Memorial Cup 2012 Champs are Host City Shawinigan

Credit: Terry Wilson/CHL Images

The Memorial Cup is one of the most cherished hockey trophies to win as a player because of it's tournament combining all three winners of the OHL, QMJHL and the WHL. It's the closest thing we have to a "Champions League" like so many other sports compete with. And with the host city also making a lot of recognition along with an influx of tourism, it's also like a "big game" atmosphere.

The defending champs in Saint John Sea Dogs have made a noble charge, but this year, the Shawinigan Cataractes have emerged victorious. So, congratulations to them.

Shawinigan became the first host team since the 2007 Vancouver Giants to capture the trophy on home ice, and did so with a local player lifting the cup.

The final match-up was the OHL champion London Knights (who were recently reunited with Dale Hunter) and the host city Shawinigan Cataractes. It took a single overtime period for Moscow native Anton Zlobin to score his second and game winning goal for his team.

I could not see the game this year, but I was keeping up to date on several young junior prospects that I am interested in with Greg McKegg (London) and Tomas Jurco (Saint John), but it looks like there were a number of NHL prospects in the line-up that now know what it's like to have the chance to win a major trophy. They will all carry this with them as a learning experience.

Check out the other articles linked here for more coverage of this year's Memorial Cup.

[Via: Mastercard Memorial Cup Official Page and Rogers Sportsnet]

Windsor Spitfires Win Back-to-Back Memorial Cup Championships

Taylor Hall - Windsor

Once again, the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) are this year's Memorial Cup championship. It served as a real eye-opener for those who expect Taylor Hall as a major prospect as well as the #1 overall pick in this upcoming June Entry Draft.

Windsor blew out the host city Brandon, Manitoba's Wheat Kings 9-3 on the first meeting and 9-1 on the second meeting to add their team name again on the Cup trophy. They also had to take on Calgary Hitmen of the WHL and the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.

This Memorial Cup tournament is going to be the closest thing that North Americans will have to witnessing a true Champions league in hockey. Though I do like the idea of having a host city rotation, it would be fair to have a forth junior team be invited to challenge for the Memorial Cup. Granted it's a trophy awarded to one of the three major junior teams that make up the CHL, but what about the USHL that could possibly compete on the same level? Instead of the host city's team getting an automatic berth, why not have a 4th team to even things out.

I am not as familiar with the Windsor Spitfire organization as I should be. I don't know if they are ready to regain the Memorial Cup trophy yet again if Taylor Hall signs a pro conract. Is there more tallent on that roster than I might know about? Leave a comment or two on the sections provided.

[Via: Memorial Cup Official Site]

Memorial Cup Mishap

A trophy's only value is the work and dedication put into it while balanced with a long storied tradition. Last night, the Memorial Cup was awarded to the winner of the 4 team tournament - the WHL Spokane (WA) Chiefs.

As the tradition goes, players hoist the trophy over their heads. But just as soon as the Chiefs players can celebrate with their reward, the shock and horror of a suddenly disgraced trophy ruins the evening.

This you tube video is the raw footage that captures a lot of the players reactions and in some cases may not be suitable for work environments.Congratulations anyway to the Spokane Chiefs for winning junior hockey's greatest prize... and picking up the pieces.