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The Soo Greyhounds are pleased to announce today that the club will be submitting an expression of interest to host the 2021 Memorial Cup presented by Kia.

The Memorial Cup presented by Kia is symbolic of the championship of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and includes one host team along with the champions of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Western Hockey League (WHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in the four-team tournament.

“We believe the time is right for our team, our fans and community at large, for us to put forward a proposal to be the host,” stated Tim Lukenda, President and Governor of the Greyhounds.

“We are working closely with the City to develop a bid to highlight the attributes that we believe will make us a strong contender for this prestigious event,” Lukenda added.

“There is a passion and commitment to junior hockey and our Soo Greyhounds that runs strong and deep in Sault Ste. Marie, and I am confident that same passion and commitment would be brought to hosting the 2021 Memorial Cup. This is a great opportunity to showcase our community and we are committed to supporting the Greyhound organization in making this bid.” stated Mayor Christian Provenzano.

The tournament was last held in the Sault in 1993. That year the Greyhounds defeated the OHL Champion, Peterborough Petes, 4 to 2 in the final. That was the organization’s 4th trip to the tournament after participating previously in 1992 (Seattle), 1991 (Quebec City) and 1985 (Shawinigan).

Recently, the Greyhounds have finished 1st in the West Division (Angelo Bumbacco Trophy) four of the last six seasons, were Hamilton Spectator Trophy recipients in 2014/15 and 2017/18 and won the Western Conference Championship (Wayne Gretzky Trophy) in 2018.

This bid will be submitted in accordance with guidelines as outlined by the CHL to enable the evaluation of each proposed host’s facility standards, community capabilities and team competitiveness.

The 2021 tournament is scheduled for Friday, May 21 to Friday, May 30, 2021.