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SAINT JOHN, N.B. — Two teams that skated as a result of distinctly distinct paths in the playoffs will meet up with Wednesday in the ultimate of the 2022 Memorial Cup.
The host Saint John Sea Dogs, who went 39 times amongst online games just after dropping in the initial spherical of the Quebec Key Junior Hockey League playoffs, will face the Hamilton Bulldogs, who posted a 16-3 post-period document en route to the Ontario Hockey League championship.
It is the 1st Memorial Cup last considering the fact that 2019, when the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies skated to the title at the match in Halifax. The 2021 and 2022 Memorial Cup occasions were being wiped out mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sea Canine earned a immediate berth into the ultimate right after publishing two wins and an extra time decline in preliminary-spherical action, even though Hamilton necessary a 4-2 regulation get around the Edmonton Oil Kings to escape the preliminary spherical and then eked out a thrilling 4-3 time beyond regulation triumph in excess of the Shawinigan Cataractes in Monday’s semifinal to advance.
“We are hanging around. One particular month back, who is aware what individuals had been stating about us,” said Saint John head mentor Gardiner MacDougall, who replaced Gordie Dwyer on Could 22 just after the Sea Dogs had been upset by the Rimouski Oceanic to open up the playoffs.
“They did not know if we would be a very good agent of the event, maybe we would have only three video games — that is all we had been assured. It is wonderful to nonetheless be below.”
Hamilton survived a 7-game series from the Windsor Spitfires to earn the OHL crown and then dropped consecutive online games to Saint John and Shawinigan to open the Memorial Cup.
That established the phase for a do-or-die preliminary contest towards Edmonton on Friday, where by Anaheim prospect Mason McTavish scored two objectives for Hamilton in the important victory.
In Hamilton’s semifinal acquire, Montreal draft pick prospect Jan Mysak tipped in a place shot by teammate Nathan Staois 10:08 into overtime.
“The players have uncovered techniques,” said Hamilton coach Jay McKee. “It is a confident team that thinks in each one more and that is a authentic impressive ingredient to have.”
Saint John and Hamilton fulfilled in the event opener June 20, when the Sea Puppies raced to a 4-1 second-time period lead and held on for a 5-3 victory.
“The gamers have attained a great option,” said McKee. “We performed Saint John once and they definitely did not see the ideal edition of the Hamilton Bulldogs and I expect they will (Wednesday) night time.”
The Sea Puppies later on fell 4-3 in time beyond regulation to Edmonton. Then, led by QMJHL most precious player William Dufour, they rallied from a 3- very first-period deficit on Saturday to down Shawinigan 5-3 and acquire major place in the preliminary spherical.
“They have experienced a actually superior state of mind and they have been receptive to everything,” MacDougall stated of the Sea Dogs, who finished the standard time on a 15-game winning streak.
Hamilton went 51-12-3-2 in the normal year, led by Logan Morrison’s 100-level marketing campaign and 66 details from OHL defenceman of the yr Staios.
Dufour, a New York Islanders prospect who leads the match with six goals, was named the QMJHLMVP just after his 116-issue season that provided a Canadian Hockey League-ideal 56 objectives.
Linemate Josh Lawrence finished the 12 months with 101 details, tying for the league in helps with 70, which also set a franchise document.
This is Saint John’s fourth Memorial Cup look as the franchise appears to be to increase to its 2011 championship in Mississauga.
Hamilton is earning its 2nd match appearance soon after dropping in the 2018 semifinal to the host Regina Pats.
Meanwhile, it was a large evening for Dallas Stars potential clients at the Canadian Hockey League awards Tuesday.
Logan Stankoven of the Kamloops Blazers, who recorded 104 points in 59 common-time video games, was named the David Branch CHL player of the year.
Stankoven, a five-foot-10 centre who was selected by the Stars in the second round of the 2021 NHL draft, recorded 3 or extra factors in 18 game titles in the course of the frequent season, like a pair of 5-position video games on Nov. 3 and Jan. 29.
Wyatt Johnston, Dallas’ very first decide on, 23rd overall in 2021, was the CHL’s top rated scorer with 124 details in 68 games for the Windsor Spitfires.
Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs took household the top rated draft prospect award whilst Bradyen Yager of the Moose Jaw Warriors was named rookie of the yr.
Jim Hulton of the Charlottetown Islanders claimed the mentor of the calendar year award just after foremost his group to its very first President Cup look in franchise background.
Nathan Staois of the Hamilton Bulldogs acquired defenceman of the year honours. Dylan Garand of the Kamloops Blazers claimed goaltender of the year honours whilst Jordan Dumais of the Halifax Mooseheads claimed the sportsman participant of the 12 months award.
Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads was named scholastic player of the year and Luke Prokop of the Edmonton Oil Kings was named humanitarian of the year.
