Travis Hayes of the Soo Greyhounds. Photo by OHL Images.
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hayes took to hockey at an early age, showing a natural ability to read the game and execute plays with precision. His early years were spent honing his skills in youth leagues, where he quickly became known for his offensive prowess and ability to control the puck under pressure. His commitment to improvement led him to the OHL, where he joined the Soo Greyhounds and began making an impact almost immediately.
Since joining the Greyhounds, Hayes has consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong two-way game. After a great rookie season, more was expected of him this season offensively however, it was a modest growth. The fact the Greyhounds were not an overly offensive team though needs to be taken into consideration.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Areas for Growth
Hayes’ scouting report paints a picture of a player with potential and a skill set that could translate well to the NHL. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his strengths and areas for improvement:
Strengths:
Speed and Agility: Hayes plays with high energy and speed, allowing him to create separation from defenders and drive offensive plays.
Physicality: He is not afraid to engage in battles along the boards and consistently wins puck battles, showcasing his strength and determination and will only get better once he adds some bulk.
Shooting Ability: His shot is powerful and accurate, making him a legitimate scoring threat from various positions on the ice.
Hockey IQ: Hayes has a strong understanding of the game, allowing him to anticipate plays and position himself effectively.
Work Ethic: He is known for his relentless effort on the ice, always keeping his feet moving and looking for ways to contribute.
Areas for Growth:
Consistency: While Hayes has shown flashes of brilliance, maintaining a high level of performance throughout the season will be crucial for his development.
Defensive Play: While his offensive game is strong, refining his defensive positioning and awareness will make him a more complete player.
Decision-Making: As he continues to develop, improving his ability to make quick and effective decisions under pressure will enhance his overall impact.
With his current trajectory, Hayes is poised to be a strong contender in the upcoming NHL draft. His combination of skill, speed, and determination makes him an exciting prospect for teams looking to add offensive firepower to their lineup. If he continues to refine his game and address areas for improvement, there is little doubt that he will make a successful transition to professional hockey.
As one of the younger players available for the draft – he is eligible for the 2025 draft by just 12 days – there is a lot of room for growth and development.
TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) alongside its Member Leagues – the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – is proud to announce two significant multi-year partnerships that will shape the future of its on-ice performance and fan experience.
Beginning with the 2025-26 season, Under Armour will become the exclusive jersey and socks and exclusive training footwear and apparel partner of the CHL, its Member Leagues, and 61 Clubs, while Bauer will serve as the official equipment supplier. These landmark agreements are set to run through the 2030-31 season, reinforcing the ongoing commitment of the CHL and its Member Leagues to supporting its players and delivering exceptional quality to its fans across the world.
Under Armour Named Exclusive Jersey Supplier
As part of this new partnership, Under Armour becomes the exclusive supplier of game jerseys, practice jerseys, sublimated theme jerseys, and authentic replica jerseys for fans across all CHL Member Leagues. Starting in 2025-26, players in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL will hit the ice in elite-level, Under Armour–branded pro-authentic jerseys and socks for every team-controlled game, event, practice, and camp. The partnership also includes exclusive access to Under Armour’s cutting-edge training apparel and footwear.
“This partnership delivers not only enhanced gear for our athletes and clubs from the WHL, OHL and QMJHL, but also innovative merchandise for all of our fans across the CHL,” stated Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “We are excited to see the CHL’s future take the ice in Under Armour uniforms. These jerseys represent more than just a new look – they reflect a shared commitment to performance, innovation, and style. With Under Armour, we’re equipping our players with elite-level apparel designed to meet the demands of today’s game, while also giving fans new ways to connect with their teams through high-quality, authentic merchandise. It’s a significant step forward for the CHL, its Member Leagues, and our 61 Clubs — benefiting players on the ice and fans in the stands.”
