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Who to watch at the Memorial Cup

John Barr

As discussed on the Sound of Hockey podcast, the Memorial Cup kicks off tonight as the winners of each CHL league, along with the host team, face off for a post season tournament. Prince Albert (WHL), Guelph (OHL), Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL), and Halifax (QMJHL/host) will compete for the opportunity to hoist or, in some situations, break the Memorial Cup Trophy. All games will be on the NHL Network and will provide us an excellent glimpse into watching some elite junior hockey outside of the World Junior Tournament. As an NHL fan, you get to see some future NHLers standout amongst their peers on a big stage.

Here is the NHL fan’s guide to watching the Memorial Cup:

Prince Albert Raiders

Noah Gregor #18 Center (2016 SJ RD 4) Gregor had 88 points in 63 games during the regular season and had 24 points over 23 games in the playoffs.

Brett Leason #20 Forward (prospect #20 on NA Skaters) Leason led the WHL Champs in points during the regular season with 89 points in 55 games. He pitched in 10 goals during the playoffs.

Ian Scott #33 Goalie (2017 TOR RD 4) Best save % in the WHL playoffs and was second best save % during the regular season (minimum 20 games played).

Others to watch:

Guelph Storm

Guelph is absolutely loaded with NHL prospects. 11 players have been drafted by an NHL club and 2 others are listed in the top 150 of North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Nick Suzuki #9 Center (2017 VGK RD 1 – traded to MTL) Suzuki might be THE player to watch in this year’s Memorial Cup. Suzuki lead the OHL in points during the playoffs with 42 points over 24 games, including game winning goals in 4 of the 16 wins by the Storm.
Nate Schnarr #16 Right Wing (2017 ARI RD 3) Schnarr had 102 points over 65 games during the regular season with 34 goals.
Isaac Ratcliffe #19 Left Wing (2017 PHI RD 2) Ratcliffe averaged over a point a game during the OHL playoffs with 15 goals over 24 games.
Others to watch:

Halifax Mooseheads

Benoit-Olivier Groulx #19 (2018 ANA RD 2) – Groulx missed the first 14 games of the playoff but still managed to put up 12 points in 10 games including an over time game winning goal in game 2 of the final.

Jared McIsaac #14 Defense (2018 DET RD 2) – 62 points over 53 games during the regular season. Ended the season second in scoring in the QMJHL for defenseman.

Raphael Lavoie #50 Right Wing (prospect #20 on NA skaters) – this likely first rounder put up 73 points during the regular season. He also pumped 20 goals in 23 games and led the Mooseheads in points and goals during the playoffs.

Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

Noah Dobson #53 Defense (2018 NYI RD 1) Dodson had 36 points in 28 games played during the regular season. 29 points in 20 playoff games. Was named the QMJHL MVP for the playoffs.

Alex Beaucage #16 Right Wing (prospect #63 on NA Skaters) 16 points in 16 playoff games and 39 goalies during the regular season.


Jakub Lauko #13 Left Wing (2018 BOS RD 3) Averaged close to a point per game during the regular season.

Others to watch:
John Barr
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