LIVE BLOG: Memorial Cup - Sea Dogs vs Majors

CELEBRATION TALKS IN OWEN SOUND

Owen Sound city council is already making arrangements for a MasterCard Memorial Cup celebration.

The Owen Sound newspaper The Sun Times reports that “City councilors began making tentative plans on Wednesday to celebrate a possible Memorial Cup win by the Owen Sound Attack without mentioning the team -- save for one slip of the tongue by Coun. Jim McManaman -- or the tournament by name.”

The final game of the tournament is on May 29 at 8:00 pm, meaning a celebration would have be held on May 30. But in an unfortunate turn of events, there was a council meeting scheduled for that night. Gasp!

From the Sun Times:

After almost 15 minutes of debate -- filled with references to "they," "the event," "the group involved" -- council unanimously passed a resolution that "subject to discussions with a particular group" that the May 30 meeting be put off for a day in the event what was often referred to as a "welcome home celebration" is in order.

Check out the article for the full details.

PASSINGHAM'S JOURNEY HITS ANOTHER CURVE

He has a Memorial Cup ring – but will he have a place to play next season?

Former Saint John Sea Dogs third string goaltender Troy Passingham is facing yet another challenge in his hockey career. After sticking with the Windsor Spitfires last season, his future with the national champs is unclear as he enters his 20-year old season.

"Right now, I'm just playing it by ear," Passingham said to the Windsor Star last week.

Unfortunately for Passingham, the Spits have a solid net minder in Dallas Stars first round draft choice Jack Campbell. Canadians will remember Campbell as the American goaltender who stole gold away from Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship last winter.

“It's not likely he'll get that chance in Windsor,” writes Spitfires beat reporter Jim Parker about six-foot-five goaltender staying with the club..

“Philipp Grubauer, who won the battle for the No. 1 spot in the playoffs, is gone to Kingston, but standout American netminder Jack Campbell is clearly the top man in Windsor.”

With teams being permitted to carry only three overage players, it is highly unlikely Windsor would use one of their spots on a backup goaltender.

Picked up from Tier II hockey in Ontario, Passingham finished second in the Ontario Hockey League in wins with 35. He had a record of 35-10-0-3 and added a 2.78 goals-against average, which was seventh in the league, and a .902 save percentage.

His standout season with the two-time MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions caught the attention of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

"My agent (Scott Russell) called NHL teams and Carolina called back and I said yes right away," Passingham said about his rookie camp invite with the Canes.

After his stint in Saint John, it didn’t look like Mississauga, Ontario native would ever get a NHL rookie camp invite. Passingham played in just two games during the 2007-08 season, being the third wheel in Travis Fullerton’s and Robert Mayer’s goaltending tandem.

Passingham had a 1-1 record with the Sea Dogs – with both games being against the cellar dwelling Moncton Wildcats. He finished with a 3.02 GAA and 0.918 save percentage.

He remains the only former Sea Dog with a Memorial Cup ring (pictured above on the far right).

SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

‘PASSY’ BRINGS IT HOME
The MasterCard Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires owe a lot of credit to backup net minder Troy Passingham.

The former Sea Dogs backstop played the majority of the first half of the season for Spits before getting permanently yanked following Game Three of the semi-finals against Kitchener. Windsor would win four straight to overcome a 3-0 series deficit and advance to the OHL Final.

Passingham spent the 2007-08 season in Saint John, playing the role as third string goalie. His only two starts, both against the Moncton Wildcats, came during the holidays when Robert Mayer was participating at the World Junior’s. In his pair of battles, Passingham went 1-1 with a 3.02 GAA and 0.897 save percentage.

TURK ON HIS TROPHY
Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant reacted to his Coach of the Year award in the Columbus Dispatches Blue Jacket’s blog “Puck-Rakers.”

"A good team makes a good coach, and we had a real good team, some really good players this season," Gallant said. "We won 22 games in a row at one point, and you don't do that without some really talented players.

"But I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't nice to get recognized."

Gallant also spoke about his time in Columbus.

"Did I get the job because of Doug MacLean? I probably did, yeah," Gallant said. "But did I think I could do the job? I definitely did. And I think I did a pretty good job. There was a lot of pressure to win (in 2006-07). We didn't get off to a very good start, and they had a chance to hire Ken Hitchcock or Andy Murray. Those are two pretty big names among coaches.

"Here's how I look at it, though: It was a lot of fun, and I'd do it all over again. In a minute. I loved everything about Columbus -- the fans, the city ... everything. I'd do it all over again, absolutely."

An interesting comment from a fan: “mane ifs we still had that homie weed be winning stanleys glass.”

The blog also believes that the team is based out of “St. John’s.”

SCHUTZ, GERMAN SQUAD COME UP SHORT
Former Sea Dog Felix Schutz and his German squad came up one win short of capturing the countries first medal at the World Hockey Championships since 1934.

The Germans fell 3-1 to Sweden Sunday in the Bronze medal game.

Schutz, a Buffalo Sabers 2006 draft choice, played in 67 games with the American Hockey League’s Portland Pirates this past season. The center put up 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points, 15 lesser points than he obtained last season.

The Erding, Germany native spent one-and-a-half seasons with Saint John, playing in 83 career games while registering 25 goals and 38 assists.

Hockey’s Future recently updated his status within the Sabers organization.

Schutz will be suiting up for Germany at the World Championships, joining teammate Phillip Gogulla. Schutz's offensive numbers regressed this season but he has really displayed his defensive grit as a two-way centerman in his two years so far in Portland. He has a non-stop motor and could be a useful third or fourth-line centerman in Buffalo someday. His entry -level contract is up at the end of the 2010-11 season.

Right now Schutz will be playing out next year in Portland unless he has an unbelievable training camp in Buffalo. His limited offensive upside and size could be his biggest impediment to someday making the Sabres.

STICH GOING BACK TO EUROPE
According the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s official Twitter page, former Sea Dogs defenseman David Stich has signed with HC Liberec, a professional team in his native Czech Republic.

Stich was expected to go pro this past season but was forced to return back to junior. After spending three seasons with the Sea Dogs, the tough-as-nails Stich was traded to the Montreal Junior.

