The Memorial Cup

[getbak]

3-0 after 1. Juolevi with another primary assist.

Marner has the second assist on each goal.

[HOWITZER]

Man, I hate London. They're always so good every year.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Yeah I can't really think of an example where the host was just cannon fodder and didn't at least put up a bit of a fight (Maybe Saskatoon having a disappointing season).

Think it is fine the way it is as well IMO.

Ages ago - 1990 - The Dukes of Hamilton were named the host team. They were so bad they declined the invite and the OHL runner-up went instead.

I worked for the company that manages the rink in London when they hosted in 2005. Its too big and too expensive now to leave it to the last minute to pick a host or not let the host play. You'd never sell the ticket packages without the home team playing.

If the host team sucks, they won't win it. Assuring the CHL of being a competitive team is part of the selection process.

[PeteMoss]

A full event ticket package for this is $562 this year. You'd sell maybe 1000 of them without the host team playing.

[Enoch Root]

Why does everyone always want to change everything?

Each league crowns a champion in a full, multi-round, best of 7 series format.

Then they take the 3 champs, who have all just gone through a full season plus 4 full rounds of playoffs, are bring them together for a tournament.

It makes total sense to have the host included for many reasons already mentioned.

What purpose would a longer tournament serve?

And why on earth would the CHL invite teams from other leagues? The chances that they would be competitive is remote - they are more likely to be significantly better or significantly worse.

It's a great tournament, and a great showcase for the best teams and for some talented kids. Why can't people just enjoy things for what they are?

[savemedrzaius]

Marner has to make the Leafs next year. Playing another year in the OHL would be bad for his development and he can't play in the AHL.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by savemedrzaius

Marner has to make the Leafs next year. Playing another year in the OHL would be bad for his development and he can't play in the AHL.

And yet his size, playing in the NHL might not be the best thing for his development either.

That rule needs to change.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

The winner of the Play On street hockey tournament should also get an invite to participate in Mem Cup.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

And yet his size, playing in the NHL might not be the best thing for his development either.

That rule needs to change.

It's not like the AHL is much smaller of a league ? I do agree tho.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

It's not like the AHL is much smaller of a league ? I do agree tho.

No but the defensemen typically aren't as quick and there is a little bit more room. Also easier to shelter a guy and control his ice-time because development doesn't take a backseat to winning.

Kyllington was fine with the physicality of the AHL. No way he could have handled the NHL though.

Nylander also benefited from (and survived) a season and a half of the AHL before being exposed to the NHL.

The guys are big, but there is still a big difference for an 18/19 year old.

[sureLoss]

Man, I kind of wish the Flames signed Phillipe Myers when they had the chance. Looks like a great undrafted free agent signing for the Flyers.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

What a goal by Quenneville. Great outlet by Provorov.

J. Lauzon has really stood out this game.

[TBone290]

Oh that's beautiful

[dissentowner]

I like my Knights chances, looking good boys!

[pgsieve]

I'm a bit surprised with the tournament. Lots of off ice glitches (veteran falls and everyone stands around, can't figure out the score clock) not to mention the arena has been a library for two nights

[dirk diggler]

tough start for the WHL teams, great goal though

[Hatter]

The balls on that guy to make that move. Love it.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

The bottom teams in the CHL would beat the best Jr A teams. It's the same pool of players, with one league being above the other in terms of not only player skill level but coaching, training, and off-ice support.

NCAA Division 1 would consistently beat CHL. Players are older and bigger. Every year the World Junior team plays CIS an all star team. CIS all stars consistently win. It's not about raw skill or potential it's about who is better at that one given moment.

That said the current format is fine. When teams bid to host they do it with a plan to make a run to win the league in their host year. The host doesn't want to get embarrassed they want to win.

Besides the CHL doesn't want a team to miss the playoffs and be in the Memorial Cup.

With all that said Go Huskies!

[Vulcan]

Red Deer holding off Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 4-2 late in the 2nd. Just tuned in but they say the Rebels goalie has been playing good. I guess the Rebels aren't holding off the Huskies, the Rebels came back from being down 2-0.

[BigTuna]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

And yet his size, playing in the NHL might not be the best thing for his development either.

That rule needs to change.

Instead of regurgitating the same crap look at his size. He's not that small. He needs to play in the NHL. If Johnny Gaudreau can succeed a guy much bigger like Marner can.