MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP: 5 THOUGHTS BEFORE GAME 1
From the broadcast booth: 5 thoughts before Rimouski
By: Callum Ng, play-by-play announcer
You can join Callum Ng for the call of Saturday’s game at the Mastercard Memorial Cup against the Rimouski Oceanic with coverage beginning at 4:15 pm streaming at OshawaGenerals.com here. You can also catch all games by downloading the ‘Oshawa Generals’ app for iOS, Android or Blackberry.
The Oshawa Generals begin the Mastercard Memorial Cup with a game against the QMJHL champion, Rimouski Oceanic on Saturday afternoon. The Generals will play the Quebec Remparts on Sunday, and the WHL champion Kelowna Rockets on Tuesday.
1. A tale of two champions
The Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, the Oceanic won the President Cup. Both teams said they have to put their season success on the shelf for now, “We know our ultimate goal is to bring home a Memorial Cup, that’s really what’s on all our minds right now,” said Josh Brown. In fact, Oshawa has had this tournament in mind since earlier in the season so their shot begins today.
2. Little known entity
A brilliant thing about junior hockey’s final four is some match-ups involve teams who have never played each other. Coaches and players will watch video, and lean on the knowledge of others. Oshawa and Rimouski face this challenge. “If you try to play someone else’s game, a rush game or whatever, you won’t be successful,” said DJ Smith. It’s more important than ever for Oshawa Generals hockey to remain steadfast.
3. Break it up
Rimouski finished off their championship series with a game seven on Monday, (which they won in double-overtime). The Generals have been off since last Friday, which is an eight-day break. “Everyone’s ready to go and healthy,” commented DJ Smith but right away qualified it with, “We need to get tested, we need to get pushed to get our intensity back, that’ll take a little bit.” Smith said the first 10 minutes this afternoon is critical for Oshawa.
4. No change icing
At the Mastercard Memorial Cup there is NHL-style icing. Dump it the distance and you cannot change. This could be an adjustment for Oshawa who would routinely ice the puck if they got in trouble against Erie, “We’ve been talking about it a little bit it’s definitely going to be a little different,” said Josh Brown. “Now we know we have to at least get out of our zone if we want the change.” Oshawa does have last change today as the ‘home team’.
5. Everyone’s refreshed
It’s May 23rd and we are two days shy of the season being eight months old for the Oshawa Generals. It’s been a long road. Even going back to the Peterborough series which began almost two months ago. But the environment here in Quebec City, the energy and excitement is refreshing everyone, including the players. “When you’re at this tournament you forget it’s been a long season, you want to win so badly,” said Oceanic defenceman Jan Kostalek.
You can join Callum Ng for the call of Saturday’s game at the Mastercard Memorial Cup against the Rimouski Oceanic with coverage beginning at 4:15 pm streaming at OshawaGenerals.com here. Or catch all games by downloading the ‘Oshawa Generals’ app for iOS, Android or Blackberry.