The 20-year old played in 47 games with Montreal, getting six goals and 23 assists while assisting the Junior to a first round playoff exit against the Gatineau Olympiques.

HOFFMAN TO BE SIGNED SOON
Jeff Hicks of the Kitchener Record said in his blog earlier this week he expects Mike Hoffman to be signed “before the NHL Draft.”

Hicks, who writes the Kitchener Rangers blog Ranger Rap, says that Hoffman is just back from a vacation in Punta Cuna.

BEAULIEU BACK IN LONDON
Sea Dogs defenseman Nathan Beaulieu has headed home for the summer and told the London Free Press that the QMJHL Final was a wild experience.

“The Battle of New Brunswick, it was pretty crazy,” Beaulieu said of playing every game in front of at least 6,400 fans. “We lost but we had a lot of 17-, 18-year-olds on the team. We were young.”

Beaulieu also credits Simon Despres for his strong season; a campaign that has him setup to potentially go in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

“He drove me to the rink,” Beaulieu said, “and he really took me under his wing. He was great. He went through it where people would say stupid things to him, but he said you can’t get frustrated.

“You have to listen to them because it’ll help you get better. You can’t get frustrated.”

GALIEV AT THE COMBINE
The 2010 NHL Draft Combine opened yesterday. The 100 best draft-eligible players from North America and Europe will spend May 24-29 in Toronto, going through a vigorous round of physical, medical and psychological tests that could determine where they are chosen.

The list of invitees includes Saint John Russian forward Stanislav Galiev.

"A kid who a team might say, 'What the heck? Let's interview them,' all of a sudden he impresses in the interview," Director of NHL Central Scouting E.J. McGuire told NHL.com. "Some of them coming into the Combine might be on a team's list, but work their way off for some reason, or vice versa."

According to the TSN website, The Sports Network will have coverage of the combine this Friday at 5:00 pm on TSN2.

CLOCK ALMOST DONE
After looking at several photos on Facebook, it is safe to say that the Harbour Station clock retrofit will be completed in the next couple of days.

"The resolution in the screen will be the same as the Bell Centre (in Montreal)," our Twitter friend Warren Beatteay told the Telegraph-Journal on Monday.

"Most of the editing (for graphic displays) on the old screen was done with Microsoft Paint," he said. "Now, we've got two different computers controlling the main screen, plus a new video suite we're installing which will put us at a whole new level."

"You'll be able to pick up the whiskers on any of the Saint John Sea Dogs players' faces," Mike Caddell, general manager of Harbour Station, said.

New high defination cameras have also been purchased, meaning that the entire Sea Dogs in-game experience will change for the better this season.

The screens on the street sign outside the building will also be replaced with HD.

ON THE RADIO
According to Sea Dogs’ Twitter page, CHL Coach of the Year Gerard Gallant will be on CBC Radio One’s (91.3 FM) Information Morning tomorrow at 7:40 am.

FACEBOOK PAGE
Some problems have arisen on the Station Nation Facebook page over the past week. Our rules are simple: talk/debate about hockey – not all this personal junk. Done.

If you have any problems, questions, or concerns plaese email us at stationnation@yahoo.ca.

SPITS DO IT AGAIN

FINAL: Wheat Kings 1, Spitfires 9

Windsor Spitfires Win Second Straight MasterCard Memorial Cup

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON, Man. – Adam Henrique and Ryan Ellis each registered three points while the Spitfires recorded 52 shots on goal en route to a convincing 9-1 victory over the host Brandon Wheat Kings to win the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The Spitfires become just the eighth team in CHL history to win back-to-back titles, and the first team since the Kamloops Blazers in 1994 and 1995.

Adam Henrique opened the scoring at 6:34 with a wrist-shot which he directed between the pads of Jacob De Serres.
Then, with 33 seconds left in the first period, the Spitfires doubled their lead. The Wheat Kings failed to clear the puck causing a turnover in their own zone which opened the door for Eric Wellwood who jumped on a loose puck and beat De Serres top shelf.

Windsor took a 3-0 advantage 4:34 into the second period with Brent Raedeke in the penalty box for slashing. Taylor Hall let go a powerful wrist-shot from the left face-off dot that found an opening over the goaltender’s shoulder.

The Wheat Kings cut the lead to two less than four minutes later. Matt Calvert recorded his third goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup on the power play. But it wasn’t long before the Spitfires added to their lead. After a lengthy review from the video replay both, Greg Nemisz’s goal was confirmed, putting Windsor up 4-1.

Zach Kassian and Cam Fowler added markers prior to the end of the second period to put the game out of reach.

Zach Kassian, Adam Henrique and Dale Mitchell recorded goals in the third period.

Philipp Grubauer made 27 saves to record his fourth win of the tournament.

Following the game, Taylor Hall was awarded the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup MVP, his second in as many years. He completed the tournament with 5 goals and 4 assists.

Of note, Cam Fowler became just the 21st player in history to win both a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship as well as a Memorial Cup title in the same year. His teammate, Ryan Ellis, accomplished the feat last year.

One of the players who also managed to win both titles is former Brandon Wheat King Trevor Kidd who won gold with Canada in 1991 before winning a Memorial Cup with the Spokane Chiefs. Kidd participated in the opening ceremonies prior to the game before a Westman Place crowd of 5,609.

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

GAME DAY
What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup Final
Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Windsor Spitfires
When: 8:00 pm
Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2
Regular season goal differential: 321-204
Playoff goal differential: 56-51
Playoff record: 9-6
Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996)
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: Two (1979 and 1996)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

WINDSOR SPITFIRES
Regular season record: 50-12-1-5 (106 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, first in Western Conference
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 29-10-1-3
Regular season goal differential: 331-203
Playoff goal differential: 90-54
Playoff record: 16-3
Memorial Cup appearances: Two (1988 and 2009)
Memorial Cup championships: One (2009)
League championships: Two (2009 and 2010)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

The 92nd edition of the Memorial Cup wraps up today in Brandon, Man. as the host Wheat Kings take on the defending champion Windsor Spitfires.

READY FOR A REMATCH
After the Windsor Spitfires dominated the home squad 9-3 in the opening game of the Memorial Cup, the Brandon Wheat Kings will look for revenge tonight.

