Game Notes: Big day arrives as Spirit host Moose Jaw Warriors to open Memorial Cup presented by Dow

The 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow is finally here! Here’s some quick themes to study up on ahead of opening puck drop at the Dow Event Center.

A look at the opposition
The Moose Jaw Warriors hit the ice in the Memorial Cup coming off their first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions. The Warriors have won 26 of their last 33 games, a stretch that included a gruelling seven-game Eastern Conference Final series against the in-province rival Saskatoon Blades. Moose Jaw swept the Portland Winterhawks in four games to claim WHL supremacy and advance to the Memorial Cup for the first time in their WHL history that dates back to 1984. Keep watch for some big names in Pittsburgh Penguins first round pick Brayden Yager and CHL top scorer Jagger Firkus, a Seattle Kraken draftee who finished the season with 126 points (61-65–126). Moose Jaw product Atley Calvert scored 47 goals and put up 95 points for his hometown Warriors. On the back end, Columbus Blue Jackets first round choice Denton Mateychuk will see lots of ice in the tournament. Prominent Moose Jaw Warriors alumni include Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning), Morgan Rielly (Toronto Maple Leafs) and former long-time NHL forwards Ryan Smyth and Theoren Fleury.

Who’s in net?
It’s the big question looming ahead of Saginaw’s Memorial Cup opener. Andrew Oke had himself a strong playoff, going 5-0 before suffering an injury in the Spirit’s second round series against the Soo Greyhounds. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde carried the load from there, going 5-7 with a 2.79 goals-against average and .893 save percentage the rest of the way. The Spirit haven’t committed to a starter for tonight’s game, so that’s something to keep an eye on.

Parekh recharged and ready to go
Top 2024 NHL Draft eligible blueliner Zayne Parekh had some bumps and bruises in the during the course of the Spirit’s playoff run, playing in 13 of the club’s 17 playoff games. Parekh recorded 11 points (2-9–11) in the postseason after his remarkable 96-point regular season that earned him OHL Defenceman of the Year honours. After some time off, Parekh is rested up and ready to go and the Spirit will need him at his best if they want to accomplish their ultimate goal in the coming days.

Dionicio led playoffs from the back end
Anaheim Ducks prospect Rodwin Dionicio recently signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the club and for good reason. The veteran defenceman led OHL defenders with a club-leading 17 points (5-12–17) over 17 playoff contests. Dionicio continues to be a big part of Saginaw’s offence with a presence on the powerplay.

Looking for an exceptional Memorial Cup showing
Former exceptional status first overall OHL Priority Selection choice Michael Misa takes to the national stage on TSN and NHL Network tonight. The 17-year-old put up 75 points (29-46–75) in 67 regular season games before an 11-point (4-7–11) playoff run. Misa is on the radar for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Spirit to wear unique threads in Memorial Cup opener
As is tradition, the Spirit will wear commemorative uniforms in their opening game Friday night, ones that will benefit veterans through an online auction post-game. Further information on the jersey auction and donation of proceeds will be shared by the Canadian Hockey League on Friday.

Watch tonight’s game
Tune in at 7:30pm ET on TSN 1/5 and in the United States on NHL Network to see tonight’s Memorial Cup opener. Fans in the United States can see the game streaming live on CHL TV. The game will be available to Canadian viewers on demand on CHL TV following the conclusion of the game.