Key Takeaways:
- Canada is looking to rebound from two consecutive quarterfinal exits at the world junior hockey championship
- Dale Hunter has been appointed as the head coach of the Canadian team, after leading the team to a championship in 2020
- Hunter has a proven track record of developing talent and winning championships with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League
- The Hunters’ approach to coaching emphasizes patience, hard work, and a focus on winning
- Canada is looking to get back to the top of the world junior podium, with a renewed focus on defense and a professional approach to the game
Introduction to Canada’s Rebound Efforts
Canada is looking to rebound from two consecutive quarterfinal exits at the world junior hockey championship, and the team is turning to a familiar face to lead the charge. Dale Hunter, who led the team to a championship in 2020, has been appointed as the head coach of the Canadian team. Hunter has a proven track record of developing talent and winning championships with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. The team’s general manager, Alan Millar, and senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, Scott Salmond, knew that they needed to make a change and bring in a coach who could get the team back on track.
The Hunters’ Coaching Pedigree
The Hunters have built a powerhouse with the London Knights, winning three Memorial Cups, six OHL titles, and graduating a number of players to the professional ranks. So what has led to their championship and talent-developing pedigree? According to players who have played for the Hunters, it’s their great hockey minds, patience, and focus on developing players. "Really great hockey minds," said St. Louis Blues centre Robert Thomas, who played three seasons with the Knights. "They care about their players and want to see them grow. They won’t put them in a position to fail. They’ll always be really patient and make sure everything progresses nicely before they put them in those big positions." Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri, who spent two seasons with the Knights, also praised the Hunters, saying they had a "great influence on my early career" and "tremendous knowledge."
The Hunters’ Approach to Coaching
The Hunters’ approach to coaching emphasizes patience, hard work, and a focus on winning. According to Thomas, Dale Hunter’s ability to handle young talent with varying needs helps get his message across. "Just how genuine he is," Thomas said. "Whether it’s talking about skills, watching video: ‘This is how hard you have to work.’ A lot of players can really credit a lot of their success to how he handled them in junior." Max Domi, a forward with the Toronto Maple Leafs who played four seasons in London, said that Dale Hunter treats the Knights like a miniature NHL club. "Short shifts, it takes everyone, team mindset," said Domi. "All that good stuff maybe gets lost in some of the minor and junior hockey conversations with coaches and players, but he treated us like pros down there. That’s why guys are so prepared when they jump to the next level."
Dale Hunter’s Coaching Philosophy
Dale Hunter’s coaching philosophy is straightforward. "I’m not a yeller or screamer, but they know that I demand a certain way to play," he said. "When they go (to the NHL), it’s not the offensive side that’s the issue. I try to teach them defence and that this is the pro way, this is what you have to do. I try to prepare them." Hunter’s focus on defense and a professional approach to the game is music to the ears of Canadian forward Porter Martone, one of the returnees from last year’s disappointment at the world juniors. "Brilliant hockey mind," Martone said. "You’ve seen what he’s done with London, you see the players he’s developed, see the championships he’s won. Every time he speaks, you’re listening, because he knows best."
Canada’s Goals and Expectations
Now it’s about getting Canada prepared and back where the team feels it belongs — atop the world junior podium. "Winning … that’s literally all that matters," Domi said of the Hunter creed. "Everything else fits into place when you’re just focused on winning. That’s all they care about, it’s all they talk about, it’s all they expect. And nothing else matters." With Dale Hunter at the helm, Canada is looking to get back to the top of the world junior podium, with a renewed focus on defense and a professional approach to the game. The team’s goal is clear: to win, and to bring home a championship. With Hunter’s guidance, they are confident that they can achieve it.
