The 2025 Memorial Cup is set to get underway in Rimouski, Quebec, Friday night, bringing together the elite of Canadian junior hockey for the CHL’s ultimate prize. Hosted by the Rimouski Océanic, this year’s tournament features a powerhouse lineup: WHL champion Medicine Hat Tigers, OHL champion London Knights, QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats, and the host Océanic.
With future NHL stars lighting up the ice and teams carrying rich legacies, the stage is set for one of the most compelling Memorial Cups in recent memory.
Tigers roaring into Rimouski
Medicine Hat enters the tournament riding high after a dominant 47-17-4 regular season and a WHL title. At the heart of their success is 17-year-old phenom Gavin McKenna, widely projected as the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Whitehorse native posted a staggering 129 points in 56 regular season games, and added 38 points in 16 playoff contests, including a return from injury in the WHL Final to help clinch the title.
Drafted first overall in the 2022 WHL Draft, McKenna is no stranger to attention. From notching four points in his WHL debut to leading his team through adversity, the winger has answered every challenge. Despite missing Games 3 and 4 of the WHL Final due to injury, he returned to clinch the championship, underscoring his resilience and poise.
“He just loves playing hockey,” says Tigers head coach Willie Desjardins. “He doesn’t get caught up in the noise. He’s all about the team.”
That team-first mentality—and his ability to rise to big moments—makes McKenna the tournament’s most-watched player.
McKenna’s 54-game point streak—the longest in the CHL since 2000—highlights not just his skill, but his consistency under pressure. With captain Oasiz Wiesblatt, elite defenceman Tanner Molendyk, and top prospect Cayden Lindstrom supporting him, the Tigers are a balanced juggernaut backed by playoff MVP goaltender Harrison Meneghin.
Knights seeking redemption
The London Knights return to the Memorial Cup with a chip on their shoulder. After falling to Saginaw in the dying seconds of last year’s final, the OHL champions posted a 55-11-2 regular season and bring a deep, NHL-calibre lineup.
OHL playoff scoring leader Easton Cowan (39 points) headlines an offence that has been both prolific and clutch. With four NHL first-round picks in the lineup and goaltender Austin Elliott between the pipes, the Knights remain a formidable force with eyes on their first title since 2016.
Watch: Easton Cowen media availability
Wildcats balanced and battle-tested, Oceanic hope for home-ice magic
QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats, led by head coach Gardiner MacDougall, stormed through the league with a 53-9-2 record. Their top gun, Caleb Desnoyers, projects as a top-10 NHL pick and earned QMJHL Playoff MVP honours with 30 points in 19 games.
With a roster that blends seasoned leadership and youthful energy, Moncton poses a major threat. Their advanced stats—strong Fenwick scores and sustained offensive zone time—reflect a disciplined, structured system capable of neutralizing even the most dynamic opponents.
As host team, Rimouski Océanic automatically qualified but proved their worth with a deep QMJHL playoff run, falling just short of the title. They’ll lean heavily on captain Jacob Mathieu and goaltender Mathis Langevin to anchor their bid. Riding passionate home support, Rimouski’s opportunistic style—measured by a high rate of high-danger scoring chances—could be a wild card in tight matchups.
Untapped conclusion
The 2025 Memorial Cup in Rimouski is shaping up to be a tournament for the ages. With future NHL stars, dramatic storylines, and elite junior hockey on full display, it’s a celebration of Canadian hockey culture at its finest. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual observer, there’s no better time to tune in.