Morning Mashup: Every Sea Dog Has His Day
Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
As we get ready for the Stanley Cup Finals, future draft eligible players had their day in the spotlight. The Memorial Cup. A competition that’s probably more enjoyable to watch than the World Hockey Championship came to a satisfying conclusion for one Jonathan Huberdeau and the St. John Sea Dogs.
Projected a top 4 pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Huberdeau was named MVP of the tournament and the Sea Dogs became the first team from the Atlantic Division of the QMJHL to win the Memorial Cup with a 3-1 win over the St. Michael’s Majors. Besides Huberdeau, their roster featured names like Tomas Jurco, who is expected to go in the latter stages of the first round of the 2011 draft and already drafted jewels like Simon Despres, Jacob DeSerres and Stanislav Galiev.
It was quite a story for DeSerres who was shellshocked last year in the Memorial Cup while tending goal for Brandon. Taylor Hall and the Windsor Spitfires cruised to an easy 9-1 win. They say that those who wait, work hard usually get their way in the end. Well, DeSerres starred this time around. He collected 34 saves including a couple of highlight reel ones and completely stole the show. It seems that day in and day out, hockey offers us a feel good story.
One player that is worth singling out for his performance in the Memorial Cup is Devante Smith-Pelly. A six foot 211 pound RW is a sight for sore eyes. Just 18 years old, he’s not afraid to use his size and strength with authority and is often the most intimidating player on the ice. Anaheim Ducks picked Smith-Pelly 42nd overall in the 2010 Entry Draft and quite possibly hit the jackpot. The kid possesses incredible lower-body strength, very good hockey instincts and a quick, deadly shot.
Links after the jump.
MEMORIAL CUP LINKS:
Memorial Cup recap by the Canadian Press, featured on yahoo.com
Huberdeau wins MVP, a look from NHL.com
Another Memorial Cup recap  from the official site
John Gibson turning heads, not to be confused with Christopher Gibson, who is also turning heads
Devante Smith-Pelly at the Memorial Cup, a look from THN
NHL LINKS:
THN previews the Stanley Cup Finals
A heart warming tale from Alex Burrows, courtesy of The Hockey News
Stanley Cup Finals ticket prices go through the roof
Kaberle finally picks it up, Globe On Hockey has the story
Greg Wyshynski looks at the Conn Smythe battle between the Canucks and the Bruins
Toews looking forward to Winnipeg’s expected return
YOUR SAY:
Did you enjoy the Memorial Cup more than the WC? Who do you predict winning the Conn Smythe this year?