“Obviously it was quite a goal differential in the first game,” said Wheat Kings’ co-captain Brayden Schenn to MemorialCup.com. “But if you look at it, I think we’re a lot better team from the beginning of the tournament until now. We’re going to have to come out with a good start. That will be a key.”

After getting off to a rough start, the Wheaties shutout the Moncton Wildcats before dropping a decision against the Calgary Hitmen. But Brandon would bounce back in the semi-final, defeating the Hitmen 5-4 in overtime to advance to the Final.

“The guys were really excited about the win last night,” said Wheat Kings’ forward Aaron Lewadniuk Friday. “It’s really exciting and everyone is just looking forward to the opportunity to be able to win it on our home rink here.”

ONE LAST TIME
Win or lose, several players will not play junior hockey ever again. For the Spitfires, a lot of their core players who have been dominant over the past two seasons will not return.

“A lot of these kids are going on to their own careers after Sunday’s game,” said Spitfires’ coach Bob Boughner to MemorialCup.com. “We’ve talked about it a lot. Sunday is going to be mixed emotions I think. Obviously our focus is going to be on trying to win this thing but afterwards there will be a lot of emotions I’m sure.”

THEY’LL BE READY
After cruising through most of the round-robin at this tournament, the Spitfires will not be underestimating the Wheat Kings.

"We're not going to underestimate them," Spitfires defenceman Mark Cundari said after practice Saturday to the Windsor Star. "It's not going to be a walk in the park."

"It's pretty much what they tried to do the first game," Spitfires defenceman Ryan Ellis said. "They've got some big bodies and our job is to get it out as quickly as possible."

LOOKING TO MAKE HISTORY
According to Canoe.ca, Spitfire star forward Taylor Hall could become the first player to win back-to-back Memorial Cup MVP awards.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” said Hall. “That’s pretty special in its own right, too. In saying that, no one on our team can get MVP if we don’t win. That’s not what we’re worried about. It’s an incredible accomplishment and something I’d be proud about, but at the end of the day, I’d rather have the ring.”

Tonight could very well be Hall’s final junior game.

“I’ve kind of thought about that. It could be my last go at it and that’s special. I have a really good opportunity to finish off strong,” said Hall, who is expected to go in the first two picks of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles next month. “All I’ve got to do is work hard for 60 minutes. If I can perform like my team relies on me to do, I’ll be fine.”

“THE HIT”
In the first meeting of these two teams, Travis Hamonic hammered Taylor Hall into the end boards.


JOIN THE CLUB
It’s not like the Wheat Kings goal is impossible. The last two Western Hockey League teams to win the event as host did not win the league title.

"That's something we think about," Brandon defenseman Colby Robak admitted Saturday to Rogers Sportsnet. "Hopefully the hockey gods are in our favour and keep the streak alive."

OTHER STUFF
Full preview from Yahoo! Sports blog Buzzing the Net

Bowling, shopping, waterslides, and mini-golf – welcome to the world of Windsor Spitfire free time. (Canadian Press)

The Spitfires still think about the late Mickey Renaud. (Calgary Herald)

Windsor is on a roll entering the game. (Windsor Star)

MEDIA
Television: Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA)
Webcast: Sportsnet.ca

WHEAT KINGS HEADED TO THE FINAL

FINAL/OT: Wheat Kings 5, Hitmen 4

Fehr Scores in OT and lifts Wheat Kings to MasterCard Memorial Cup Final

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON, Man. – Jay Fehr scored his third goal of the tournament 3:16 into overtime to send the Brandon Wheat Kings to their first MasterCard Memorial Cup championship game in just over thirty years with a 5-4 win over the Calgary Hitmen.

The intensity level was off the charts in the first few minutes of the opening frame. Bodies were flying everywhere with both teams trying to take over the momentum. Calgary got the first power play opportunity at 13:31 after Darren Bestland went to the penalty box for holding and the Hitmen capitalized. Joel Broda jumped on his own rebound and pushed a backhand shot past a sprawling De Serres.

Less than thirty seconds later, Ian Schultz quieted the hometown crowd by blasting a wrist-shot from the bottom of the face-off circle behind the Wheat Kings’ goaltender. The Hitmen retreated to their dressing room with a comfortable 2-0 lead after the first period.

Alexander Urbom cut the lead in half at 1:35 with his first goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup to get the crowd going at Westman Place. Calgary regained their two-goal advantage after Tyler Fiddler broke into the offensive zone and blasted a hard slap-shot beyond Jacob De Serres at the midway mark. But it didn’t take long for the Wheat Kings to battle back. Matt Calvert registered his second goal of the tournament just two minutes later.

Travis Hamonic added a power play marker with ten seconds left to play in the second period to tie it up at three. The Wheat Kings outshot the Hitmen 15-4 in the second frame.

The fans at Westman Place exploded into cheer at 5:09 of the third period as Brandon took a 4-3 lead thanks to a blast off the stick of Colby Robak. But Misha Fisenko forced overtime scoring at 14:48 of the third period.

Jay Fehr sent the Wheat Kings to the MasterCard Memorial Cup championship game 3:16 into overtime.

Brayden Schenn was named the game’s first star. Martin Jones received second star honours while Fehr, the hero on this night, got the nod for the game’s third star.

The Brandon Wheat Kings will battle the Windsor Spitfires in the championship game of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS which kicks off on Sunday at 6 pm (CDT). The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

GAME DAY
What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Semi-Finals
Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Calgary Hitmem
When: 9:00 pm
Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2
Regular season goal differential: 321-204
Playoff goal differential: 56-51
Playoff record: 9-6
Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996)
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: Two (1979 and 1996)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

CALGARY HITMEN
Regular season record: 52-17-1-2 (107 points)
League regular season ranking: First overall, first in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 33-12-1-0
Regular season goal differential: 269-177
Playoff goal differential: 96-56
Playoff record: 16-7
Memorial Cup appearances: 1999
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: 1999, 2010
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

In a rematch of Wednesday’s final round-robin game, the Calgary Hitmen face the Brandon Wheat Kings tonight with the winner advancing to Sunday’s Memorial Cup Final.


READY FOR A REMATCH
The two teams met in the WHL’s Eastern Conference final and again on Wednesday in the final round robin game of the tournament so it’s safe to say that they know each other well and don’t really like each other very much.

