The Memorial Cup, one of the most prestigious and coveted trophies in North American sport, has a rich tradition that has shaped the way junior hockey is played in North America. The trophy was originally known as the OHA Memorial Cup and was donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in March, 1919, in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in The First World War.

Kitchener has made six Memorial Cup appearances. They have won the cup twice and were Memorial Cup Finalists four times in 1981, 1984, 1990 and 2008. The championship tournament has been held three times in Kitchener; in 1975, 1984 and 2008.

In 1972, the Memorial Cup changed formats for the fourth time in its 54 year history. For the first time ever, a round robin tournament format was introduced. Three teams would meet each other once in the round robin portion of the tournament and the top two teams would then meet in a sudden death game to determine the Memorial Cup Champion.

Another change in the format of the Memorial Cup came with the creation of the Major Junior "A" series by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. With this change, three leagues were recognized as Major Junior "A" and the playoff winners of each league would challenge for the Memorial Cup. The champions of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey Association Major Junior A League and the Western Canadian Hockey League would meet in the Memorial Cup Tournament. The Tier II Junior "A" series was also created at this time and the old branch play down system would continue at this level. In 1972 the best from the West would meet the Eastern Canada winners for the Centennial Cup.


Most Appearances Team (Since 1972)

8 - Peterborough (OHL) (1972,1978,1979,1980,1989,1993,1996,2006)

6- Gatineau (QMJHL) (1986,1988,1995,1997,2003,2004)

6 - Kitchener (OHL) (1981,1982,1984,1990,2003,2008)

Most Final Game Appearances:

6 - Peterborough (OHL) - 1972,1978,1979,1980,1993,1996)

6 - Kitchener (OHL) - (1981,1982,1984,1990,2003,2008)

4 - New Westminister (WHL) - (1975,1976,1977,1978)

Most Championships:

3 - Cornwall Royals (QMJHL) - (1972,1980,1981)

3 - Kamloops Blazers (WHL) - (1992,1994,1995)

3 - Kitchener Rangers (OHL) - (1982, 2003,2008)

** Five other teams are tied with 2, Ottawa 67`s (1984,1999); Medicine Hat Tigers (1987,1988); Portland Winter Hawks (1983,1998), New Westminister Bruins (1977,1978) and Toronto Marlboros (1973,1975).