Just 62 Days until the 2005 Memorial Cup

The London (Ontario) Knights are the hosts of the Memorial Cup which mean they get an automatic bid to the tournament. For those of you who are not familiar with the Memorial Cup this is one of the most popular major Junior Hockey Tournaments next to the World Junior Hockey Champioships. In short, this is basically a champions league battle for one of the most prized trophies in Junior Hockey.


Here's the Link to the London Knight's page on the Memorial Cup.


http://www.chl.ca/

Memorial Cup Facts

* The Memorial Cup is held annually under the authority of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and is regarded as one of the premier sporting events in North America. It has been competed for since 1919.

* The 87 th edition of the Memorial Cup will be held from May 21-29, 2005 at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.

* 2005 marks the 40 th anniversary of the London Knights.

* The Champions of the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Host Team, London Knights will all compete for the Memorial Cup in 2005. In the event that the Knights win the OHL championship, then the other OHL finalist will be invited to participate in the Memorial Cup.

* All games of the 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup will be televised live on Rogers Sportsnet (Canada no US TV Coverage. You can listen to the games on the internet).

* More than 70,000 spectators are expected to attend the nine day event.

* Numerous activities will take place outside the John Labatt Centre allowing everyone an opportunity to experience Memorial Cup Week.

* An anticipated 100 media from across Canada are expected in London to provide news coverage of the 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

* The 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup will require approximately 500 volunteers.

* It is anticipated that the 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup will have a direct and ind irect economic impact in London and Ontario of approximately $10.2 million.