Dale Hunter answering media questions at the Memorial Cup.  Mark looks relaxed in the background.

DALE 


Dale Hunter was the main focus of the media today at the Memorial Cup in Shawinigan.  To accommodate the many requests for interviews Hunter, who is still a hero in Quebec gathered the biggest crowd of reporters.  


Many of the questions were about the decision to leave Washington Capitals.  He answered the question about returning to the NHL four different times.  All the answers were the same.  No plans to do it at this time.   Hunter will be 52 on July 30th and even said, 'he's not a spring chicken anymore."  


Hunter fully supported the return of the NHL to Quebec City which will probably be the answer that gets the most headlines.  


Dale is posing for quite a few pictures with fans wearing Quebec Nordiques sweaters.   


The Knights found out 20 year-old Gabriel Girard will start in goal for Shawinigan tonight.  He is an overage player for the Cataractes.  17 year old Alex Dubeau played in game one against Edmonton.  Girard played 36 games in the regular season for Shawinigan compared to 40 for Dubeau.  Dubeau had better numbers in the playoffs this year with a 2.08 GAA and a .919 save percentage.  Girard's save percentage in five playoff games was just .886.  
London has no such goaltending issue.  Michael Houser will start.  Many of the veterans did not participate in the pre-game skate today. 


Mark Hunter seemed relaxed but knows the Cataractes will be difficult to handle in their own building tonight.  

Knights equipment manager Chris Maton sharpens some skates for pre-game workout

Brandon Gormley - World Junior Defenceman plays for Shawinigan

Shawinigan coach Eric Veilleux talks to media about tonights game

Goalie Alex Dubeau will be replaced by Gabriel Girard for tonighs game

The patriarch watching son Dale handle the media

Tonights play-by-play guys. Mike Stubbs and RJ Broadhead

Mark chats with Sportsnet crew while Dale regales the rest