“I think we know what we’re getting into and they know what they’re getting into,” said Hitmen co-captain Michael Stone. “We’re two teams that don’t like each other and I wouldn’t see it going any differently than it has before.”

“Obviously you never want to lose to a team like we have the last couple of times,” said Wheat Kings’ defenceman Travis Hamonic. “It’s kind of frustrating at times but we just have to put everything behind us right now. It’s a Game 7 mentality for both teams. The winner moves on and the loser goes home and starts their summer training. We don’t want that right now.” (MemorialCup.com)

LIVE BLOG
Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup as they blog from the semifinal tonight at 9:00 pm.

KOZUN IS BACK IN
Like a lot of other hockey players, Brandon Kozun doesn’t enjoy watching the game a whole lot. Kozun has been unable to play his role as a sniper in the Memorial Cup because of an ankle injury. That is expected to change tonight.

“I’m very excited,” Kozun said. “I’m ready to go and I’ve got a lot of built up energy ready. I’ve wanted to get out there the last two (games). It’s tough for me. I kind of shake the entire game and get a little nervous. It’s tough to watch on the sidelines and it’s going to be nice to be out there.”

“I think if you watched that practice you could see how excited I am,” Kozun said. “It felt really good. There’s not much I can’t do right now. It’s nice to get back on the ice. I felt really comfortable out there.” (MemorialCup.com)

TIME TO STEP UP
Brandon Wheat Kings net minder Jacob De Serres has had an odd Cup run. But with his team’s season on the line, the past will be the last thing on his mind.

“I’m looking forward to it,” De Serres said after practice Thursday. “I’m ready to go.”

He admitted his tournament start was not been ideal.

“I wanted to do so well, so bad, I caught myself trying to do too much,” the six-foot-two, 180-pound De Serres said. “I need to battle harder.

“I feel very confident going in.” (Montreal Gazette)

SPITS FEELING GOOD
Despite head coach Bob Boughner’s best efforts, the Windsor Spitfires hit the hotel waterslide on the teams off day Wednesday.

In what Taylor Hall called a “16-man luge,” the players hit the twisting slide led by Zack Kassian.

“I was the first one down and got hit in the back,” Kassian said.

Hall said it was quite the gathering.

“I think at one point, the slide was bending a bit,” Hall said.

Boughner didn’t seem too upset they ignored his wishes.

“I’m glad they had fun,” he said. (Montreal Gazette)

GLENNIE RETURNS
Wheat Kings forward Scott Glennie also practiced Friday morning and will be available for Friday's game. Glennie missed the second and third periods of Wednesday's round robin game.

"It was just basically a little banged up and I guess it was just a decision from the trainer and Kelly (McCrimmon) not to play me the rest of the game," Glennie said.

When asked if he wanted to get back in the game, he said: "Rest is a good thing. Quite honestly, it's a big game today and just to rest up for the rest of the game was necessary." (Rogers Sportsnet)

OTHER STUFF
Full preview from Yahoo! Sports blog “Buzzing The Net.”

Is it even possible for Bob Boughner to be fired by the Spitfires? (Toronto Sun)

The Hitmen are sick of the Windsor Spitfires love fest. (CBC)

The top five goals at the 2010 Memorial Cup…. so far. (Buzzing the Net)

MEDIA
Television: Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA)
Webcast: Sportsnet.ca

HITMEN TROUNCE WHEATIES

FINAL: Wheat Kings 1, Hitmen 5

Wheat Kings fall to Hitmen in game six of MasterCard Memorial Cup

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON, Man. – The Calgary Hitmen offence exploded for five first period goals on way to a 5-1 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings at Westman Place to finish the round-robin schedule of the MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The Hitmen were the first to get on the board. Kris Foucault directed an innocent looking shot on net that slid between the pads of Jacob De Serres. Less than thirty seconds later, the Wheat Kings tied it up at one as Jay Fehr, who was left alone in the slot, one-timed a beautiful Aaron Lewadniuk pass behind goaltender Martin Jones.

Foucault seemed to have De Serres’ number in the first period. He scored his second goal of the game, and third of the tournament, on the Hitmen’s third shot. Then, Cody Beach doubled the Hitmen’s lead by registering his first goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup at 13:47.

A relentless Calgary squad just kept the pressure coming. Jimmy Bubnick and Tyler Shattock added markers to give the Hitmen a comfortable 5-1 lead after the first twenty minutes of play.

The Wheat Kings raised their level of play in the second period. Although they failed to score, the shot total was a respectable 10-9 for the Hitmen.

Same story in the final frame, but the intensity level went sky high and the officials sent a number of players on both sides to the penalty box for roughing.

Martin Jones made 39 saves in the win, while De Serres took the loss despite 25 stops.

All three stars were Hitmen. Kris Foucault was named the game’s first star while teammates Jimmy Bubnick (2nd) and Tyler Shattock (3rd) were also honoured.

The Brandon Wheat Kings will battle the Calgary Hitmen in the semi-final game of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS Friday at 7 pm (CDT). The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

GAME DAY
What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Round-Robin
Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Calgary Hitmen
When: 9:00 pm
Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2
Regular season goal differential: 321-204
Playoff goal differential: 56-51
Playoff record: 9-6
Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996)
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: Two (1979 and 1996)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

CALGARY HITMEN
Regular season record: 52-17-1-2 (107 points)
League regular season ranking: First overall, first in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 33-12-1-0
Regular season goal differential: 269-177
Playoff goal differential: 96-56
Playoff record: 16-7
Memorial Cup appearances: 1999
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: 1999, 2010
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

In a rematch on the Western Hockey League Final, the Calgary Hitmen take on the home town Brandon Wheat Kings in the last game of round-robin action at the Memorial Cup.




FAMILIAR FOES
The Calgary Hitmen and Brandon Wheat Kings know each other all too well. The last time the WHL rivals met was in game five of the semi-finals when the Hitmen advanced to the league final.

“We’ve got so much of a rivalry with Calgary,” said Wheat Kings’ defenceman Colby Robak to MemorialCup.com. “Out of the four years I’ve been here they have knocked us out three times. Personally and as a team, they are an easy team for us to want to beat.”