“Under Armour is known for our relentless innovation in performance products, and we’re excited to outfit CHL athletes,” said Craig Cummings, Vice-President of Team Division at Under Armour. “From training to competition and recovery, we’re committed to providing the performance solutions these athletes need to compete at their highest potential.”
Under Armour will also play a key role in supporting major CHL events, including the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, underscoring the brand’s deep commitment to player development and fan engagement. For the 2025 edition of this premier cross-border showcase, Under Armour will produce and supply custom-designed jerseys for Team CHL – offering players a bold, one-of-a-kind look that matches the intensity of the competition. These exclusive uniforms will capture the spirit of the event while upholding the high-performance standards synonymous with Under Armour products. They will be produced by Momentec, the manufacturer of Under Armour licensed uniforms.
Bauer Named Official Equipment Supplier of the CHL
Beginning in the 2025–26 season, Bauer will proudly become the official equipment supplier of the CHL, helping power the next generation of stars with the game’s most innovative gear. From sticks to helmets, gloves, and under protective gear, CHL players will take the ice with Bauer’s most advanced equipment, trusted by the best and built for ultimate performance and protection.
This exclusive partnership reflects a shared commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence at every level of the game. Athletes will also continue to have access to Bauer skates, goal equipment, and team apparel – ensuring players have access to the tools they need to compete at the highest level.
“From grassroots hockey to the world’s biggest stages, Bauer has demonstrated a deep commitment to innovation, safety, and performance – values that align perfectly with our mission to foster excellence both on and off the ice,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “A long-standing champion of player development at all levels, Bauer shares our unwavering commitment to the growth and long-term success of our players from across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. This new partnership ensures that players in the CHL will benefit from top-tier protective gear as they continue to grow into the leaders and stars of tomorrow.”
“We’re looking forward to our new partnership with the CHL and providing our most innovative equipment to its athletes through our industry-leading Elite Athlete Services team,” said Mary-Kay Messier, Chief Marketing Officer, Bauer Hockey. “As important, together with the CHL, we are committed to advancing our shared values. It’s more important than ever to demonstrate the important role the CHL plays not only in showcasing some of the game’s top prospects on the ice, but also in developing leaders off the ice. Hockey creates lifelong friendships, instills the importance of playing as a team, and builds character, and through its scholarships, career counseling, and other programs, our partnership can help elevate and amplify these important leadership facets outside the arena.”
Like Under Armour, Bauer will also support CHL events, including the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, the latter of which is a two-game series that sees the top NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL’s Member Leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) compete against those from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team.
Both partnerships will debut during training camps ahead of the 2025-26 season, with new gear and jerseys hitting the ice for the first time across the WHL, OHL and the QMJHL. Retail availability for fans, including new authentic and tiered replica jerseys, will be announced closer to the start of the 2025-26 campaign. Both partnerships mark a new chapter in CHL history, delivering the highest standards of performance, safety, and style on and off the ice.
Rimouski, QC – MAY 27: Round Robin game 47 of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the London Knights and the Medicine Hat Tigers on May 27, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc. (Photo by Vincent Ethier/CHL)
RIMOUSKI, QC — The Medicine Hat Tigers (3-0) advanced to the final of the 2025 Memorial Cup Tuesday night after a 3-1 win over the London Knights (2-1) at Sun Life Financial Coliseum on Tuesday night.
Medicine Hat scored three unanswered goals to secure the win after trailing early, while 2025 WHL Playoffs MVP and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Harrison Meneghin was named Player of the Game after steering aside 25 of 26 shots for a .972 save percentage.
Ethan Neutens, Mathew Ward, and Minnesota Wild prospect Ryder Ritchie found the back of the net for Medicine Hat, while San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen scored the lone goal for London. Austin Elliott turned aside 27 shots in the Knights’ loss.
“I thought the difference tonight was Meneghin in net,” Tigers head coach Willie Desjardins said. “I thought our guys played hard, blocked a lot of shots, and that every line contributed.”
