Bulldogs are Memorial Cup bound

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SAINT JOHN - It'll be the Dogs against the 'Dogs in the opening game of the 2022 Memorial Cup.

The Hamilton Bulldogs were crowned Ontario Hockey League champions Wednesday, defeating the Windsor Spitfires 6-1 in Game 7. The victory secures the Bulldogs a spot in the Memorial Cup tournament, joining the Saint John Sea Dogs, Shawinigan Cataractes and Edmonton Oil Kings.

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— Steve McLean (@SteveMcLean888) June 16, 2022

The Bulldogs will face the host Sea Dogs in the tournament's opening game this Monday at 7 p.m. Hamilton will have just four days off to prepare while Saint John has been off since May 12.

Here's a look at the now finalized Memorial Cup schedule.

Mon., June 20 – Game 1: Hamilton vs. Saint John at 7 p.m. AT

Tues., June 21 – Game 2: Shawinigan vs. Edmonton at 7 p.m. AT

Wed., June 22 – Game 3: Saint John vs. Edmonton at 7 p.m. AT

Thurs., June 23 – Game 4: Shawinigan vs. Hamilton at 7 p.m. AT

Fri., June 24 – Game 5: Edmonton vs. Hamilton at 7 p.m. AT

Sat., June 25 – Game 6: Saint John vs. Shawinigan at 5 p.m. AT

Sun., June 26 – Tie-Breaker, if necessary, at 5 p.m. AT

Mon., June 27 – Semi-Final at 7 p.m. AT

Wed., June 29 – Championship Final at 7 p.m. AT

The Bulldogs were the best team in the OHL's regular season, finishing with a record of 51-12-3-2. They cruised through the first three rounds of the playoffs, going 12-0. In the league final, the Bulldogs had their struggles (and injuries) but managed to pull off a seven-game series win (and a tremendously entertaining series at that).

Hamilton's Logan Morrison was named playoff MVP, recording 17 goals and 39 points in just 19 games. The Bulldogs have a deep lineup with one of their headliners being Anaheim Ducks prospect Mason McTavish, who played for Canada at both the world juniors and Olympic Games this year.

Hamilton won the OHL title in 2018 as well. They went on to finish third at the Memorial Cup and were eliminated by the Regina Pats in the semifinal.

An OHL team has not won the Memorial Cup since the Windsor Spitfires did so in 2017.