“I think there are probably still some hard feelings from our series earlier,” said Hitmen forward Tyler Shattock. “I don’t think you can expect anything but the best from both teams. Everyone wants to put on a good show. We’re on national TV and everyone wants to put in their say for Friday.”

SOMETHING TO PLAY FOR
Although tonight’s game has no meaning with regards to the standings, both teams will be bring their “A” game.

"If they pulled a win together against us, it could give them a boatload of confidence and we don't need that going into the semifinals of the biggest tournament of most of our lives," said Hitmen forward Kris Foucault, who has a goal and an assist in the tournament to the Calgary Herald.

"From our team's standpoint, it looks a lot better to come out (of the round robin with a record of) 2-1 than 1-2. If we don't beat them, that could put a dagger into some of us."

OUT OF THE LINEUP
From Rogers Sportsnet:

Calgary will be without Brandon Kozun for the second consecutive game while Cody Sylvester is also expected to be out. Neither practised this morning with the rest of the team.

WHAT NOW?
Is this the last year for the Memorial Cup? After this year’s tournament is complete, there will be no more room on trophy for team plaques. But CHL commissioner David Branch says not to worry.

"We set into motion a policy going back several years ago that the Memorial Cup will not change its shape or size because it's got such a distinctive structure and is so recognizable," said Branch on Wednesday to Luber’s Lounge, "So, what we'll, do as we need more space, we'll take some of the top plaques off and make them a little bit smaller, and we'll place the original ones will be placed in the Hockey Hall of Fame."

OWEN’S TIME
With Nicola Riopel on the shelf for last night’s game with an illness, backup Shane Owen suited up for his first game since March 11.

Despite picking up the overtime loss, Owen never missed a beat.

"We had a lot of confidence in him and we knew that if we needed him that he would deliver," Wildcats head coach Danny Flynn said to Rogers Sportsnet. "He played pretty much like that all year for us. He's got a lot of tools. He's got a real good mental side."

"We knew he could do the job," overage forward Randy Cameron added. "Really, really proud of him. He stepped in there and shut the door for us and made the big stops when we needed it and we could take momentum from those saves."


LIVE CHAT
Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup tonight at 9:00 pm for their LIVE BLOG.

OTHER STUFF
Full Preview from Yahoo! Sports blog “Buzzing the Net”



The Wildcats went to see Iron Man 2 on Monday night according to Andrew Flynn. Flynn, the son of Moncton’s head coach Danny, as been filing reports all week in the Times & Transcript.

Live with Regis and Kelly is going to be doing a show from PEI this summer. Unreal.

Terry Doyle of LoosePucks.com takes a look at an annual event at the Memorial Cup: complaints
Les Stoodley gives a big thank-you to everyone who accommodated the Wildcats in Brandon.

MEDIA
Television: Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA)
Webcast: Sportsnet.ca

WILDCATS DONE

FINAL/OT: Wildcats 3, Spitfires 4

Wellwood’s overtime-winner eliminates Wildcats from MasterCard Memorial Cup

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON, Man. – Eric Wellwood of the Windsor Spitfires (3-0) scored 12:22 into overtime to lead the defending MasterCard Memorial Cup champions to a 4-3 victory over the Moncton Wildcats (0-3).

The Wildcats came out of the gates determined to avoid elimination, limiting the Spitfires’ scoring opportunities with an aggressive fore-check.

Randy Cameron broke the tie in the late stages of the first period. He beat goaltender Philipp Grubauer at 18:36 with a solid wrist-shot on the power-play. It didn’t take the defending MasterCard Memorial Cup champions long to even it up. Cam Fowler redirected a Justin Shugg point shot past Shane Owen with 8 seconds to go in the period. Owen was making his first start of the tournament in place of Nicola Riopel who could not compete due to illness.

Moncton managed to outshoot Windsor 16-12 in the opening frame.

Shugg put the Spitfires up by one in the early stages of the second period by tipping a great Taylor Hall feed. The rest of the period belonged to the goaltenders with both making a series of spectacular saves to keep the score 2-1.

There was a lot of excitement in the opening minutes of the third period. Wildcats captain Scott Brannon tied the score up at two at 2:32 with a hard slap shot from the blue-line with Mark Cundari and Gabriel Bourque in the penalty box for roughing. Less than one minute later, defenseman Brandon Gormley’s blast from the point fooled Grubauer.

But the Spitfires battled back. Stephen Johnston registered his first goal of the tournament to even things up at 4:47.

Gabriel Bourque almost ended it in the closing seconds of the third period, but he hit the crossbar with twenty seconds to play.

Eric Wellwood, a 2009 Philadelphia Flyers draft pick, won it for the Spitfires 12:22 into overtime. He was named the game’s third star. Justin Shugg received the first star while Randy Cameron was named the second star.

Game six of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet tomorrow at 7 pm (CDT) as the Brandon Wheat Kings battle the Calgary Hitmen. The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

GAME DAY
What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Round-Robin
Who: Moncton Wildcats at Windsor Spitfires
When: 9:00 pm
Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba

MONCTON WILDCATS
Regular season record: 48-14-2-4 (102 points)
League regular season ranking: Third overall, second in Atlantic Division
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 30-10-2-2
Regular season goal differential: 276-164
Playoff goal differential: 95-48
Playoff record: 16-5
Memorial Cup appearances: One (2006)
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: Two (2006 and 2010)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

WINDSOR SPITFIRES
Regular season record: 50-12-1-5 (106 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, first in Western Conference
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 29-10-1-3
Regular season goal differential: 331-203
Playoff goal differential: 90-54
Playoff record: 16-3
Memorial Cup appearances: Two (1988 and 2009)
Memorial Cup championships: One (2009)
League championships: Two (2009 and 2010)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

The QMJHL Champion Moncton Wildcats will try to avoid elimination tonight against the undefeated Windsor Spitfires. The Wildcats lost a heartbreaker 5-4 to the Calgary Hitmen on Saturday before being clobbered 4-0 by the Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday afternoon.

WILL HE PLAY OR WILL HE STAY
The biggest question mark today at the Memorial Cup surrounds Moncton Wildcats sniper Nicolas Deschamps – will he play or will he stay on the sidelines. With his team facing elimination, there has been speculation over the past 24 hours that the Anaheim Ducks prospect could suit up tonight.

