St. Louis Blues parents all nerves in advance of Game 7

Mitch Bozak was feeling the butterflies Wednesday as the St. Louis Blues prepared for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.

The thing is, Bozak isn’t even playing. His son, Tyler, and his Blues teammates are the ones who are facing the Boston Bruins on Wednesday with the NHL title on the line.

“I’m a bag of nerves … I’m glad it’s getting over with tonight,” Mitch said on the 980 CJME Greg Morgan Morning Show.

The deciding game of the best-of-seven NHL final between the Blues and Bruins is to begin at 6 p.m. Regina time.

Tyler was born in Regina, and is a graduate of the midget AAA Pat Canadians. He’s one of three Saskatchewan-born players on the team, joining Jaden Schwartz of Wilcox and Brayden Schenn of Saskatoon.

Schenn’s dad, Jeff, said that he has “the whole crew” in Boston for the game. That includes his other son, Luke, who currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks.

Jeff said he was able to text Brayden a bit Wednesday morning, and he admitted that Brayden was a bit nervous.

“He’s excited, he’s obviously nervous, but this is what you dream of and this is where you want to be,” Jeff said. “He says he’s ready to go.”

Jeff Schenn said Brayden got a pep talk from a Boston legend Tuesday night while they were out for dinner, and Jeff thinks it’s going to help his son.

“(Former Bruins star) Ray Bourque came over and talked to him for about 10 minutes last night, just about enjoying the moment, (being) ready, and some of his experiences,” Jeff said. “I think that’ll help Brayden a little bit.”

Mitch Bozak and the rest of his family have been to the six previous games in the series. He expects Game 7 to be a tight one.

“Tonight, they’re both (playing with their) backs against the wall. They’re both on the line,” he said.

That’s why Mitch figured Boston was able to beat St. Louis on Sunday and extend the series to seven games.

“You play different …,” Mitch said. “I think Boston played like it was their last game.”

That only increases the tension for Game 7, he said.

“It’s a fine line on this thing,” Mitch said. “A shot, a deflection (or) a save can make a difference on the whole game.”

He likes the Blues’ chances as the away team, citing the team’s 9-4 road record this post-season. The Blues are 6-6 at home.

“It might just be to their advantage being on the road: Less distractions, you’re more focused (and) you just do what you need to prepare for the game,” he said.

Bozak said the Bruins’ supporters haven’t been shy about ribbing him and other Blues fans.

“I’m not going to lie: Those Boston fans are a little crazy …,” Mitch said. “We had to get a little escort from where we were sitting to where we were going to meet the boys after (Game 5) here.

“There are a few (fans) that are a little over the top, I’m not going to lie.”

The Schenns have been travelling back and forth from St. Louis and Boston from Game 3 on. Jeff said the fans in Boston are “passionate.”

“(They’re) a little nasty,” he said. “They love their Bruins and they’re not afraid to tell you that they don’t like the St. Louis Blues. It’s been interesting.”

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Brady Lang