Graphic from the CHL official website
Saginaw will be setting some junior hockey history next spring.
The Memorial Cup will be played at the home of the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit in 2024, marking the first time an American OHL city will host the prestigious tournament.
It will also be the first time in 26 years that the Memorial Cup – the season-concluding tournament for Canadian major junior hockey that brings together the champions from the OHL, the Western Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – takes place in the United States.
Hosting the tournament means that the Saginaw Spirit will be participating in the Memorial Cup to round out the four-team field, giving them a shot at CHL crown even if they do not win the OHL championship leading up to it.
“We are thrilled to bring the Memorial Cup to the state of Michigan for the first time in the event’s history,” said CHL President Dan MacKenzie in the official announcement press release. “The Spirit and City of Saginaw submitted a remarkable bid and we have no doubt that they will do an outstanding job of hosting our CHL championship next year.”
Led by exceptional status forward Michael Misa, the Spirit will be a favorite in the OHL next season, with or without the prestige of hosting the famed Memorial Cup to conclude the season.