“We wouldn’t be going to the final with no. 35,” Ward said. “He’s been a rock for us all year.”
With their win over the Knights, the Medicine Hat Tigers have secured their fourth Memorial Cup final appearance since 1972, tying them for third all-time with five other teams — including the London Knights — for the most championship game appearances. It also marks the Tigers’ first trip to the final in 18 years and makes them the first WHL team to advance directly to the championship game since the Kelowna Rockets did so in 2009, when the event was last held in Rimouski.
Tied 1-1 heading into the third, the Tigers took the lead just 77 seconds into the frame through Ward’s first of the tournament. The overage forward collected the puck after a minute tip pass from Misha Volotovskii before he spun and slid the puck home to score the eventual game-winner.
“It probably ranks number one,” Ward said of the game-winner after playing his penultimate junior hockey game. “You don’t sit around dreaming about playing that final game. You dream about winning it. I don’t know if Willie remembers, but he sent me a text when he traded for me and said he wants to win that final game. Not just be there.”
Ritchie scored his tournament-leading fourth goal into the empty net with 11.6 seconds left in regulation.
“You’ve got to be so excited to get the chance,” Desjardins said of playing for a Memorial Cup title. “It’s great for us to get the opportunity, but for sure, we want to win it – we don’t want to just show up. So, we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”
The win marks the first time a WHL team has gone 3-0 in the Memorial Cup round-robin since 2008. The Tigers will now look to become the first WHL club to capture the title since the Edmonton Oil Kings did so 11 years ago.
The 2025 Memorial Cup final is set for Sunday at 7:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. MT.
Halttunen had the only goal of the first period as he got a piece of San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson’s shot from the point on the power play just 3:34 into the game. In the process, Halttunen moved into second all-time for most goals scored by a Knight in Memorial Cup history with six, trailing only Christian Dvorak, who recorded seven.
The Tigers scored the only goal of the second period when Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk’s point shot deflected off Los Angeles Kings prospect Jared Woolley’s skate and landed perfectly for Ethan Neutens, who buried it into an open net from the low slot at 5:11.
London now awaits the winner of tonight’s rematch of the 2025 QMJHL Championship Series, as the host Rimouski Océanic (0-2) faces the Moncton Wildcats (0-2) in the round-robin finale tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Every game of the 2025 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2025 Memorial Cup will air in the United States on NHL Network and be available to stream live for free on Victory+ for viewers outside of Canada.
Game 6 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Wednesday, May 26 – Rimouski Océanic vs. Moncton Wildcats Semi-Final @ 7 p.m. ET – Friday, May 30 – TBD vs. London Knights Final @ 7 p.m. ET – Saturday, June 1 – TBD vs. Medicine Hat Tigers
Rimouski, QC – MAY 26: Round Robin game 4 of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Moncton Wildcat and the Medicine Hat Tigers on May 26, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc. (Photo by Vincent Ethier/CHL)
RIMOUSKI, QC — Minnesota Wild prospect Ryder Ritchie scored twice to lead the Medicine Hat Tigers (2-0) to a 3-1 victory over the Moncton Wildcats (0-2) at the 2025 Memorial Cup in Rimouski on Monday night.
2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna scored into the empty net for the Tigers as Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Harrison Meneghin made 21 saves. Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dyllan Gill had the Wildcats’ lone goal as Moncton netminder Mathis Rousseau turned aside 39 shots.
With the win, the Tigers have secured at least a spot in Friday’s semi-final. Tonight, they’ll face the only other undefeated team at the tournament, the London Knights (2-0), with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The winner of tonight’s game between the Tigers and Knights will advance directly to Sunday’s championship game, while the loser will play in Friday’s semi-final as the designated home team.
“I thought our team played well and we’re certainly happy with the win,” said Medicine Hat head coach Willie Desjardins. “We are grateful for the opportunity and don’t take it for granted.
“We know what the games are going to be like and know they are going to be hard.”
