Both coaches see start as critical to success in opening Memorial Cup match-up on Friday night

All four coaches from the four teams – Clouston, Matt O’Dette of the T-Birds, Rob Wilson of the Peterborough Petes, and NHL Legend Patrick Roy, head coach and GM of the Quebec Remparts – fielded questions from media in the room, and across the country via Zoom.

Clouston knows that come Friday night, his team will be in tough against the QMJHL Champs.“Great depth up front. A solid defending team – a team that makes it really, really tough to get to the net. We’re going to have to really dig in and work on that,” Clouston said. “Then a great transition team, a team that defends and then attacks and comes at you with speed. We know we’ve got our hands full, that’s for sure.”

At the other end of the table, Patrick Roy knows his club will be coming up against a well-rested Blazers team who will have a full building of fans behind them.

“Host team. Their fans are going to be right behind them, and we’re going to have to be ready for the storm at the start of the game,” Roy explained. “It’ll be a nice challenge for our group.”

However, that home crowd can add a little extra pressure to the team they’re rooting for. Both coaches believe the start of game one will be key to securing a win

“There’s some pressure on our team, so the start of the game is very important. The first goal could make a big difference, Roy says. “We’re certainly going to look forward to having a good start to the game, and hopefully we can score that first one.”

“I think the start will be incredibly important for us,” Clouston echoed. “We’re going to have to work our way into it and make sure we’re ready to go early.”

The puck drop for game one of the tournament is set for Friday night at Sandman Centre at 6:00 pm.

by Adam Donnelly

Both coaches see start as critical to success in opening Memorial Cup match-up on Friday night

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