Host Spotlight: Mastercard Memorial Cup memories still vivid in Edmonton
Edmonton, AB hosts Game 2 of the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series on Tuesday November 8th at 8:00pm MT/10:00pm ET on Sportsnet. Two and a half years removed from their thrilling 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup title run, remaining members of the hometown Oil Kings still reflect on the unforgettable experience.
Just three players and staff members remain, but the memories of the Edmonton Oil Kings’ 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup title live on in the oil capital.
The improbable bounce back from a heartbreaking double overtime loss to the Val-d’Or Foreurs to close out the round robin included a semi-final triple overtime win against those same Foreurs three days later before topping the previously undefeated Guelph Storm 6-3 to hoist the Memorial Cup in London, Ont.
This is what it’s all about. We see you, @EdmOilKings #MCMemorialCup pic.twitter.com/GdEPt2nGCO
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 24, 2015
Two-and-a-half years later, overagers Tyler Robertson, Lane Bauer and Aaron Irving remain with the club along with current head coach Steve Hamilton who served as an assistant under Derek Laxdal (now with the AHL’s Texas Stars) in 2014.
“That was a special time, one we will always share together,” said Hamilton reflecting on the championship experience. “We always found a way, and that’s what was special about that team. The guys in the room always had a huge belief in one another and we persevered. That particular group of 25 players was one that came together at the right time.”
Led by a core that included current NHL farmhands Curtis Lazar (Ottawa Senators), Henrik Samuelsson (Arizona Coyotes) Griffin Reinhart (Edmonton Oilers) and goaltender Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh Penguins), the Oil Kings strung together three straight 50-win seasons, two WHL championships and a Mastercard Memorial Cup title.
“It was all built through the draft,” Hamilton continued, noting the contributions of general manager Randy Hansch and his staff. “We had key players in the right positions, in the right age groups and our strength started in the crease and worked its way out. It was a well-built team.”
#ThrowbackThursday to one unforgettable night! First ever #OilKings win @RogersPlace 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/AiSnZaiq6Y
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) September 29, 2016
A young Oil Kings club is off to a 6-9-2-0 start in new surroundings this season, moving into the state-of-the-art Rogers Place, the newly unveiled home that they share with the Edmonton Oilers.
“It’s an overwhelming first impression when you first walk into the facility,” said Hamilton. “It’s beautiful, so well-designed. I know a lot of our guys had a night they’ll never forget when we had 18,000 people for our home opener. For a number of our players that was their first home game in the WHL.”
With the 2011-14 dominance behind them, Hamilton and his staff have made a concerted effort to keep the standard high throughout the organization. The examples of those who came before have set a high benchmark for excellence in oil country.
“We’re grooming a lot of young guys into the organization here and for them, we always want to maintain that competitive edge. There’s always going to be some growing pains associated with developing young players, but we certainly feel fortunate to be part of such a strong organization – one that has accomplished so much.”
Hamilton will be behind the bench for Team WHL on Tuesday when the Oil Kings host Game 2 of the CIBC Canada Russia Series at Rogers Place. It’s the first time that Edmonton has hosted the event.
“This is a representation of some of the best players in our league and there’s a lot of skill on Team WHL,” Hamilton said of the opportunity. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s in store.”
Tune into Tuesday’s action live from Edmonton on Sportsnet at 10:00pm PT/7:00pm ET.