Conversely, the Moncton Wildcats now face a do-or-die situation following last night’s loss. Their Memorial Cup hopes will hinge on Wednesday’s final round-robin game against the host Rimouski Océanic (0-2) at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The winner will move on to Friday’s semi-final as the visiting team, while the loser will be eliminated from the 2025 Memorial Cup.
A pair of goals from Ritchie built the Tigers a 2-0 lead through 40 minutes on Monday. He opened the scoring 4:24 into the first as he buried the puck into a wide-open net off of Oasiz Wiesblatt’s feed moments after McKenna had been stopped on a breakaway.
His second of the night came at 9:42 of the second period as he hammered home a one-timer on the power play off of Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Basha’s feed. Ritchie would later add an assist on McKenna’s empty-netter as he led all scorers with three points on Monday night.
Another bright spot for the Tigers on Monday was the return of Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom, who made his Memorial Cup debut. He went 6-for-11 on faceoffs and drew a key high-sticking penalty in the third period, helping to stall a late push from the Wildcats.
Following Monday’s game, Tigers forward Ryder Ritchie leads all skaters at the 2025 Memorial Cup with three goals, edging out Sam O’Reilly (London Knights), Dyllan Gill (Moncton Wildcats), Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers), and Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers), who each have two.
Additionally, Ritchie also shares the tournament scoring lead with Easton Cowan (London Knights), Oasiz Wiesblatt (Medicine Hat Tigers), and McKenna, as all four have recorded four points through two games.
Every game of the 2025 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2025 Memorial Cup will air in the United States on NHL Network and be available to stream live for free on Victory+ for viewers outside of Canada.
Game 5 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Today – London Knights vs. Medicine Hat Tigers Game 6 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Wednesday, May 28 – Rimouski Océanic vs. Moncton Wildcats Semi-Final @ 7 p.m. ET – Friday, May 30 – TBD vs. TBD
Rimouski, QC – MAY 25: Shootout Tournament prior to the Round Robin game 3 of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Rimouski Océanic and the London Knights on May 25, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc. (Photo by Vincent Ethier/CHL)
RIMOUSKI, QC — The London Knights moved to 2-0 at the 2025 Memorial Cup after a 3-1 win over the host Rimouski Oceanic on Sunday night. With the victory, the Knights have assured themselves of at least a place in Friday’s semi-final at the 105th edition of the Memorial Cup, being held in Rimouski, Québec.
On Sunday night, 2025 NHL Draft prospect Henry Brzustewicz, Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien, and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan scored for London as Austin Elliott made 28 saves. Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko had Rimouski’s lone goal while Mathis Langevin stopped 34 shots.
“That was a really fun game to play in,” Cowan said. “High compete from both teams and we stuck with it to come out with the two points.”
With the London Knights’ win over the Rimouski Océanic on Sunday night, head coach Dale Hunter made Memorial Cup history by earning his 15th career tournament victory — the most by any head coach since the CHL adopted its current format in 1972. The milestone moves Hunter past legendary WHL bench boss Don Hay (14 wins with the Kamloops Blazers and Vancouver Giants), placing him alone atop the all-time coaching wins list at the Memorial Cup.
“It’s a credit to the players here,” Hunter said, who now has a 15-7 career record at the Memorial Cup. “To win games, they are the ones who have to sacrifice on the ice to block shots. Through the years I’ve had great players and winners and they go on to do great things.”
Julien buried the game-winner with just 5:07 left in the third period as he converted a pretty passing play was started by Cowan, who found San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen before he slid the puck over to Julien for his first of the tournament. Cowan ensured the win with an empty-netter at 18:08.
After a goalless first period – in which both teams registered nine goals – it was the Océanic who opened the scoring 2:14 into the second period as after some great work down low by Vegas Golden Knights prospect Mathieu Cataford, Mateiko found a loose puck in the crease to grab his first of the tournament.
