Meneghin shines, Tigers advance to Memorial Cup final with 3-1 win over Knights
RIMOUSKI - Willie Desjardins didn't think his group played the better game — but he had the winning goalie.
Harrison Meneghin stopped 35 shots as the Medicine Hat Tigers advanced to the Memorial Cup final with a 3-1 win over the London Knights on Tuesday night.
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Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sky's the limit for Julien
Jacob Julien couldn't have scripted a better ending to his junior hockey career. The 20-year-old Winnipeg Jets prospect played a prominent role in bringing the Memorial Cup back to his hometown, capping off a terrific playoff run by scoring in the winner-take-all game as his London Knights beat the Medicine Hat Tigers earlier this month. 'It's what you dream of,' Julien told the Free Press on Wednesday in a telephone chat. 'You grow up watching London win the Memorial Cup a couple times and then to actually be a part of it and win it yourself with your team, I couldn't be happier.' CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Jacob Julien (right) had the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers. Julien finished the four-team tournament with four points (2G, 2A) in five games after racking up 19 points (6G, 13A) in 17 earlier playoff games as London ultimately claimed the Ontario Hockey League championship. Being a point-per-game player at the most important time of the year would suggest Julien was able to find another gear. 'Playoff time is crucial, so to be able to help any way I could, that's all I was trying to do,' said Julien, who was also a key part of the leadership group as an alternate captain. 'Whether it was offensively or defensively.' There's no question Julien is one of the more intriguing players in the Jets pipeline. The left-shooting centre has plenty of size — he's six-foot-four and 190 pounds — along with some serious skill. After being selected by Winnipeg in the fifth round in 2023, Julien had a monster 2023-24 campaign with 78 points (29G, 49A) in 67 regular-season games. London is also an NHL development factory, led by veteran head coach Dale Hunter and general manager and owner Mark Hunter. The Knights made it to the Memorial Cup last spring but ultimately fell short. Second time turned out to be the charm. At first glance, Julien's stats from this past year might suggest he took a small step backwards, as he had 54 points (11G, 43A) in 65 regular-season games. However, that doesn't tell the whole story. His role changed on a loaded London team, with less top line and top power-play work. More defensive responsibilities also came his way, which he embraced. Essentially, Julien became a better two-way player which should help serve him well going forward. 'I think I got off to a bit of a rockier start than what I wanted. To be able to look back and play well throughout the playoffs at the end of the season, I was really happy with how it ended,' he said. He was in constant communication with the Jets organization, specifically Jimmy Roy and Mike Keane who work in player development. 'They're the best development guys in the league,' said Julien. 'They were around the rink and texting with me, just making sure I was always doing well and doing what I needed to do.' Julien also kept in close touch with a pair of fellow Jets prospects competing in the OHL — 19-year-olds Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs) and Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves). 'We texted each other quite a bit over the year. Win or lose you gotta always say 'Hi' to the other guys,' he said. Julien admitted there were plenty of emotions on display following the Memorial Cup victory as he said goodbye to his teammates for the final time. 'After the final game everyone was excited but it's a sad thing, right? To be able to end it on a win was obviously a tremendous opportunity that we had. I couldn't ask for a better way to go out,' he said. Now, the focus turns to his pro career. Up first will the Jets development camp at the Hockey For All Centre which is slated for early next month. Then it will be on to training camp in September and likely starting things off with the Manitoba Moose. 'Super excited for the next step. I'm going to be able to develop well wherever I play. I'm ready to go,' said Julien, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract this past March with an average annual value in the NHL of US$925,000. Obviously the NHL is the main goal, but having the AHL club under the same roof as the big boys is a blessing. 'It creates a great atmosphere all the time. To be able to be around the NHL guys, the veterans and all that,' he said. Julien hasn't touched his equipment since capturing the championship, wanting to take a bit of a breather following a gruelling campaign. He'll get back on the ice soon, with a continued focus on improving his skating and also his defensive zone play. 'I think we played 90 games in total. But with the group we had, everyone worked hard and got it done. It was so exciting and fun to come to the rink. The games kind of flew by,' he said. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'It's a little bit more condensed of a summer. But we'll have a good summer and get ready for the season.' Although he had his own busy schedule to focus on, Julien admitted he was keeping a close eye on what was happening with the Jets this season and was captivated by all that occurred — especially in the playoffs. That only increased his hunger to get to Winnipeg. 'It was electric,' he said. 'I was watching when they scored with two seconds left (in Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues) and I almost jumped off my couch. They had a great season, and to be able to come into the organization now, I'm really excited.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Kitchener Rangers members nominated for Canadian Hockey League awards
The Kitchener Rangers and London Knights met in Kitchener, Ont. for Game 4 of their Ontario Hockey League Western Conference final series on April 30, 2025. (Krista Simpson/CTV News) Some familiar faces are getting recognition from the Canadian Hockey League. On Tuesday, the CHL released its list of finalists for ten awards. Kitchener Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas has been nominated for the Brian Kilrea Coach of the year award, making him the first European to get the node for the honour. Jackson Parsons, the Rangers netminder, is also a contender for Goaltender of the Year. Both nominations come after Ahokas and Parsons were previously recognized by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Parsons was named the OHL's top overage player while Ahokas earned the OHL's coach of the year award. The CHL will hold an award ceremony on Friday at Delta Hotels Toronto.
