Silvertips lean on self-belief ahead of Memorial Cup

Photo by Canadian Hockey League (CHL)

KELOWNA, B.C. — Confidence, pressure and belief were recurring themes Thursday as coaches from the four remaining Canadian Hockey League teams met with media ahead of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota.

Representatives from the Kelowna Rockets, Everett Silvertips, Kitchener Rangers and Chicoutimi Saguenéens spoke with reporters during a “Meet the Coaches” media availability ahead of tournament play beginning Friday in Kelowna.

Among the most notable comments came from Everett head coach Steve Hamilton, who emphasized the mental growth of his club after capturing the Western Hockey League championship.

“The biggest area is between the ears,” Hamilton said. “Unshakable self-belief. Unwavering belief in how we do things. Right or wrong, it’s our way.”

Hamilton said Everett’s players have developed a stronger level of self-awareness throughout the season, allowing the group to recover quickly from difficult stretches and maintain confidence in high-pressure moments.

“When we’re not at the level we hope to be, mid-game, post-game, after a loss, guys are self-aware and can check themselves and be better the next night,” he said. “Don’t spend time in your head. Know where your feet are at.”

The Silvertips enter the tournament carrying favourite status in the eyes of many after a dominant WHL playoff run, though Hamilton downplayed the label.

“It’s hard to believe we’d be considered the favourite,” he said. “All teams have great goaltending, great defencemen, great forwards. There will be slim margins.”

Hamilton added that Everett’s focus is on recreating the energy and momentum that fuelled the club during the WHL championship series.

“This is not a marathon,” he said. “We’re ready to sprint.”

Hamilton also praised fellow Calgarian, defenceman Landon Dupont, calling the highly touted blueliner exceptional both on and off the ice.

“The most notable thing is the humility he does things with,” Hamilton said. “He’s a treat to watch. He’s exceptional behind the scenes as well. We probably don’t get here without a defenceman of that quality.”

Kelowna head coach Derrick Martin spoke glowingly about Tij Iginla and the maturity he has shown during his recovery process this season.

“If he was struggling, no one ever knew about it,” Martin said. “He was there with the team with a smile on his face.”

Martin described Iginla as a self-motivated player with a growth mindset whose work ethic continues to influence the Rockets dressing room.

The Memorial Cup opens Friday in Kelowna with all four clubs chasing the CHL’s ultimate prize.