London got level through 2025 NHL Draft prospect Brzustewicz who at 9:47 found himself with all kinds of space to bury a wrister from the right dot to make it 1-1.
“That was two strong teams going at it,” Julien said. “Both played really well defensively and offensively and we were fortunate enough to come out on top.”
Next up, the London Knights (2-0) will look to become the first team to make back-to-back appearances in a Memorial Cup final since the Windsor Spitfires did so during their championship runs in 2009 and 2010. With a win over the Medicine Hat Tigers (1-0) tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET, the Knights would secure their spot in this year’s title game.
Meanwhile, the host Rimouski Océanic (0-2) will look to keep their Memorial Cup hopes alive when they take on the Moncton Wildcats (0-1) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. The matchup marks a rematch of the QMJHL Championship Series, where Moncton defeated Rimouski in six games to capture the third league title in franchise history.
But first, tonight at 7 p.m. ET, the Medicine Hat Tigers (1-0) will try to follow in the Knights’ footsteps and clinch a spot in at least Friday’s semi-final — a feat they can accomplish with a win over the Wildcats. Moncton, on the other hand, will be fighting for their first victory of the tournament and a chance to secure a place in Thursday’s potential tiebreaker.
Every game of the 2025 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2025 Memorial Cup will air in the United States on NHL Network and be available to stream live for free on Victory+ for viewers outside of Canada.
Game 4 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Today – Moncton Wildcats vs. Medicine Hat Tigers Game 5 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Tuesday, May 27 – London Knights vs. Medicine Hat Tigers Game 6 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Wednesday, May 28 – Rimouski Océanic vs. Moncton Wildcats
Following Sunday’s victory, the London Knights sit in first place as the 2025 Memorial Cup enters its fourth day.
Jacob Cloutier of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by OHL Images.
Jacob Cloutier hails from Gloucester, Ontario, Canada. Born on March 22, 2007, Cloutier has steadily climbed the ranks in junior hockey, showcasing his skills and determination. Currently playing for the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he has established himself as a solid right winger with a strong offensive presence.
Cloutier was drafted 36th overall in the 2nd round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Saginaw Spirit. His journey through junior hockey has been marked by consistent improvement, earning recognition as a 2025 NHL Draft prospect. His rankings vary greatly among scouts.
Skating & Agility – Cloutier possesses excellent edge work but is in dire need of adding some speed both in first steps and top speed. It’s a must to succeed at the next level.
Hockey IQ – His ability to read plays and anticipate movements makes him a valuable asset in offensive transitions.
Shot Accuracy – He has a quick release and can pick corners with precision, making him a threat in scoring situations.
Playmaking Ability – Cloutier demonstrates strong vision and passing skills, setting up teammates for high-quality scoring chances.
Defensive Play – While his offensive game is strong, he could refine his backchecking and positioning in the defensive zone.
-Physicality – At 170 lbs, adding more strength could help him withstand physical battles along the boards and in front of the net.
Consistency – Maintaining a high level of performance throughout the season will be key to his development as a top-tier prospect.
With his current trajectory, Cloutier has the potential to be a solid mid to late round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. His ability to adapt and improve will determine his success at the professional level. If he continues refining his game, he could become a valuable asset for an NHL team looking for a skilled and intelligent winger.
Carson Harmer of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by OHL Images.
Harmer’s path began with the Huron Perth Lakers, where he played at the U15 and U16 AAA levels. His offensive production was notable, particularly in the 2022-23 season, where he recorded 20 goals and 20 assists in 33 games at the U16 level. His ability to generate offense and contribute in all areas of the ice made him a standout prospect.
Following his time with the Lakers, Harmer transitioned to the Stratford Warriors in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). His first full season with the Warriors in 2023-24 saw him post 28 goals and 37 assists in 46 games, demonstrating his ability to adapt to higher levels of competition. His strong performance earned him a spot with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL for the 2024-25 season.
