No fireworks, just quiet confidence

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Everett enters the tournament as the WHL champion after a franchise-record season and sits atop many national rankings. Yet Hamilton brushed aside the suggestion that his club should be considered the team to beat.

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“The Western Hockey League hasn’t won in 12 years. I find it hard to believe that we’d be considered the favorites, to be honest with you,” Hamilton said.

The WHL’s Memorial Cup drought has become a talking point heading into the tournament, and Hamilton wasn’t interested in putting additional pressure on his players.

“We got obviously a great host team and three league champions,” he said. “There’ll be probably very, very slim margins between all of the teams and that’s the nature of this tournament. That’s why it’s so hard to win.”

Hamilton’s comments echoed those of Ahokas, whose Kitchener Rangers captured their first Ontario Hockey League championship since 2008 and arrive with several players who won a Memorial Cup with the London Knights a year ago.

That experience alone has led some observers to place the Rangers among the favourites. Ahokas wasn’t buying it.

“I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “I think there’s four really good teams and three champions and one really good host team.”

The Finnish coach continued.

“I wouldn’t say we’re the favorites. I think there’s not really a favorite in this tournament.”

It was a diplomatic answer, but perhaps also an honest one. Unlike a seven-game playoff series, the Memorial Cup is a four-team sprint where one bad period can change everything.

While neither coach wanted the favourite label, Kelowna Rockets head coach Derrick Martin spent much of his time discussing two of the biggest stories surrounding the host team: Hall of Fame coach Don Hay and star forward Tij Iginla.

Martin was asked about bringing Hay onto his staff for the Memorial Cup season, a move that instantly added one of the most accomplished coaching minds in Canadian junior hockey to the Rockets’ bench.

The decision, Martin revealed, came quickly.

“We talked about it almost as soon as we saw he was available,” Martin said.

Hay’s resume speaks for itself. The former WHL and Memorial Cup champion coach has spent decades behind junior hockey benches and remains one of the most respected figures in the game.

Martin said Hay has exceeded even the highest expectations.

“He’s been a great sounding board, a great coach, mentor and colleague this year. Everything that you think he would be, he’s that and more.”

What has impressed Martin most is Hay’s willingness to teach.

“He’s open, he’s willing to share, he’s willing to teach. He’s a player-first coach.”

For a Rockets team attempting to navigate the pressure that comes with hosting the Memorial Cup, Hay’s experience could prove invaluable.

“With what was on the line this year and what we’re now locking ourselves into, his experience is second to none in this league,” Martin said.

The other major Rockets storyline revolves around Iginla.

It’s easy to forget that only a year ago, the highly touted forward was largely sidelined while recovering from hip surgery. The lost season could have derailed the development of many young players. Instead, Iginla returned and enjoyed one of the most productive campaigns in junior hockey.

Martin said the comeback is a reflection of the player’s mindset.

“I think it’s admirable just watching him go through that.”

Even during his rehabilitation, Iginla remained a positive influence around the team.

“When he was around our team late last season, he was there with a smile on his face, taking young guys by the wayside and talking to them.”

According to Martin, the same work ethic that fueled Iginla’s recovery has carried over onto the ice.

“The work ethic that he instills in our group has served him well throughout recovery.”

In many ways, Martin said, it feels as though the injury never happened.

“It’s almost as if it’s never happened.”

The coach pointed to Iginla’s self-driven approach as the key factor.

“When you talk about players being self-motivators and self-starters, he’s at the top of the list for that. He has a goal, and I don’t think he’s gonna let anything stand in his way of achieving it.”

Elsewhere, Hamilton was asked about Everett phenom Landon Dupont, the exceptional-status defenceman who has lived up to every ounce of hype surrounding him.

Hamilton said what stands out most isn’t the skill level.

“The most notable thing is just the humility that he does things with.”

While Dupont’s on-ice talent is obvious, Hamilton believes the teenager’s character is equally impressive.

“He’s exceptional behind the scenes. Great teammate, hard worker, dedicated, wants to be the guy.”

As Thursday’s news conference wrapped up, there were no controversial comments, no bold guarantees and no declarations of superiority.

Instead, there was mutual respect.

Every coach acknowledged the strength of the competition. Every coach preached preparation and process. Every coach sounded confident without sounding cocky.

Maybe that’s exactly what should be expected at a Memorial Cup.

After all, getting here is difficult. Winning it is even harder.