The 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup stage is set.
The Halifax Mooseheads, London Knights and Portland Winterhawks join the host Saskatoon Blades for the right to be crowned junior hockey’s best.
Our Canadian Hockey League correspondents, Sam Cosentino and Patrick King, break down each team’s sleepers and keys to victory.
Sam’s tournament sleepers
Portland – Taylor Leier: With all the attention going to Portland’s top four defenceman, Brendan Leipsic and draft eligible Nic Petan, Leier will have the opportunity to shine. He’s great on the penalty kill and in the WHL championship series made life miserable for Oil Kings goalie Laurent Brossoit as his personal screen.
Halifax – Stephen MacAulay: How can a guy who’s played in each of the last four President’s Cup finals be a sleeper? Easy, he plays with two of the top three draft eligible players in Jonathan Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon. MacAulay is as dependable as they come. He’s played in two MasterCard Memorial Cups so he won’t be rattled by the big stage. He’s versatile as a winger or centre, and he’s capable of being a difference maker on special teams.
London – Brett Welychka: A role player with good upside, Welychka will likely be low on the list of players for the opposition to keep an eye on. That’s what happened in the OHL championship and Welychka scored five of his six points, including four goals, in that series. Of his four goals, three of them came in London wins.
Saskatoon – Lukas Sutter: He’s tough and at his best when playing physical. Sutter’s year was admittedly substandard. However, if he’s in good shape, bearing down on the draws and a menace to play against, he will be tough for any team to handle, and that should create space for Josh Nicholls, Matej Stransky and Shane McColgan.
Patrick’s tournament sleepers
Portland – Mac Carruth: Over the years, many perceived the Winterhawks as a team winning in spite of their goaltending, not because of it. Call it the Chris Osgood syndrome. Carruth has quietly become one of junior hockey’s premier goaltenders. Not only are his numbers spectacular — five shutouts, a 1.63 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage in the playoffs — but he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Carruth isn’t afraid to mix it up with the opposing team and harnesses the emotional outbursts into positive energy. He’ll make the big save then remind you of it as you skate away. There may not be a player in junior less concerned with his public perception, and that’s a powerful sentiment for him.
Halifax – Andrew Ryan: Two years ago, Ryan’s name emerged as a potential high pick for the 2012 NHL Draft. He didn’t make the progress in his second season that many were hoping for and was eventually passed over in the draft. Ryan plays a depth role, and seems comfortable in the situation. He scored two of his five playoff goals in the league final and could be carrying that confidence to the tournament. On a team loaded with superstars, Ryan could be the sleeper that comes to life.
London – Josh Anderson: Anderson has come a long way from being an undrafted, walk-on free agent with the Knights a year ago. Although snakebit in the playoffs with just a goal and two assists, the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect is a key cog in the Knights’ wheel. He plays a solid, two-way game and provides grit. Just ask Mark Scheifele. The Knights often receive timely scoring from their depth, and Anderson could be the player providing it when his team needs it most.
Saskatoon – Collin Valcourt: The Blades have a lot invested in Valcourt, who didn’t come cheap at the trade deadline. After sending a first- and fifth-round pick to Spokane, Valcourt provided the Blades with modest offence. He can make his biggest impact by playing a punishing, physical style, and opening up space for his teammates. Establishing a presence on the ice will be crucial to the Blades’ game plan coming to fruition.
Sam’s tournament keys to victory
Portland: To play with the edge of a team that would love to stick it to the WHL/CHL for sanctions levied against it earlier this season.
Halifax: Recapturing the emotion after celebrating the franchise’s first President’s Cup.
London: Taking last year’s experience and applying it in Saskatoon.
Saskatoon: Opening night. If the Blades can win Friday night, they will instantly feel as if they belong.
Patrick’s tournament keys to victory
Portland: To carry over the same business-like approach from the playoffs. There was something different about this year’s team, and their stoic demeanor belies a sense of calmness and confidence in any situation.
Halifax: The Mooseheads will need to better pick their spots when trading chances. For the first time all year, they’ll be playing teams that can light the lamp as often as they can.
London: Roll the lines. The Knights are the deepest team in the tournament, and can receive contributions throughout their roster.
Saskatoon: Remaining calm under fire and taking adversity in stride. They got away from their game plan awful fast and started playing like individuals when the going got tough in the playoffs.
