WITHOUT GAMES - LOTS OF PRACTICE AND HOCKEY TALK 

The London Knights went back to their minor hockey roots in preparing for their first game at the Memorial Cup.  
The Knights donned their equipment at the main arena, The Bionest Centre in Shawinigan and boarded a bus to a smaller arena.  The teams practice where the games are played only on their game day.  
"We are used to it," said Jared Knight.  "When we practice at the Western Fairgrounds, we change at the John Labatt Centre and drive over."  
The Knights open the Memorial Cup on Saturday night against the defending champion Saint John Seadogs.


The Knights seemed relaxed as they went through drills.   The 50-minute session picked up pace as it went along, finishing with a power play drill and then the players favourite - the shootout competition.  

Knights GM-coach Mark Hunter thinks Ollie Maatta is a top ten NHL pick

It was then back onto the bus for a trip to the Bionest Centre and several players and GM-coach Mark Hunter were available for media questions.   A Finnish reporter interviewed Ollie Maatta and we also discovered Scott Harrington speaks very good French as he went to French immersion public school.  He has been popular with the Quebec media.


Maatta was also the subject of Mark Hunter's praise.  Hunter suggesting the 17 year old defenseman is a top-ten pick at least.  Mark even suggested it wouldn't be out of the question for Maatta to be the first pick overall.  Put four championship calibre teams in the same city as dozens of reporters - and before any games are played there's lots to talk about. 

Michael Houser chats at Memorial Cup.

Houser seemed sharp in practice and well-rested.  He did admit at some points in the season he was tired but there's no issue with energy now.  Even though the team already has an OHL championship and a major celebration - they are no less motivated for the Memorial Cup.   The Houser story is a favourite of the Memorial Cup media.  From non-drafted in either the OHL or NHL to OHL MVP.  


Hunter again praised his players during his media session. 

"I can't say Michael is the best goalie in Canada," said Hunter.  "I think he is but I haven't seen all the goalies.  He's the best in the Ontario Hockey League.  He proved that and that's why we're here."   

Houser with an RIP Ian Jenkins sign on his helmet in tribute to the Knights goalie who passed away last year

Knights GM coach Mark Hunter watches practice the day before game one

Knights OHL MVP Michael Houser with Dylan Hunter