SAGINAW, Mich., March 30, 2023 — State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) is thrilled with the news that the Saginaw Spirit hockey team will host the Canadian Hockey League’s 2024 Memorial Cup tournament at Dow Event Center in Saginaw. The tournament will take place from May 22 to June 3, 2024. This is the first time in the 104-year history that the Memorial Cup will be hosted in Midwest America.
“What an honor it is for Saginaw to host this prestigious sporting event. I am excited for our city and the sense of community spirit this tournament will cultivate. During this event, we will uphold the traditions of our Canadian neighbors’ most treasured sport,” O’Neal said. “I am already wishing the Saginaw Spirit hockey team the best of luck and look forward to Saginaw’s commitment and enthusiasm for putting on a wonderful and well-planned series of championship games. I can’t wait to watch the teams play.”
Dating back to 1919, the tournament trophy was awarded in remembrance of the many soldiers who died for Canada during the first World War. The Memorial Cup was rededicated in 2010 in memory of all the fallen Canadian Military Personnel. The Canadian Hockey League is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League.
The Memorial Cup is one of the most coveted trophies in hockey. The last time an American city hosted this event was in 1998, and the 2024 tournament will only be the fifth time in the event’s history to be hosted in the U.S.