KW Now!

 

The Cup is in Kitchener.

 

The Memorial Cup made its way down Gaukel Street towards city hall surrounded by military procession at the Memorial Cup opening ceremonies Thursday.

 

Starting its journey in Vancouver with the 2007 Memorial Cup champion Vancouver Giants, it has arrived to Kitchener for at least 10 days: The Rangers hope more.

 

So does the city of Kitchener.

 

“We plan to keep it here,” said Mayor Karl Zehr with a smile as he was presented the trophy by the president of the Canadian Hockey League, David Branch.

 

“On behalf of the council and the entire community we want to show our pride in their achievements and wish the Rangers all the best as they prepare to compete in the Memorial cup,” said Zehr.

 

Branch, who also presented the Rangers with the Robertson Cup on Monday when they won the OHL championship, said the Memorial Cup is one of the most well-known and coveted trophies in all of sports.

 

“It’s a tribute to those that have fallen,” he explained. “It’s a tribute to the veterans that are here with us today and to all those other forces that continue to protect the greatest country in the world.”

 

And that trophy is right here in Kitchener. (See below for trophy photo)

 

Rangers head coach and general manager Peter DeBoer said it best:

 

“We’re going to be wearing a jersey tomorrow night in honour of the men who died in World War One. These jerseys will be worn once and then auctioned off for the Kitchener poppy fund. We’re going to unveil them today.”

 

The Ranger players themselves were there wearing their one-game garb. (see below for jersey photos)

 

DeBoer introduced his players as they came up one-by-one onto the stage in front of a civic square packed with cheering Ranger fans.

 

“This guy, I’m not even sure if I should introduce him or not,” said DeBoer, chuckling as it was Mike Duco’s turn to come up. “Number 14, Mike Duco,” he called out as the fans caught sight of one of their favourites.

 

“Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu,” they cheered as Duco came up onstage, sporting his playoff mo-hawk.

 

The Rangers stood up front as the national anthem was performed then filed back into the building before coming back out to sign autographs for fans.

 

A tribute to the fans, from the coach.

 

“We’ve got the best fans in the OHL,” exclaimed DeBoer as he prepared to leave the stage. “You helped us bring home the OHL championship in game 7 the other night. We look forward to seeing you (Friday) night at the Aud. in full force!”

 

 

The tournament officially kicks off Friday night when the Rangers play the Gatineau Olympiques, winners of the Quebec league.

 

Sunday afternoon Kitchener plays the Spokane Chiefs, who won the Western league.

 

Then on Wednesday the Rangers play Belleville, who are representing the OHL.

 

Other preliminary round matches are:

 

Saturday: Belleville vs. Spokane

 

Monday: Belleville vs. Gatineau

 

Tuesday: Spokane vs. Gatineau

 

Check kwnow.ca daily for updates and game coverage.


Karl Zehr ...Welcome To Kitchener

 

CHL President David Branch Presents Karl Zehr with Memorial Cup





Josh Unice Meets and Greets with new Uni





The Memorial Cup...Up Close and Very Personal (to Ranger Fans)





The Kitchener Rangers in Commemorative Memorial Cup Jerseys Meet Their Fans




Tim Gedcke is a regular contributor to Now Media News