Deschamps, who tied Sean Couturier for the league lead in points this season, has not played since game five of semi-finals after suffering an ankle injury in Drummondville.

“If it was just me, I would play (Tuesday),” said Deschamps to Yahoo! Sports. “But we have to sit and talk with all the staff and stuff. I don’t want to make a risky start and get injured again. If I feel good and there’s a chance I won’t hurt it again, I’ll try for sure.”

"I felt really good, better than yesterday, but a decision is going to be at game time," he said after practice today to Rogers Sportsnet. "I just practiced stop and start and my strides were better."

"He skated and we're meeting with the therapist at lunch," head coach Danny Flynn said. "He wants to examine him one more time and then we'll take it from there.

"We're going to talk about all the different scenarios."

TRYING NOT TO BLOW IT
The Windsor Spitfires know what it is like to be in the Wildcats’ shoes. A year ago, they entered their third game of the tournament at 0-2. But now, the Spits know they have to close a powerful team like Moncton out.

“We were in Moncton’s position last year,” said Spitfires’ forward Adam Henrique to MemorialCup.com. “We’ve got a chance to close out a good team and we have to take the opportunity and do that. If we don’t, anything can happen.

“We got the win last year and that really turned the tide for us and got us on a run,” Henrique said. “Next thing we knew we were in the finals against Kelowna. We’ve got a chance to send a team home and we have to take advantage of that. We’ve worked all year to get here and put us in this opportunity.”

DO OR DIE
On the flip side, the Wildcats now that it is possible to come back from a 0-2 hole.

“They did it last year and any team can do it,” Moncton forward Kelsey Tessier said. “I think our team can do it. We’ve got good leadership and a good squad behind us. We’ve just got to come out and play the Wildcats hockey that we played through the playoffs and bring it here at the Memorial Cup.”

It will be a strange feeling for Tessier and the ‘Cats who face a must win game for the first time all season.

Moncton will enter tonights game coming off their first off-day of the tournament. The team had a meeting last night to sort things out.

“A day off definitely helps,” Tessier said. “We just have to be mentally prepared for Windsor. They’re a great team. We’ve got to make sure that we come out string and play our game and our system – make sure that the puck is behind their defence most of the game.”

"For us the playoffs start on Tuesday instead Thursday (a potential tiebreaker that would be against the Brandon-Calgary loser), it's that simple," said Moncton coach Danny Flynn to Yahoo! Sports. "Our approach is were starting in playoffs. We're the first team to start, first in."

STAYING UPBEAT
Wildcats general manager Bill Schurman told CBC New Brunswick that his team is staying optimistic.

"It's a game we're just fortunate to play, we're fortunate to represent our province and our city and we're going to do everything we possibly can to do that," Schurman said.

"But you know it's certainly not the end of the world."

OTHER STUFF
Kirill Kabanov told the Globe and Mail that he has made some mistakes. The Wildcats also promised him that he would “play on the No. 1 or 2 line and more than 20 minutes a game.”

Turns out Wildcats rookie Cole MacMillan is the brother of former Halifax Moosehead and Rimouski Oceanic Logan MacMillan. (Times and Transcript)

Full preview of tonight’s game. (Yahoo! Sports)

What the media is talking about now and what they will be talking about for the next six hours: Bob Boughner credits Danny Flynn for his success. (Windsor Star)

MEDIA
Television: Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA)
Webcast: Sportsnet.ca

SPITS ADVANCE TO FINAL

FINAL: Hitmen 2, Spitfires 6

Spitfires earn berth in 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup Final with 6-2 win over Hitmen

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON, Man. – Taylor Hall scored two goals and added two assists to lead the Windsor Spitfires to a convincing 6-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen while also helping them clinch a berth in the MasterCard Memorial Cup championship game on Sunday.

Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Dale Mitchell gave the Spitfires the lead at 2:38 of the first frame. He directed a wrist-shot behind a screened Martin Jones. Just over one minute later, Taylor Hall registered his third goal of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup with a hard slap-shot from the top of the face-off circle.

In the second period, Justin Shugg put Windsor up by three at 8:15 and the Spitfires seemed to be rolling towards another big win before Jimmy Bubnick recorded a marker at 14:56. Just over three minutes later, it was Bubnick again taking it to goaltender Philipp Grubauer. He made a nifty move, cut inside and flicked a wrist-shot between the goaltender’s pads.

Hall re-gave the Spitfires a two-goal lead twelve seconds into the third period by intercepting a soft pass in Calgary’s zone and beat Jones five-hole on a breakaway.

Kenny Ryan and Adam Wallace added goals late in the third period to seal the win.

Philipp Grubauer made 25 saves in the win.

Taylor Hall earned first star honours while Jimmy Bubnick and Dale Mitchell were also recognized as second and third stars respectively.

Game five of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet and RDS tomorrow at 7 pm (CDT) as the Moncton Wildcats battle the Windsor Spitfires. The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

GAME DAY
What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Preliminary Round
Who: Calgary Hitmen vs Windsor Spitfires
When: 9:00 pm
Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba

CALGARY HITMEN
Regular season record: 52-17-1-2 (107 points)
League regular season ranking: First overall, first in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 33-12-1-0
Regular season goal differential: 269-177
Playoff goal differential: 96-56
Playoff record: 16-7
Memorial Cup appearances: 1999
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: 1999, 2010
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

WINDSOR SPITFIRES
Regular season record: 50-12-1-5 (106 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, first in Western Conference
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 29-10-1-3
Regular season goal differential: 331-203
Playoff goal differential: 90-54
Playoff record: 16-3
Memorial Cup appearances: Two (1988 and 2009)
Memorial Cup championships: One (2009)
League championships: Two (2009 and 2010)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

LOOKING TO ADVANCE
The Windsor Spitfires are looking to advance to the Memorial Cup Final with a win today.

"I think our guys can smell an opportunity," Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner said.

