With the London Knights’ 3–1 victory over the Rimouski Océanic on Saturday night, Dale Hunter etched his name into Memorial Cup history, becoming the tournament’s all-time winningest head coach and setting yet another milestone for the storied franchise.
The win marked Hunter’s 15th career Memorial Cup victory, breaking the previous record of 14 set by WHL coaching legend Don Hay, who guided the Kamloops Blazers and Vancouver Giants. Hunter’s historic run dates back to 2005, when the Knights hosted and won their first Memorial Cup title, making his achievement a 20+ year testament to coaching excellence.
“I didn’t know about it until about two minutes ago,” Hunter said following the game. “It’s a credit to the players to win games. They are the ones that have to sacrifice on the ice, blocking shots, doing everything. Through the years I have had great players and they’re winners.”
A former NHL forward and OHL alumnus, Hunter has built a legacy of consistent success behind the Knights’ bench. Since taking over as head coach in the 2001/02 season, he has never missed the playoffs and has developed a strong reputation for evolving with the game.
“Dale is constantly evolving, figuring out how to make players and getting teams to win,” said Knights owner and general manager Mark Hunter, Dale’s brother. “It’s important. He understands it’s a process to get these kids better. They’re young men and he’s constantly working with them.”
Throughout his coaching career, Hunter has played a pivotal role in developing some of the NHL’s top talent. Stars like Patrick Kane, Mitch Marner, Matthew Tkachuk, and John Tavares all spent crucial years under his guidance in London. Known for his demanding yet developmental coaching style, Hunter has consistently prepared young players not only to succeed at the junior level but to make immediate impacts in the pros.
He will now aim to guide the Knights to a third national title under his leadership, having previously captured championships in 2005 and 2016. With a spot in the semi-final already secured, London can punch their ticket straight to the Memorial Cup final for a second consecutive year with one more round-robin victory.
Their next game will be on Tuesday night against Gavin McKenna and the Medicine Hat Tigers from the WHL. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
