Well the Memorial Cup experience got started a day early for me as i recieved a 2009 top prospects signed CHL jersey in the mail yesterday for placing 2nd in the Rightgaurd CHL most extreme fan contest. My favorite tournament kicks off today with the WHL Champions Kelowna Rockets facing off against the host team the Rimouski Oceanic. As the Rockets appear healthy the Oceanic is anything but. Defenseman Marc Bourdon (NHL3rd rounder) has battled injury. Heart and soul player 2-way forward (NHL3rd rounder) Olivier Fortier has also battled through injury. Thats the 2nd best D-man and the best forward with status in question. Should those 2 key players be ready then we are in for 1 hell of a match. If they are not ready to go then it may be a long night for the home team fans.
The QMJHL Champions (to no suprise) are the Drummondville Voltiguers. This highly favored team was CHL ranked most of the season and didnt disappoint. The OHL Champions(to an even lesser degree of suprise) are the Windsor Spitfires. A team that has IMO the best forward of the tournament, and the best offensive D-man of the tournament. Those 2 being Forward Taylor Hall(The hands down fav to be #1 in the NHL draft in 2010) And Ryan Ellis(should be a top pick in this years draft) Taylor Hall is a complete package player. He doesnt take a shift off and is good in all aspects of the game. Ryan Ellis is a 5'11 tremendously talented in the offensive department form the bluline. He is always thinking offence and has that ability to sneak into high priced offensive real estate when opposing teams least expect it. Before they turn their heads-BAM! the puck is in the back of the net.
Aside from all the talent that team has, the Spitfires also have another motive at the Memorial Cup. They are wanting to win it all for their late captain Mickey Renaud who passed away suddenly February 22nd last year. A little more then a year later the players have not forgot about their captain. If you look at their OHL Championship picture, youll see the teamates draping Renauds jersey over the cup. That motivation i believe will be enough for Windsor to win the Memorial Cup as they ice arguably their best team ever.
Next blog will be about the NHL playoffs.
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