OFF DAY - Thursday May 24th

The London Knights went through a light skate and some media interviews today to prepare for the Memorial Cup championship on Sunday.

The Knights appreciate the time to rest as they have played 95 games this year including pre-season.  The 96th game will be for the CHL title.

Matt Rupert interviews twin brother Ryan (R)

Yesterday the team made a trip to Quebec City where Dale Hunter is still a hero.  Ryan Rupert, who plays a lot like Dale Hunter found a Hunter #32 Nordiques shirt in a sports store and immediately scooped it up.  The Ruperts Memorial Cup radio program, where Matt interviews Ryan can be heard this afternoon on NewsTalk 1290 CJBK between 3:00 and 4:00.  The Quebec media has dubbed them "Duex Enfant Terrible" which is a popular children's book in the province.

Clockwise from left - Bob Martin, Angelo Delellis, Andy Scott, Matt DeSand and Chris Maton 

The training, medical and equipment staff has had a championship season.  The traveling road show includes equipment, food, drinks and medical supplies for six games.  The Knights will now only play four.   Equipment manager Chris Maton is ably assisted by Bob Martin, Andy Scott, Angelo Delellis and Matt DeSand.  Maton's staff gets a 7:30 wake-up call every day.  On game days and will finish after midnight.  The Knights brought 300 sticks that each cost $200!

Hockey Operations assistant Dean Patterson was absent from the picture.  Patterson helps Maton and is also constantly monitoring ice time for the coaching staff.

The players have every need looked after and Maton says next week will be an adjustment because he enjoys this group of players so much.  Every detail has been attended to.  The players are sitting in the same positions they do in the dressing at the John Labatt Centre.  Name plates and mats for the floors were also brought from London to make sure players felt as much at home as possible.

Chris Maton sharpens skates at Memorial Cup 

Mark Hunter answers media questions

Michael Houser