"We'll let the other things settle themselves out," said Calgary head coach Mike Williamson, whose team rallied from a late two-goal deficit to beat Moncton 5-4 Saturday. "It just might be a different path than someone else." (National Post)

HALL RECOVERS FROM SCARY HIT
In the opening seconds of Friday game at the Memorial Cup, highly touted prospect Taylor Hall found himself performing a face plant into the end boards. Hall was left with a few marks on his face following the hit.

"The biggest call was from my mom, she was really worried," said Hall. "I felt bad -- she had to watch the replay on TV about 10 times." (Winnipeg Free Press)

KOZUN IS “DOUBTFULL”
Hitmen sniper Brandon Kozun is not likely to play tonight. Kozun, who led Calgary in playoff scoring, was in the lineup for Saturday’s game against Moncton but rarely saw a shift.

"I would say it's doubtful if he'll play," said Hitmen head coach Mike Williamson who sat Kozun after a half-dozen shifts in the first period and a power play in the second against Moncton.

His replacement on the top line will likely be Tyler Fiddler who scored Calgary's first goal on a feed from Del Cowan Saturday. (Calgary Herald)


LOOKING SHARP
Spitfires’ Dale Mitchell has been impressive at the Memorial Cup – with his moustache.

“I joined the Toronto Marlies for the (Calder Cup) playoffs, and they all grew moustaches, and it took them to the conference final,” Mitchell said. “Going into Windsor the following year, I thought it would be funny to do a moustache for the playoffs and change things up from my previous years of doing a full beard.” (Toronto Sun)

MAKING AN IMPRESSION
Brandon Wheat Kings goaltender Jacob DeSerres made sure he didn’t waste his opportunity Sunday afternoon by posting a shutout against the Wildcats.

“I was pretty upset about not getting the start,” DeSerres said of the opener in which he was inserted into the game after the Spitfires pumped five first-period goals past Andrew Hayes.

“Like any goalie, I did (think I should start). But I respect Kelly’s (McCrimmon) decision. He’s a great GM and coach, and he has a reason for every decision he makes. (Toronto Sun)

WE REALLY SUCK
Rogers Sportsnet columnist Patrick King had a solid piece yesterday about why the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League continues to suck at the Memorial Cup.

There was a time when the QMJHL was a constant threat to the other two leagues in this tournament.

But ever since 2006 when both the host Wildcats and Québec Remparts made it to the final, no QMJHL team has advanced past the semifinal.

The only team from their league to make it as far as the semis was the Drummondville Voltigeurs a year ago when the tournament was hosted by Rimouski.

CRAZY TIME
Subway has been running a unique intermission event during the tournament. Video courtesy of Loose Pucks.


MEDIA
Television: Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA)
Webcast: Sportsnet.ca

CUP FINAL GETS TIME CHANGE

PRESS RELEASE
Brandon, MB – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Host Committee for the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup, with broadcast partners Rogers Sportsnet and RDS today announced that the start time for the Championship Final of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup on Sunday May 23, 2010, has been changed to 8:00 pm Atlantic time.

The game will be broadcast live to a national audience on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS beginning at 7:00 pm Eastern time on Rogers Sportsnet East and Rogers Sportsnet Ontario channels as well as on RDS, 5:00 pm Mountain time on Rogers Sportsnet West, and 4:00 pm Pacific time on Rogers Sportsnet Pacific. In addition, the championship final is available on all Sportsnet HD channels.

The change allows CHL fans the opportunity to enjoy the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup final in prime time while also having the opportunity to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the IIHF World Hockey Championship Gold Medal Game throughout the afternoon on Sunday.

WHEATIES PUSH 'CATS TO THE BRINK

FINAL: Wheat Kings 4, Wildcats 0

De Serres shuts the door to give Wheat Kings 4-0 Win

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON, Man. – Wheat Kings goaltender Jacob De Serres was brilliant, making 31 saves to earn the shutout and give the home team a 4-0 win over the Moncton Wildcats Sunday afternoon at Westman Place.

Both teams played it tight in the first half of the opening frame with limited scoring opportunities coming about.

The first goal came off the stick of Toni Rajala who received a great pass in the slot from Aaron Lewadniuk on a two-on-one and then proceeded to beat Nicola Riopel with a gorgeous backhand shot at 10:14. No other goals were scored in the first period and the Wheat Kings retreated to their dressing room with a one-goal lead.

Toni Rajala did additional damage in the second period burying his second goal of the day at 8:17. Then, with Randy Cameron in the penalty box for high-sticking, Brayden Schenn recorded his first goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup to put the home team up 3-0.

Head coach Danny Flynn immediately called a timeout to try to get his team settled down, but the Wildcats were unable to solve De Serres.

At the start of the third period, Brent Raedeke put the game out of reach by recording his first goal of the tournament.

Toni Rajala was named the games first star. Goaltender Jacob De Serres was honoured with the second star while Shayne Wiebe collected the third star.

Former Wheat King and current Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo participated in the ceremonial opening faceoff.

Game four of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet tomorrow at 7 pm (CDT) as the Calgary Hitmen take on the Windsor Spitfires. The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

GAME DAY
What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Preliminary Round
Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Moncton Wildcats
When: 4:00 pm
Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba

The Moncton Wildcats look to rebound from a rough 5-4 loss yesterday against the Calgary Hitmen this afternoon. The host Brandon Wheat Kings will be looking for their first win of the tournament as well after dropping their first game 9-3 to the Windsor Spitfires.

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2
Regular season goal differential: 321-204
Playoff goal differential: 56-51
Playoff record: 9-6
Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996)
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: Two (1979 and 1996)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

MONCTON WILDCATS
Regular season record: 48-14-2-4 (102 points)
League regular season ranking: Third overall, second in Atlantic Division
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 30-10-2-2
Regular season goal differential: 276-164
Playoff goal differential: 95-48
Playoff record: 16-5
Memorial Cup appearances: One (2006)
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: Two (2006 and 2010)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

BAD BOUNCE
The Moncton Wildcats’ epic collapse yesterday was capped off by a freakish bounce that caught ‘Cats goalie Nicola Riopel by surprise.

"I've never seen a bounce like that," said Riopel. "And I didn't see him, I looked up to play the puck and there he was."

