Regina looks to replicate Windsor’s first-round letdown to Memorial Cup triumph
REGINA — The Regina Pats don’t have to look far back to find inspiration as they enter the 100th Memorial Cup.
Regina, which was eliminated in the first round of the Western Hockey League playoffs by eventual champion Swift Current on April 2, opens the Canadian major junior championship on Friday against the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
The Pats will try to emulate what the Windsor Spitfires did last year — claiming Memorial Cup glory after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Ten host teams have won the Memorial Cup as hosts since the tournament became a four-team event in 1983.
“Not that we had any doubt, but with Windsor winning it last year, it showed that it can be done,” Regina captain Sam Steel said Thursday. “We went through a very similar training process so it’s kind of a confidence booster knowing that.”