London Knights Win again; Dale Hunter becomes the winningest coach in Memorial Cup history

London Knights coach Dale Hunter has become the winningest in Memorial Cup history. CTV London's Brent Lale reports.

When Jacob Julien scored to play hero against Rimouski, Dale Hunter became the winningest coach in Memorial Cup history.

“I didn’t know about it until about two minutes ago,” said Hunter in the post-game news conference.

“It’s a credit to the players to win games. They are the ones that have to sacrifice on the ice, blocking shots, doing everything. Through the years I have had great players and they’re winners.”

London’s 3-1 win over Rimouski gave Hunter 15 tournament wins, which passes Western league legend (WHL) Don Hay for most wins since the tournament went to the current format in 1972.

“We really listen to Dale,” said Julien.

“He’s a really smart head coach and we’re really grateful to have him. We just kind of work under him and do this and good things happen”.

His first win came when they hosted the 2005 tournament, meaning those 15 wins span 20 years.

How has he learned to prepare for this grueling event over his two decades?

“You know what to expect and how to prepare the kids more,” said Hunter.

“Good games, battling hard and you got back-to-back games. It is tough because the level goes up another level with these players that are the elite of the CHL (Canadian Hockey League).”

While the Knights are winning in Rimouski, Que., the fans back home are celebrating along with them.

Hundreds of people packed Dundas Place on Saturday and Sunday to cheer on the boys who are now guaranteed a spot in the tournament semifinal. A win Tuesday against Medicine Hat will send them directly to the final.

“I think a big thing for us will be recovery,” said Julien.

“After two games in a row, it’ll be important to rest up and maybe get a practice in and then get ready.”

Rest, then preparation for the WHL champion, Medicine Hat.Hunter said the team will stay grounded and not look past the Tigers.

“They’ve come here to play hockey and they’re going to take one game at a time,” said Hunter.

“Medicine Hat is a good team. We all know it, and it’s going to be another battle”.

When they hit the ice, the fans back home in London will be ready to show their support 1,300 kilometres away.