Saint John Seadogs outscore Hamilton Bulldogs in Memorial Cup Final, 6-3.
Hamilton recovers from slow start in tournament to advance to the final.
After a first round knock out in the QMJHL playoffs, the host Sea Dogs stunned all 3 league champions, going undefeated in regulation, and taking the title 6-3.
Memorial Cup MVP Will Dufour of Saint John Seadogs (Islanders prospect) falls one goal shy of tying Memorial cup record for goals.
Championship game attendance was set at 5,849, with the average for the tournament of 4,564.
Arbet Xhekaj finished with 5 assists in 5 games for Hamilton, leading all defenseman in the tournament
Second Memorial Cup for Saint John in 17 year history
6th Memorial Cup Win in the last 10 years by a QMJHL team
Top Scorers
William Dufour (Saint John) - 8pts
Mason McTavish (Hamilton) - 8pts
Logan Morrison (Hamilton) - 8pts
Top Goals
William Dufour (Saint John) - 7 Goals
Mason Mcatvish (Hamilton) - 6 Goals
Olivier Nadeau (Gatineau) - 4 Goals
Save Percentage
Sebastian Cossa (Edmonton) - 90.9%
Antoine Coulombe (Shawinigan) - 90.8%
Marco Costantini (Hamilton) - 90.1%
TSA All-Tournament Team
William Dufour 02' Forward
New York Islanders
The 5th round pick in the 2020 draft has seen a massive increase in production this year accumulating 116 points. He is 6'3 and plays the game with a high energy level that has been shown throughout the first two games. He uses his body well to box out defenders in the net front and scored a nice net front goal in the Hamilton game. Was used on the PK but had a missed coverage that exposed his team in the middle of the ice resulting in a goal against. Despite a few other mental lapses he is an exciting prospect for Isles fans.
From TSA Article Memorial Cup 6/24.
Dufour provided energy early by delivering a physical brand of hockey. He showed off his ability to get into high percentage scoring areas and displayed a quick release on his shot. His passing was quick and effective.
Mason McTavish 03' Forward
Anaheim Ducks
For McTavish's standards his performance in the Memorial Cup has been average. He scored a nice power play goal where he found the broken coverage in the PK and sat in the soft area where he quickly fired the puck through the goalie. He has been effective in the face-off circle and okay in the defensive zone, a few missed assignments or late arrivals. Like much of his team he has struggled to find his grove.
From TSA Article Memorial Cup 6/24.
After his sluggish start McTavish went on a tear the second half of the tournament accumulating 5 goals and 2 assists in three games. He showed the ability to be relied upon in every situation and plays in the tough areas of the ice. He is looking like a middle 6 center at the next level.
Maverick Bourque - 02' Forward
Dallas Stars
Impressive, is the best way to define Bourque's Memorial cup so far. He has quietly put up 5 points in two games, but what has been really nice to see is his play away from the puck. Playing in all big situations he has executed effectively. He has been dominating in the faceoff circle as well. He should be full time in the AHL next season with an opportunity to play a bottom 6 role in the NHL.
From TSA Article Memorial Cup 6/24
Bourque kept his consistent play throughout the week but started to drop off towards the end of the tournament, compared to his hot start. He still found a way to be productive and give his team a chance to win.
Yan Kuznetsov, Saint John Seadogs 02' Defensemen
Calgary Flames
The former UConn product has come a long way in his development this season with St Johns. His defending has improved which has been shown here as he is able to use his long reach to touch what seems like every puck off his opponent's stick. He scored a nice point shot goal where he snapped the puck quickly and accurately, finding its way to the back of the net. With the puck on his stick, he still needs to develop his awareness and touch on his passes as too often they are off target.
From TSA Article Memorial Cup 6/24
Very steady game from the 02, he was dominate on the defensive side of the puck effectively neutralizing the skill of Hamilton. He was handling the puck confidently and snapping his passes around the ice.
Jeremie Poirier, Saint John Seadogs 02' Defensemen
Calgary Flames
A point per game this season, Poirier has had his chances to get involved offensively through the first two games but does not have much to show for it in terms of points. However, he has brought a good brand of defensive play as he has been both physical and responsible in his own end. He has made several subtle plays with the puck and without the puck that have been high level. His skating has seemed a little stiff through the first two games, good thing to watch for the rest of the way.
From TSA Article Memorial Cup 6/24
A veteran like game from Poirier in the final, he was calm and collected under pressure. He played within himself and was really effective on both sides of the puck. He did a tremendous job of defending through the middle of the ice containing the speed of Hamilton. Poirier will need to improve net front toughness as he progresses to the AHL next season.
Nikolas Hurtubise - 02' Goaltender - Saint John Seadogs
Undrafted
Overall, in the Memorial Cup goaltending was not at an elite level. Hurtubise saved his best for last as he made timely save after timely save in the final. Flashing his glove and being aggressive when he had to be, he backstopped Saint John to the comfortable victory.
Included With Subscription
Full access to catalogue of articles on the TSA Scouting Journal
Full access to all TSA Player Portal reports and Data Packs
USHL, NAHL Draft prospect reports and draft analysis
College spotlights and analysis
Information from our team of family advisors
TSA Scouting Services
Can’t make an important tournament ? Need scouting notes on a certain age group, tournament or player ?Contact TSA today at info@Tri-StateAthletic.com to discuss how our scouting team, can become your scouting team.