Hey, the Memorial Cup

[OzSome]

I wonder when is Calgary going to host the Memorial Cup.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by OzSome

I wonder when is Calgary going to host the Memorial Cup.

I imagine it would be a problem scheduling games that conflicted with the Flames playoffs.

[Resolute 14]

The WHL would probably hand the Memorial Cup over to Calgary on a silver platter if the Hitmen bid on it. Could have hosted in either 2010 or 2013 easily, but the Flames trot out the risk of conflict as a reason not to. Even if we did make the playoffs, they could make it work. At worst, they extend out the Memorial Cup by a day or two in the event of schedule conflicts with a Flames playoff game.

[Derek Sutton]

since it has been held in Alberta. I saw a meeting with Ron Robison and he said that that is way too long, so ya never know I guess.

[zyzz]

Maybe the Oil Kings can host it once they get the new barn up there. Can't really see this kind of event filling up a big rink tho?

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by zyzz

Maybe the Oil Kings can host it once they get the new barn up there. Can't really see this kind of event filling up a big rink tho?

Yeah and they will definitely don't have to worry about the Oilers playoff games conflict since Edmonton Oilers is NO GOOD! Seriously though I wish the Hitmen will try to host the Memorial Cup especially when their team is very competitive. I just hate the rules that the host team is automatically IN even when they are terrible.

[Zach]

I don't think either Calgary or Edmonton have to worry about the playoffs for awhile. I think Calgary should get it soon.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Guelph would smoke Edmonton in a seven game series, but this wasn't a seven game series. However, to pull that off right after a triple overtime win, that is very impressive.

Folks here were saying the same thing about Portland.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Zach

I don't think either Calgary or Edmonton have to worry about the playoffs for awhile. I think Calgary should get it soon.

Depends on both how good the Hitmen look to be in 2016, and whether the Flames bother bidding. Since the latter seems unlikely, don't bet on it.

[Northendzone]

I would think that the CHL would not want to risk having having their main event in the same city where there is NHL playoff hockey

[PeteMoss]

The Memorial Cup takes up an arena for 7 days at least (with the on-ice logos being painted on, etc). You can't give up an NHL arena for a week in the playoffs even if you don't think you are going to make it. The host is selected over a year in advance too so you can't even wait until you are miles out of the playoff race and bid.

[dash_pinched]

The Tigers are building a new arena down in the Hat which should be ready for the 2015-16 WHL season. Hopefully, a Memorial Cup bid will be following in short order.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

The Memorial Cup takes up an arena for 7 days at least (with the on-ice logos being painted on, etc). You can't give up an NHL arena for a week in the playoffs even if you don't think you are going to make it. The host is selected over a year in advance too so you can't even wait until you are miles out of the playoff race and bid.

Yeah, the only way the Memorial Cup would be in Calgary is if the Flames build a new arena and they don't tear down the Saddledome.

[MoneyGuy]

I think Edmonton would have won the WHL last year also but lost Reinhart and Cheek for the final and lost in six to Portland.

[Resolute 14]

Who cares?

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

The Memorial Cup takes up an arena for 7 days at least (with the on-ice logos being painted on, etc). You can't give up an NHL arena for a week in the playoffs even if you don't think you are going to make it. The host is selected over a year in advance too so you can't even wait until you are miles out of the playoff race and bid.

In the very unlikely event of the Flames reaching the third round of the playoffs, the CHL would definitely have to make due without its logos. And, as I said, you can schedule around the NHL - either by extending the Memorial Cup out a few days (which would lead to a mid-week finish), or by playing potentially a couple Memorial Cup games in the afternoon with the NHL at night.

Not ideal in that situation, but carries with it the reward of having one of the WHL/CHL's flagship franchises hosting, major city, major arena. And given how the 2004 run pulled up both Hitmen and Roughnecks attendance, the general level of excitement in the city in such a scenario could well do the same for the Memorial Cup.

And, of course, if the Flames don't make the third round, there's no conflict at all.