Harmer’s first season in the OHL has been a learning experience, but he has shown flashes of brilliance. In 68 games, he recorded 23 goals and 27 assists. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a responsible two-way game has made him a valuable asset for Saginaw.
As a 2025 NHL Draft prospect, Harmer has garnered attention from scouts. He is currently ranked #107 by NHL Central Scouting (North American Skaters) and. While he may not be projected as a sure-fire pick, his steady development and strong work ethic suggest he could be a valuable selection in the later rounds.
Harmer is a smooth and efficient skater, with solid edge work and agility. While he may not possess elite top-end speed, his ability to maneuver in tight spaces and accelerate quickly allows him to evade defenders and create offensive opportunities.
One of Harmer’s standout traits is his intelligence on the ice. His off-puck movements are calculated and intentional, allowing him to find open space and anticipate plays effectively. He excels in reading the game, making smart decisions in both offensive and defensive situations.
Harmer has a quick and accurate shot, capable of beating goaltenders from various angles. His ability to find soft spots in the defense and capitalize on scoring chances makes him a dangerous offensive presence. Additionally, his playmaking ability is strong, as he can set up teammates with crisp passes and creative setups.
Defensively, Harmer is responsible and engaged. He applies pressure effectively, where his ability to disrupt opposing plays shines. His commitment to backchecking and positioning makes him a reliable two-way player.
While not the biggest player at 5’10” and 185 lbs, Harmer does not shy away from physical play. He has shown the ability to deliver hard hits, particularly in key moments of games. His physical engagement adds another dimension to his game, making him a well-rounded competitor.
To elevate his game further, Harmer should focus on improving his explosiveness in skating and refining his puck-handling under pressure. While his offensive instincts are strong, continued development in these areas will help him transition smoothly to professional hockey.
Carson Harmer is a promising young center with a well-rounded skill set. His ability to contribute offensively, play responsibly in his own zone, and engage physically makes him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. While he may not be a top-ranked player, his steady development and strong hockey IQ suggest he has the potential to carve out a successful career at the professional level.
As he continues to refine his game with the Saginaw Spirit, Harmer will be a player to watch in the coming years. Whether he makes an immediate impact in the NHL or takes time to develop, his dedication and skill set make him a valuable asset for any team willing to invest in his growth.
Rimouski, QC – MAY 24: Round Robin game 2 of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Moncton Wildcats and the London Knights on May 24, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc. (Photo by Vincent Ethier/CHL)
RIMOUSKI, QC — Edmonton Oilers prospect Sam O’Reilly scored the overtime winner as the London Knights began their 2025 Memorial Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over the Moncton Wildcats in Rimouski, Québec.
O’Reilly buried the game-winner at 4:23 of overtime as after London Knights forward Easton Cowan (Toronto Maple Leafs prospect) spun around Moncton’s Caleb Desnoyers (2025 NHL Draft prospect), he found the Oilers prospect to the right side of Rousseau, where he tipped the puck high for his second of the night.
“I just try to get to the net,” O’Reilly said. “[Cowan] does all of his creative stuff up top. It’s always the best place to go is to the net, he throws pucks there a lot and fortunate enough to be able to score one.”
With London’s 3-2 overtime win over Moncton, Dale Hunter recorded his 14th career Memorial Cup victory as a head coach, tying Don Hay for the most all-time since 1972. Hunter, who owns a 14-7 record at the tournament, has now pulled even with Hay (14-4) atop the all-time coaching wins list at the Memorial Cup.
In addition to his OT winner, O’Reilly also scored in regulation, along with San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen, while Austin Elliott turned aside 27 shots for the Knights. On the Moncton side, Calgary Flames prospect Etienne Morin and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dyllan Gill found the back of the net, with Mathis Rousseau making 45 saves in the loss.