"It was almost two small games inside one," said Wildcats coach Danny Flynn. "I thought the first half of the game, we played real well." (Calgary Herald)


LOOKING TO REBOUND
The Brandon Wheat Kings looked like a high school team on Friday, getting destroyed 9-3 by the powerful Windsor Spitfires. The Kings can’t afford another big loss.

"We were far from our best (Friday) night," McCrimmon said Saturday following a morning practice with his Brandon club. "And with the field we have here, you have to be ready to play and you have to play real well to have a chance at success." (Winnipeg Free Press)

NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Battling an ankle injury, Hitmen star Brandon Kozun appeared ready to play yesterday. But after a few shifts, he was glued t0 the bench for the rest of the way.

“I wanted to get out there so bad. I probably could have, but there were a lot of guys playing well. It was a smart choice by Mike (Williamson, head coach) to keep playing them.” (Toronto Sun)

NO RISK TAKEN
Wildcats head coach Danny Flynn said that Moncton was being very cautious yesterday, especially in the third period.

"The players care so much and they so badly want to win," he said. "It’s human nature for you not to want to make a mistake and kind of subconsciously sit back."

"Momentum’s a powerful force in hockey and they got momentum and seized it and pushed us hard and battled back to tie it," Flynn noted. "The last (goal) is one you’d like to have back… but that’s hockey and you make your own breaks." (Rogers Sportsnet)

GETTING IT DONE
What the Wildcats need to do today against the Wheat Kings according to Danny Flynn:

“We have to get back to grinding and working and we need to keep our composure a little bit,” said Flynn. “We got a little nervous at times and didn’t show the composure we needed. Hopefully, we’ll have a little more poise, and hopefully, we can make some of those plays under pressure.” (Toronto Sun)

LIVE CHAT
Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup as they blog Game 3 of the junior hockey championship. (Yahoo!)

CHECKING IT OUT
The odd bounce that won the game for the Calgary Hitmen was examined by Canadian Hockey League officials this morning. From Patrick’s King Memorial Cup Notebook:

Western Hockey League vice president of hockey operations, Rick Doerksen, along with Chad Lang, hockey operations for the host committee and Marcel Patenaude, vice president of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, could not find anything irregular with the corner zamboni entrance.

"We just felt it was important to look at the strange bounce that caused such impact and take a look this morning to see if there was anything irregular," Doerksen told sportsnet.ca. "In viewing the boards, we found nothing irregular and it appears it was just those fluky bounces that happen on occasion."

Lang fired approximately two dozen pucks around the corner boards, none of which ricocheted back towards the net. Only one shot had changed its course, but wasn't significantly altered like in Saturday's game.

"Nothing came out tested," Doerksen explained. "We shot a number of pucks and certainly couldn't get a bounce like that in a 4-4 game."

MEDIA
Television: Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA)
Webcast: Sportsnet.ca

'CATS COLLAPSE AGAINST CALGARY

FINAL: Hitmen 5, Wildcats 4

Hitmen Post Impressive Comeback in 5-4 Win over Wildcats

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON – The Calgary Hitmen offence exploded with three goals in the final six minutes of play to surprise the Moncton Wildcats 5-4 Saturday afternoon at Westman Place.

As soon as the puck dropped, the Wildcats put pressure on Calgary’s defense with big hits on Jayven Rissling and Zak Stebner.

Moncton was the first team to get on the board at 9:53. Devon MacAusland tried to flip a pass to a wide open teammate in the slot, but the puck was redirected into the net by a Hitmen defenseman.

Fans had to wait for the second frame to see the game’s second marker. Defenseman David Savard put the Wildcats up 2-0 with a beautiful wrist-shot that fooled goaltender Martin Jones just before the mid-way mark. Moncton added a third goal at 14:11 courtesy of Alex Saulnier before Tyler Fiddler cut the lead with his first goal of the tournament.

In the opening minutes of the third, Ian Schultz centered a great pass which Joel Broda buried behind Riopel. But the Wildcats soon countered as Alex Saulnier registered his second goal of the game nine seconds into a powerplay to make it 4-2.

The floodgates opened in the last six minutes of play as Giffen Nyren, Kris Foucault and Tyler Shattock recorded three unanswered markers to give Calgary the win.

Joel Broda was named the game’s first star. Alex Saulnier received second star honours while Tyler Shattock earned the third star.

Game three of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet and RDS tomorrow at 2 pm (CDT) as the Brandon Wheat Kings battle the Moncton Wildcats. The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

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SPITS BLOWOUT WHEAT KINGS IN OPENER

FINAL: Spitfires 9, Wheat Kings 3

Wheat Kings fall to defending MasterCard Memorial Cup Champs

PRESS RELEASE
BRANDON, – The Windsor Spitfires scored four unanswered goals in the first five minutes of play to open the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup, defeating the Brandon Wheat Kings 9-3 in front of a stunned crowd of 5,381 at the Westman Place inside the Keystone Centre.

Although the Wheat Kings made their presence felt in the opening minute of the game with several bone crunching hits, the Spitfires put the game out of reach early as Kenny Ryan, Scott Timmins, Adam Henrique and Taylor Hall all recorded markers within the first five minutes of play.

Taylor Hall scored his second goal of the night at 18:23, putting Windsor up 5-0 after the first twenty minutes.

Wheat Kings’ head coach Kelly McCrimmon gave the nod to back-up goaltender Jacob De Serres in the second period. But the change did little to disrupt the Spitfires who registered their sixth goal of the night at 1:15 courtesy of Adam Henrique.

Scott Timmins and Dale Mitchell added markers before the Wheat Kings finally got on the board thanks to a goal by winger Adam Lewadniuk. Unfortunately for the hometown Wheaties, Zach Kassian scored a late one to put the Spitfires up 9-1 after two periods.

Goal scorers in the third included Matt Calvert and Jay Fehr.

Philipp Grubauer made 30 saves to earn the win in goal for the Spitfires.

Adam Henrique was named the game’s first star, with Spitfires' defenceman Mark Cundari named the game's second star, and Hall named third star of the game.

The Wheat Kings wore commemorative jersey's in honour of the Canadian Army. The jersey's are currently available for bid online at www.mastercardmemorialcup.com .

Game two of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet and RDS tomorrow at 2 pm (CDT) as the WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen battle the QMJHL Champions the Moncton Wildcats.

The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.