-season press releases but niether has delivered so far, although Goupil has made some improvements in the past 4-5 games. 3. - Finally what to you think of OKC's promotion of giving away farm animals at an upcoming home game?

Answered 01/24/08 15:53:34 by Kollen Long

A: 1. I think he has done a great job under tough circumstances. These aren't his players, and hasn't seemed fond of a lot of them. The team is playing a more physical game and playing harder under Weingartner. Plus, it's common to hear that the players like his direct, simple approach. 2. Thing that bothered me about Wiebe is that, after a solid rookie season, he really didn't get much better. He didn't play hard enough for Weingartner. Regarding Goupil...I dunno, did you expect 50 goals from him? 3. Come to a game, leave with a goat. Give me mass weddings any day as a promotion. Thanks for the good questions.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Hey Kollen time to put your Jimmy Olsen cub reporter hat on and find out who Weingartners making all room on roster for . With Green , Handchuck & Batavanju on IR , Weibe traded and Nelson waived we can just barely man two lines .Are Sapergia , Handy & Roulsten comming out of retirement for a camio performance ?

Answered 01/24/08 11:44:20 by Kollen Long

A: Yes, Sapergia is coming out of retirement. And John Hewitt is coming back as enforcer. It's part of Rob's master plan. But keep it between us.

Submitted by thunder rules from No location specified

Q: Is Rob going to get the job or not?

Answered 01/23/08 17:19:07 by Kollen Long

A: See below for my best guess.

Submitted by Gregg from Park City,Kansas

Q: The Liebel article was awesome.Can you write more about this year's team downward spiral? They are alot of people in this city who enjoy knowing the whole story about a sport team,good and the bad.Thanks

Answered 01/23/08 17:18:48 by Kollen Long

A: So you can't get enough of the downward-spiral stories, huh? I'll do my best to chronicle all the negative stuff I can. Actually, I would guess you mean that you appreciate Rob's honest opinions on the team and players. I do too. Check out today's story about Wiebe, in which Rob questions the former player's desire. One thing is certain, Rob says what he thinks. It's great for me as a reporter, and for the fans, too. No coachspeak from Rob.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Hey Kollen old buddy , old pal . Seminoff says your afraid of me . Thats not true is it ? So what do you think about next weeks upcomming battle for last place bragging rights between Tulsa & Thunder ?

Answered 01/23/08 17:16:29 by Kollen Long

A: Seminoff...you trust what that guy says? He doesn't know a clothes line from a blue line.

Submitted by BC 03 from Wichita, Ks

Q: Is it just me or does there seem to be a lack of team chemistry this year between the players?

Answered 01/23/08 17:15:33 by Kollen Long

A: Lack of chemistry, lack of talent, lack of coaching...things seem to be moving in the right direction since Weingartner took over, though.

Submitted by Gdogg6 from Wichita, Kansas

Q: Quite the turnaround since Weingartner replaced French wouldn't you say? Especially considering there have been very few player moves, it is basically the same team...give or take a couple tweaks (Liebel/D'Amour). If this level of play keeps up how long before the Thunder agrees to a one year extension with Weingartner for next year? From what Weiny has done so far I almost think he has earned it already!

Answered 01/23/08 17:14:37 by Kollen Long

A: Hey Gdogg: I just interviewed Presson about this topic and will have a story in the paper about it shortly. Basically, Presson is very pleased with Rob but, as he put it, he needs to see more wins. I would expect Presson to remove the interim tag soon. But I think Presson will see what other candidates emerge in the off-season. So I don't think Rob will get a deal for next year until the off-season, if it happens at all. The pressure is on Presson to choose the right guy, given that French was clearly a bad hire. I think Presson is nervous about hiring someone with no head coaching experience, although it worked with Laxdal.

Submitted by Centericesteve aka T from Wichita

Q: Kollen , Kollen where ya at ? You don't write , you don't call . Whats up ? Did you run off with Mr Pink or what ?

Answered 01/23/08 17:11:34 by Kollen Long

A: I have been having some trouble getting the notification e-mails about questions to this forum. It has been several weeks with no questions from Mr. Pink. Bliss, pure bliss.

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