MEMORIAL CUP - Saint John  4   Shawinigan 1

Shawinigan Cataractes had high hopes at the start of the game.

The Shawinigan Cataractes were hoping former Prime Minister Jean Chretien would bring his election luck to the ice in the final round robin game at the Memorial Cup.

The man from Shawinigan - Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien

Chretien was part of the opening ceremonies.  He lives about 10 KM from the Centre Bionest in Shawinigan.  While the former PM received a loud ovation, his 3 term majority luck did not rub off on the  home team.

This was the game local fans were looking forward ever since their team was beaten in the second round of the QMJHL playoffs.  The Saint John Seadogs are seen as the New York Yankees of the league because of their recent 3 year run of success.

The Cataractes didn't seem to play with the same fire and flair as they did in beating the London Knights, 6-2.  The Seadogs were solid in their own end as well.

Nathan Beaulieu - son of Sarnia Sting coach/GM Jacque Beaulieu

The key goal seemed to be the 3rd Saint John goal scored by Ryan Tesink.  Nathan Beaulieu, the former Elgin Middlesex Chief had a great game.  He got two assists and a couple of key blocked shots midway through the third period when the Cataractes were pushing for their second goal.

The London Knights are now one win away from the Memorial Cup.  The Saint John win means London takes first place in the round robin because of their 5-3 win vs. the Seadogs.  Shawinigan and Edmonton will play in a tie breaker game Thursday night.  The winner of that game plays Saint John on Friday in the semi final.

Stanislav Galiev (97)

The Seadogs were a step ahead of the Cataractes most of the night.

The Memorial Cup final will be the Knights 96th and final game of the 2011-12 season.

CUP NOTES

The best mascot in hockey got some national exposure this week.  Thomas Hawk wowed every visiting fan with his wild routine.  He is a gymnast and almost made the Olympic team.  The mascot code of silence prevents any interviews.

The Sportsnet crew was thrilled with the Victoria Day weekend ratings for the Memorial Cup.  The Knights and Seadogs round robin game drew over 430,000 viewers.

Shawinigan mascot Thomas Hawk.