London – finalists at the 2024 Memorial Cup – needed all of 91 seconds to strike as O’Reilly got a piece of Sam Dickinson’s (San Jose Sharks prospect) point shot to grab an early 1-0 lead. But Moncton battled back to level things up at the first intermission as Etienne Morin’s shot from the blue line hit London defenceman Jared Woolley (Los Angeles Kings prospect) to change directions and beat Elliott at 6:59.
The Knights restored their lead at 5:11 of the second through Halttunen, who unloaded a one-timer on the power play to register his fifth career Memorial Cup goal. In doing so, the Finnish forward now has a goal in five straight Memorial Cup outings, matching the longest goal-scoring streak at a Memorial Cup since 2000 – a mark set by Ty Rattie (Portland Winterhawks), who found the back of the net in all five games of the 2013 Memorial Cup.
However, once again, the Wildcats found the tying goal in the period as it was Gill’s time to convert on the man advantage as his shot from the blue line beat Elliott.
After a goalless third, that saw London outshot Moncton 16-3, it was O’Reilly who played hero at night’s end.
“They’re good players and they want to win really bad,” Hunter said. “They play hard, and when the big games are on the line they come through.”
Next up, the London Knights (1-0) will be looking to earn their second win in as many nights when they hit the ice for Game 3 of the round-robin tonight at 6 p.m. ET against the host Rimouski Océanic (0-1). Meanwhile, the Océanic will be in search of their first win of the tournament after falling 5-4 to the Medicine Hat Tigers in their opening game.
Looking ahead, the round-robin continues Monday night as the Moncton Wildcats (0-1) take on the Medicine Hat Tigers (1-0) at 7 p.m. ET in a pivotal matchup for both teams. On Tuesday, the London Knights will close out their round-robin schedule with a showdown against the Tigers.
Every game of the 2025 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2025 Memorial Cup will air in the United States on NHL Network and be available to stream live for free on Victory+ for viewers outside of Canada.
Game 3 (Round-Robin) @ 6 p.m. ET – Today – Rimouski Océanic vs. London Knights Game 4 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Monday, May 26 – Moncton Wildcats vs. Medicine Hat Tigers Game 5 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Tuesday, May 27 – London Knights vs. Medicine Hat Tigers
Rimouski, QC – MAY 23: Round Robin game 1 of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the Rimouski Océanic on May 23, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc. (Photo by Vincent Ethier/CHL)
RIMOUSKI, QC — Hunter St. Martin scored the game-winning goal with 2:41 left in regulation as the Medicine Hat Tigers took Game 1 of the 2025 Memorial Cup over the host Rimouski Oceanic on Friday night.
2025 NHL Draft prospect Bryce Pickford scored twice while Minnesota Wild prospect Ryder Ritchie and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna also had goals as Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Harrison Meneghin stopped 20 shots. For Rimouski, Maël Lavigne, Maël St-Denis, Jacob Mathieu, and Jonathan Fauchon found the back of the net as Mathis Langevin made 33 saves.
St. Martin tipped home the game-winner off a Tanner Molendyk (Nashville Predators prospect) feed to give the Tigers a perfect start to the tournament.
“That was one of the hardest teams we’ve played all year,” McKenna said. “We had guys selling out all game, guys were blocking shots at the end of the game. I think it shows how bad we wanted it.”
Ritchie had opened the scoring 13:50 into the first as he buried a loose puck after McKenna hit the crossbar, but the Oceanic levelled things before the end of the period through Lavigne.
The hosts took their first lead of the game at 10:43 of the second as he benefitted from a Tigers turnover to take 2-1, but Pickford extended his incredible goalscoring streak to nine games as he converted at 16:18 to tie the game. Pickford, a native of Chauvin, Alta., recently recorded the most goals by a CHL defenceman in a single playoff run (13) since 2000.
Rimouski, however, answered immediately as Mathieu was credited with his first on an odd-bounce just 2:08 later as the hosts took a 3-2 advantage into the break.
Medicine Hat needed only 68 seconds to level things up at 3-3 as Pickford again found the back of the net with a snipe from the top of the left dot before McKenna converted on a breakaway at 5:16 to make it 4-3.
