Friday, May 14, 2010

MEMORIAL CUP GAME DAY

GAME DAY
What:
2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Preliminary Round
Who: Windsor Spitfires vs Brandon Wheat Kings
When: 9:00 pm
Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba

WINDSOR SPITFIRES
Regular season record:
50-12-1-5 (106 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, first in Western Conference
Combined regular season and playoff road record: 29-10-1-3
Regular season goal differential: 331-203
Playoff goal differential: 90-54
Playoff record: 16-3
Memorial Cup appearances: Two (1988 and 2009)
Memorial Cup championships: One (2009)
League championships: Two (2009 and 2010)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
Regular season record:
50-18-1-3 (104 points)
League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference
Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2
Regular season goal differential: 321-204
Playoff goal differential: 56-51
Playoff record: 9-6
Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996)
Memorial Cup championships: None
League championships: Two (1979 and 1996)
Preview: Rogers Sportsnet

The first game of the Memorial Cup goes tonight in Brandon as the hosts take on the defending champion Windsor Spitfires.

READY TO ROLL
The 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup officially began yesterday afternoon in Brandon.

More than 500 spectators and dignitaries were in attendance in addition to the 100-person Honour Guard to welcome the arrival of the Memorial Cup and celebrate the rededication of one of hockey’s most prestigious trophies. (MemorialCup.com)

WHEAT KINGS ANXIOUS TO DROP THE PUCK
After being eliminated in the semi-finals, the Wheat Kings are ready for a second chance.

"We're ready," said Wheat Kings co-captain Brayden Schenn. "It's almost like a second chance. Not many teams get that chance to play for the Memorial Cup in their home town. We're excited and we’re looking forward to it." (MemorialCup.com)

LIVE CHAT
Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup as they blog Game 1 of the junior hockey championship. (Yahoo! Sports)

SCOUTING THE CHAMPS
The Moncton Wildcats and Wheat Kings hung around to check out the Spitfires during practice yesterday.

"People talk about dynasties," Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner said. "That's quite an accomplishment to talk about." (Windsor Star)

THE LONG WAY
CBC Windsor has a reporter at the Memorial Cup covering the Spits but had quite a journey to get there.

“Two cancelled flights out of Windsor because of a broken plane and bad weather, too many one-way streets in Winnipeg and a long, flat drive to Brandon. Oh and I forgot to mention the airline lost my luggage.” (CBC)

IN NET
The Wheat Kings are keeping who they will start in net tonight a secret.

"Oh, it's one of these interviews," said Wheat Kings head coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon. "We don't (name) our starting goaltender until we have our team meeting and we'll address it at that time. Guys are completely comfortable with both goaltenders. They've been a tandem all year and have gained confidence in his teammates." (Canoe Sports)

ENOUGH SAID
Top prospect Taylor Hall will be putting his draft stock in his back pocket for the next week.

“It’s the Memorial Cup. We’re here as a team and all that draft stuff is going to take care of itself later.” (Calgary Herald)

MEDIA
Television:
Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA)
Webcast: Sportsnet.ca

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