2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup Preview
Published on May 13, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Rimouski, QC - The 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament kicks off on Friday, May 15th, in Rimouski, Quebec.
The CHL's Championship tournament, which wraps up with the Championship game on Sunday, May 24th, features four teams - the host Rimouski Oceanic, the OHL Champion Windsor Spitfires, the WHL Champion Kelowna Rockets and the QMJHL Champion Drummondville Voltigeurs - who will battle for the storied Memorial Cup trophy.
The tournament format sees each team play one another in a round-robin format. The team with the best record after the round-robin advances directly to the Championship game, while the second and third-placed teams play a semi-final game to determine the other tournament finalist. If there is a tie for third place after the round-robin, a tiebreaker game will be played to determine the second semi-finalist.
Here's a look at the four teams who will be vying for the 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup:
KELOWNA ROCKETS (WHL Champions)
Head Coach: Ryan Huska
General Manager: Bruce Hamilton
2008-09 Record: 47-21-1-3, 98pts, GF: 267 GA: 178
2008-09 CHL Final Ranking: Not Ranked
2009 Playoff Record: 16-6 GF: 78 GA: 54
-Defeated Kamloops Blazers 4-0 in first round
-Defeated Tri-City Americans 4-2 in second round
-Defeated Vancouver Giants 4-2 in Western Conference Championship series
-Defeated Calgary Hitmen 4-2 in WHL Championship series
2009 Playoffs Top Scorers:
LW - Jamie Benn 19gp-13g-20a-33pts
C - Cody Almond 22gp-10g-17a-27pts
C - Mikael Backlund 19gp-13g-10a-23pts
D - Tyler Myers 22gp-5g-15a-20pts
The Kelowna Rockets are making their fourth appearance at the MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament, and fourth in the last seven years. The Rockets won the Memorial Cup in 2004 as the host team.
Up Front: The Rockets boast some top-end offensive talent on their top two lines, but also possess great depth and speed right through their line-up. Canadian World Junior star Jamie Benn led all WHL players in playoff scoring, despite missing a number of games, and has established himself as one of Major Junior hockey's top snipers. Swedish star Mikael Backlund and Phoenix Coyotes prospect Colin Long provide great playmaking ability and skill, while Cody Almond has proven himself to be a strong two-way presence. Rockets forwards Evan and Lucas Bloodoff, Ian Duval and Kyle St. Denis provide a solid blend of speed, skill and physicality.
On The Blue Line: The Rockets' defense more than proved itself as a dominant force after shutting down the WHL's top two offensive teams during their run to the WHL Championship. Buffalo Sabres' prospect Tyler Myers has been the best player in the WHL down the stretch and throughout the playoffs, playing near mistake-free defensive hockey while providing outstanding puck movement and offense. Veteran Tysen Dowzak has also been a force in his own end while sophomore Tyson Barrie has continued to add a dynamic offensive element. Add in the speedy Brandon McMillan and defensive stalwart Collin Bowman, and the Rockets have all the tools to handle any opposition attack.
Goaltending: 20-year-old Mark Guggenberger has provided the Rockets with solid and consistent goaltending since coming to Kelowna at the trade deadline from Swift Current. The 6'2", 208-lb netminder may not have been required to outright steal any wins for the Rockets, but he's always there to make key saves when called upon. After taking the reins in Kelowna, Guggenberger is certainly turning heads with his strong post-season performance.
Western Hockey League Stories from May 13, 2009
- Lightning Sign C Mitch Fadden - Tri-City Americans
- 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup Preview - WHL
- Blades Welcome New Front Office Staff - Saskatoon Blades
- Broncos Announce Hall of Fame Inductees - Saskatoon Blades
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