“I thought I could get him high, saw it and shot it, and luckily it went in,” McKenna said.
Fauchon – who led the QMJHL in scoring this season – made it 4-4 at 13:04 before St. Martin buried the game-winner to give the Tigers a crucial opening-night win.
“Tanner made a great move at the blue line and I saw him go to the net,” St. Martin said. “That play has happened a few times so there was a little bit of familiarity there so I thought ‘go to the net and put my stick down’ and he made an unbelievable pass and luckily it went in which was really good for our group.”
In a fitting turn of events, the victory comes exactly 18 years after Medicine Hat’s last win at the prestigious tournament — a 1-0 triumph over the host Vancouver Giants at the 2007 Memorial Cup.
Next up, Game 2 of the 2025 Memorial Cup round-robin takes place today at 6 p.m. ET, featuring the Moncton Wildcats (0-0) facing off against the London Knights (0-0).
The Rimouski Océanic (0-1) will return to the ice at the 2025 Memorial Cup on Sunday, May 25, for Game 3 of the round-robin at 6 p.m. ET, when they take on the London Knights (0-0).
Meanwhile, the Tigers (1-0) are back on the ice Monday, May 26, at 7 p.m. ET, when they take on the QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats (0-0).
Every game of the 2025 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2025 Memorial Cup will air in the United States on NHL Network and be available to stream live for free on Victory+ for viewers outside of Canada.
Game 2 (Round-Robin) @ 6 p.m. ET – Today – Moncton Wildcats vs. London Knights Game 3 (Round-Robin) @ 6 p.m. ET – Sunday, May 25 – Rimouski Océanic vs. London Knights Game 4 (Round-Robin) @ 7 p.m. ET – Monday, May 26 – Moncton Wildcats vs. Medicine Hat Tigers
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced the appointment of Darrell Woodley to the role of Director of Hockey Development, a position crucial to the league’s mission of growing and strengthening hockey in Ontario and across North America.
Woodley will oversee the development and implementation of the ongoing evolution of the Ontario Development Model and serve as the league’s day-to-day liaison with key stakeholders including Hockey Canada, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), the province’s various junior development leagues, minor hockey organizations and school sport hockey partners.
Woodley, who has worked as the OHL’s Director of Central Scouting since 2011 and also has experience as a regional scout with Hockey Canada, is looking forward to the new opportunity.
“With a tremendous amount of change occurring across the hockey landscape, it’s an exciting time to embark on a new challenge,” said Woodley. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the OHL as a player, coach, management team member, scout and employee at the league office and I’m looking forward to investing in the work of developing the best young players not just for the OHL, but also for Hockey Canada and its Program of Excellence.”
A player for the Oshawa Generals and Barrie Colts from 1994-97, Woodley also served in roles as the Director of Player Development with the Colts starting in 2002, also serving as an Assistant Coach before joining the league office in 2011.
“Darrell brings a wealth of experience to this role,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “He’ll serve as the league’s lead on the Ontario Development Model, and will seek to ensure that the development strategy reflects a unified vision for player growth, competitive balance and long-term success. His work will be important in the area of strengthening affiliation agreements between OHL clubs and junior development leagues such as the GOJHL, OJHL, CCHL and NOJHL among others.”
Woodley will also oversee annual league events such as the OHL Cup, OHL Performance Development Program and the return of the Battle of the Border while also exploring opportunities to expand grassroots hockey development and diversity outreach programming.
Established in 1981, the OHL Central Scouting Department, of which Woodley was Director, has officially ceased operations as the OHL centers its attention on player development moving into the 2025-26 season and beyond. OHL member teams and their respective scouting departments will continue to identify talent at various levels of the game while the league office, with Darrell Woodley leading the effort, places a greater emphasis on the development of young players coming up through Ontario’s hockey system.
OHL Writers 