knights to host the 2014 Memorial cup
May 14th, 2013
For the London Knights franchise the past 24 hours or so has been next to surreal.
Monday evening, Bo Horvat scored the ultimate buzzer beater to propel the Knights' to their second OHL title in as many years.
Tuesday morning, the Memorial Cup site selection committee announced the franchise as the host of the 2014 Memorial Cup.
“It’s been quite a run,” said a jubilant London head coach Dale Hunter. “I didn’t get much sleep at night. There’s just too much to think about, too much to do."
"It’s a good problem to have."
The Knights strong on ice potential next season was a key factor in London's successful bid according to David Branch, the President of the Canadian Hockey League.
But for some it may seem like its a team with influence dominating over other small market teams. London hosted and won the tournament back in 2005, boasting one of the greatest ever junior hockey rosters of all time. Canadian Hockey League president David Branch was quick to quash those statements.
“If for example, any one of the other two bids [Barrie or Windsor] had the returning roster of the London Knights, they would have been awarded this event,” Branch added. “That’s what it came down to this instance. It wasn’t a case of small market versus large market."
In terms of financial guarantee, two out of three teams had the exact figure while the third almost matched that number. In fact, all the bids were nearly identical, except when it came to the projection of the returning team for next season.
That said the Knights bid included more than cash the quality team on the ice. They unveiled a unique theme, a legacy they hope to leave which revolves around the OHL alumni, not just those that make it to the National Hockey League.
The plan is to create an OHL Hall of Fame, an Alumni Association, and OHL Alumni Foundation to help struggling alumni in whatever way possible.
"One of the first things we are going to do is pick a twenty player all time Western Conference team and the all time twenty player Eastern Conference roster with coaches," said Knights governor Trevor Whiffen, who was part of the bid committee. "Those 46 men will form the inaugural will form the first slate of inductees."
"They're going to be front and centre of this event."
Just like the World Figure Skating Championships, the area surrounding the Budweiser Gardens will house a sizeable fan fest during the ten day event which takes place between May 16 and 25, 2014. Estimates, according to Tourism London General Manager could be between the $7 to $8 million dollar range, boosting local economy.
"Let the party begin," added Whiffen.
The Knights, they've earned the right to celebrate one of the most amazing 24 hours in franchise’s history.
They fought hard to earn their way into the 2013 Memorial Cup.
Now they get set to host the Canadian Hockey League's biggest event come 2014.
Back to Sports Stories
For the London Knights franchise the past 24 hours or so has been next to surreal.
Monday evening, Bo Horvat scored the ultimate buzzer beater to propel the Knights' to their second OHL title in as many years.
Tuesday morning, the Memorial Cup site selection committee announced the franchise as the host of the 2014 Memorial Cup.
“It’s been quite a run,” said a jubilant London head coach Dale Hunter. “I didn’t get much sleep at night. There’s just too much to think about, too much to do."
"It’s a good problem to have."
The Knights strong on ice potential next season was a key factor in London's successful bid according to David Branch, the President of the Canadian Hockey League.
But for some it may seem like its a team with influence dominating over other small market teams. London hosted and won the tournament back in 2005, boasting one of the greatest ever junior hockey rosters of all time. Canadian Hockey League president David Branch was quick to quash those statements.
“If for example, any one of the other two bids [Barrie or Windsor] had the returning roster of the London Knights, they would have been awarded this event,” Branch added. “That’s what it came down to this instance. It wasn’t a case of small market versus large market."
In terms of financial guarantee, two out of three teams had the exact figure while the third almost matched that number. In fact, all the bids were nearly identical, except when it came to the projection of the returning team for next season.
That said the Knights bid included more than cash the quality team on the ice. They unveiled a unique theme, a legacy they hope to leave which revolves around the OHL alumni, not just those that make it to the National Hockey League.
The plan is to create an OHL Hall of Fame, an Alumni Association, and OHL Alumni Foundation to help struggling alumni in whatever way possible.
"One of the first things we are going to do is pick a twenty player all time Western Conference team and the all time twenty player Eastern Conference roster with coaches," said Knights governor Trevor Whiffen, who was part of the bid committee. "Those 46 men will form the inaugural will form the first slate of inductees."
"They're going to be front and centre of this event."
Just like the World Figure Skating Championships, the area surrounding the Budweiser Gardens will house a sizeable fan fest during the ten day event which takes place between May 16 and 25, 2014. Estimates, according to Tourism London General Manager could be between the $7 to $8 million dollar range, boosting local economy.
"Let the party begin," added Whiffen.
The Knights, they've earned the right to celebrate one of the most amazing 24 hours in franchise’s history.
They fought hard to earn their way into the 2013 Memorial Cup.
Now they get set to host the Canadian Hockey League's biggest event come 2014.
Back to Sports Stories