Kris Mallette's gold medal

By Regan Bartel

Rockets HC wins at high-profile event

Kris Mallette is golden – again

Aug 8, 2023 | 5:58 PM

Kris Mallette has returned home with jet lag, a gold medal around his neck, and an upbeat attitude.

Despite a 9-hour time difference, which some would consider a hockey hangover, Mallette helped Canada win again at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in BRECLAV, Czechia.

“It is never easy,” Mallette told RocketFAN after some anxious moments as an assistant coach, as Canada went on to defeat the host team 3-2 in overtime. “This is one of the few tournaments that Hockey Canada puts on where we believe its best on best as the top players are available. So to win, there is a sense of pride for sure.”

Mallette is no stranger to being in the winner’s circle at this event, which showcases the top 18-year-old and under players in the world. The now 44-year-old also won gold at this time last year.

“To be involved in these tournaments during the summertime is a big sacrifice, Mallette added. “When you are able to win and represent your country, rather than come up empty-handed, it makes it all worthwhile.”

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The win gives Canada its 24^th gold medal and 28^th in men’s summer under-18 play since 1991.

“It’s expected,” when Mallette is asked if the goal is always to come away with a first-place finish. “It is not like you know you have the team to win, but you just expect it. We get the best from every country, and we may have the best players in that age group, but the key is getting them to gel. We had to do it this year without having a training camp to judge character. We essentially picked the team via video.”

When the team arrived in Budapest, Hungry, it lost an opening game (9-6) to Finland, before wins over Slovakia, Switzerland, and then an impressive 7-2 victory over the USA in the semifinals.

“You are with the elite athletes, so you believe you are a better coach when you come back from these things”, Mallette said. “It renews the belief in my thought process in the small details and habits that are needed to win. Obviously, communication is key because the tournament is so condensed. We are trying to get the best out of them (players) in a seven-day period.”

With success behind the bench internationally, one would think the next step for Mallette, if he chooses, is a shot either as the head coach of the under-18s or as an assistant coach at the more high-profile world junior hockey championship.

“I sure hope so”, Mallette not batting an eye at taking another step up the Hockey Canada ladder. “There is opportunity there. I would love to get there. That is my ultimate goal is to coach at the world juniors. I am just happy to be given every opportunity I get.”

Unlike being behind a Western Hockey League bench, where there is no time for sightseeing when the team travels from city to city over the course of a 68-game regular season schedule, Mallette did smell the roses while overseas.

“Budapest was spectacular,” Mallette with excitement in his voice and a camera in his hand to capture the moments. “It has unbelievable history and architecture. Then going to Slovakia from Budapest was a big shock. We were in a smaller town, very old and it almost felt like time had stopped there. Lots of concrete and brick with cobblestone roads. We even saw a world-famous castle in Trencin, which goes back to the Roman Empire, so could I be a tourist, absolutely.”

With his feet firmly back on Canadian soil, Mallette will spend some time with his family over the next week to 10 days before preparing for his fourth full season behind the Kelowna Rockets bench.

“It (Hlinka Gretzky Cup) puts me back in hockey mode. We are a couple of weeks out from training camp, so let’s go.”