2024 Memorial Cup Preview: Moose Jaw Warriors Versus Saginaw Spirit

Adam Kierszenblat

May 24, 2024, 20:24

Adam Kierszenblat

May 24, 2024, 20:24

The Moose Jaw Warriors kick off the 2024 Memorial Cup with a battle against the Saginaw Spirit.

Photo by Nick Pettigrew, Moose Jaw Warriors - 2024 Memorial Cup Preview: Moose Jaw Warriors Versus Saginaw Spirit

The 2024 Memorial Cup is officially here. After months of hard work, the Moose Jaw Warriors are set to take on the Saginaw Spirit in the tournament opener. In what should be an emotional game for both franchises, the Warriors will look to kick off the Memorial Cup with a victory.

Defeating the Spirit will not be easy, as Saginaw built one of the strongest rosters in the OHL this season. The Spirit have eight NHL-drafted prospects on their roster while also featuring two projected future top-ten picks in Zayne Parekh and Michael Misa. Whether up front or on the blue line, Saginaw is stacked with talent and is a team that can deploy a relentless attack throughout the game.

In order for Moose Jaw to defeat the Spirit, the Warriors must convert on the power play. Saginaw finished the postseason with a 77.5% kill rate, which ranked last among the four Memorial Cup teams. If Moose Jaw can convert on the man advantage, it will go a long way in securing a win in the tournament opener.

Lastly, the Warriors need to ensure they keep their emotions in check from start to finish. As mentioned, this is a massive game for the franchise, which will create some nerves in the locker room. If Moose Jaw can harness that energy and play smart hockey, it should give them an added boost throughout the game.

Moose Jaw Warriors Schedule:

Friday, May 24 – Moose Jaw vs. Saginaw (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)

Monday, May 27 – London vs. Moose Jaw (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)

Tuesday, May 28 – Drummondville vs. Moose Jaw (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)

Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 30 (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)

Semi-Final – Friday, May 31 (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)

Championship Final – Sunday, June 2 (5:30 p.m. ST / 4:30 p.m. PT)

All games available on TSN

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