By Richard Bloom
Add another win to the Ottawa 67’s record. But this win is worth a lot more than two points.
The first-place Ontario Hockey League team has won the right to host the 1999 Memorial Cup, the Canadian junior hockey championships, this spring.
The nine-day event will take place in May at the Ottawa Civic Centre.
As the host, the 67’s are guaranteed a spot in the four-team Memorial Cup tournament which consists of the champions from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the host team.
“It means a lot to me because it’s Ottawa and it’s my home town,” said 67’s head coach Brian Kilrea. “To be able to coach a Memorial Cup here in the east is unbelievable.”
Team captain Nick Boynton said it’s a dream come true after losing two straight OHL finals in 1997 and 1998.
“For us older guys its a big thrill because it’s our last chance at winning the cup,” said Boynton.
The championships will bring tens of thousands of fans to the capital from May 15-23 and the economic impact will be huge.
The cup is hosted by the OHL, WHL and QMJHL on a rotating basis.