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Toronto Star
Where will Mitch Marner sign? Here's where the Maple Leafs star could end up, and how he'd fit in
Maybe the Maple Leafs will decide to move on from Mitch Marner. Maybe Marner will decide life will be better elsewhere. No matter what happens July 1, the hockey prodigy from Thornhill will be the most coveted free agent on the market since John Tavares seven years ago. Tavares, a former Islanders centre from Oakville, came home to play with Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander, forming the Leafs' Core Four. Now Marner could break up the gang, looking for riches or success elsewhere. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Marner will be rich, to the tune of $13 million (U.S.) or more a year. Most teams have the salary cap space for him or can find a way to create it. The question is: Where will he land? He would make any team in the league better, but which one is going to win his services? Here are a handful of possibilities: Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman followed the Leafs through the playoffs, and could believe his team is a Marner away from making the post-season. He's probably right. The Red Wings haven't made the playoffs in nine years but have come painfully close the last two seasons. Despite picking no higher than fourth in the draft (Lucas Raymond, 2020) in their nine wayward seasons, Yzerman has an array of young talent (Moritz Seider, Marco Kasper) that needs outside help to go further. Leafs Leafs prospect Easton Cowan isn't about to replace Mitch Marner, but he has the DNA the team is looking for It's not a sure thing that the Memorial Cup MVP will start next season in the NHL, but there should be opportunity. Leafs Leafs prospect Easton Cowan isn't about to replace Mitch Marner, but he has the DNA the team is looking for It's not a sure thing that the Memorial Cup MVP will start next season in the NHL, but there should be opportunity. Marner on the right side of centre Dylan Larkin could push the Wings captain to new heights, beyond his usual 30-plus goals a year. Detroit is a historic franchise with good ownership used to winning. It's also close to home for Marner. But even with a 100-point right winger, the Wings wouldn't be a serious Stanley Cup contender. Vegas Golden Knights From Jack Eichel to Alex Pietrangelo to Mark Stone to Noah Hanifin, Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is used to making a big splash and getting the shiniest bauble available. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW A quick look at their cap situation suggests the Knights don't have enough space, but it's never stopped them before. GM Kelly McCrimmon can be cutthroat, moving on from players quickly. Just ask Max Pacioretty, Marc-André Fleury or the recently repatriated Reilly Smith. Winning matters more than loyalty. It's part of Vegas's DNA, to always find a way to contend. Just imagine the magic that could develop between Marner and Eichel. Marner would be part of a Cup contender with an underrated fan base, but not one that will blame him for every loss. Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has a long-standing relationship with Marner, having drafted him in Toronto and giving him this six-year, $65.4-million deal that is expiring. And the lure of playing with Sidney Crosby — Marner's childhood hero — could prove too much to resist. Crosby made it clear in the 4 Nations Face-Off that he admires Marner's talent. Marner was giddy scoring an overtime winner on a pass from Crosby. The Penguins aren't exactly Stanley Cup contenders, now with a rookie coach in Dan Muse. But Marner would make the team younger and could get them back into the playoffs. And not that the 37-year-old Crosby needs a new lease on life — he had 91 points last season — but Marner might give him one anyway. Leafs Mitch Marner, Raptors, TFC, Blue Jays. What's the next move for MLSE after Maple Leafs' change at the top? Kevin McGran New York Rangers Owner James Dolan has no patience for losing, and with the team failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021, he'll be on board with paying to make the team better. Marner would also be insurance with Artemi Panarin heading into his free agency year in 2025-26. The Rangers are deep at forward, so Marner wouldn't have to carry the load. But he could help get more out of Alexis Lafrenière or help revive Mika Zibanejad after an off-year. Utah Mammoth The renamed Utah Hockey Club is looking to make a big splash to reward fans for their support and to build loyalty by making the playoffs. The team built on the backs of the defunct Arizona Coyotes has some rising talent in Clayton Keller, Lawson Crouse and Dylan Guenther. Marner would be 'the man' on the Mammoth. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW New York Islanders Wouldn't that be a delicious turn of events for an Islanders fan base that saw their prized captain Tavares leave for Toronto seven years back? New GM Mathieu Darche, the former right-hand man of Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois, has plenty of cap space. The Islanders are a good but not great team that missed the playoffs this year. Marner, 28, fits in age-wise with players like Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat. Los Angeles Kings The Kings have lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round in each of the last four seasons and might see Marner as a means to finally find a way to go deeper. New GM Ken Holland can set a new direction by adding Marner to a lineup rife with high-skilled veterans (Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, Adrian Kempe) and burgeoning young talent (Quinton Byfield, Alex Laferriere). Leafs Opinion Damien Cox: The Maple Leafs have given themselves no choice but to try and re-sign Mitch Marner There is much less of a choice here with Marner than it once seemed, and Brad Treliving is the one who let it get to this point, writes Damien Cox. Leafs Opinion Damien Cox: The Maple Leafs have given themselves no choice but to try and re-sign Mitch Marner There is much less of a choice here with Marner than it once seemed, and Brad Treliving is the one who let it get to this point, writes Damien Cox. Tampa Bay Lightning Lightning coach Jon Cooper loves Marner. He has coached him a couple of times at international events and will again next year at the Winter Olympics. Marner probably has a closer relationship with Cooper than he would with most opposition coaches. Who wouldn't want to play for a coach who appreciates your talent? It would take some cap magic, and maybe a trade or two, for Marner to land in Tampa, but BriseBois has found his way around the cap before. Marner, though, might have to take a back seat to Nikita Kucherov, the first-line right winger. And if Marner harbours any ill will toward the Leafs, going to Tampa could be some Machiavellian revenge.
