Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Four Hurricanes Playing for the Memorial Cup
Four Carolina Hurricanes prospects will be participating in junior hockey’s most prestigious tournament, the 2017 Memorial Cup
Many consider it the hardest trophy to win in hockey, even harder than lifting Lord Stanley’s Cup. The Memorial Cup is the Canadian Hockey League’s end of year showpiece and four Carolina Hurricanes prospects have the chance to win it. Callum Booth, Spencer Smallman, and Julien Gauthier of the Saint John’s Sea Dogs and Warren Foegele of the Erie Otters are vying for junior hockey’s top prize.
For the uninitiated, the Memorial Cup works like so. The CHL is broken up into 3 leagues, the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The winner of those three leagues join a host team in an annual summer tournament called the Memorial Cup.
This year, the Winsdor Spitfires of the OHL are hosting the Saint John’s Sea Dogs (QMJHL), the Erie Otters (OHL), and the either the Seattle Thunderbirds or Regina Pats (WHL). The four teams play a round robin, the best record advances to the finals and the 2nd and 3rd place teams play a one game playoff. Win the finals, win the cup.
For the Carolina Hurricanes, they couldn’t be more thrilled about this year’s tournament. It isn’t commonplace to have a prospect in this tournament every year, let alone four. Not only that, all four prospects are leading members of their teams.
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Warren Foegele of the Erie Otters has been electrifying this postseason. In 21 games, the 2014 draft pick has registered 25 points. He had 13 goals in the OHL playoffs, which was second in the OHL. Foegele also had a knack for scoring timely markers and shorthanded goals (he had 2 shortys).
Representing the Quebec League is Saint John’s, captained by Canes prospect Spencer Smallman. The 2015 5th rounder had 79 points in 60 games in the regular season and added 22 points in 18 games this postseason. He also has exhibited exceptional leadership for his club.
Helping out offensively is 2016 1st rounder Julien Gauthier. He was acquired by Saint John’s at the trade deadline. It has taken him a while to find his role with his new team, but has begun to pick up steam this postseason. His 11 goals is second on the team, tied with Smallman, but they’ve been timely. He led the ‘Q’ in game winning goals this playoff with 4.
Lastly, manning the net for the Sea Dogs in Callum Booth. The 19 year old has been dazzling in the playoffs. He finished with a league best 1.67 goals against average and a stellar .923 save percentage. Even with a great defense in front of him, those are very impressive numbers.
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The tournament kicks off May 19th with the Sea Dogs taking on the Windsor Spitfires. Games will be broadcast on the NHL Network in the United States. Check out these future Canes going for the toughest trophy in hockey.