'Wouldn’t miss this': Fans from all over North America attend Memorial Cup
Fans from across North America have come to Saginaw, Mich. to see the quest for junior hockey supremacy.
During the fan fest event, CTV News London spoke with those from northern Quebec, Saskatchewan, Michigan, Ohio, British Columbia and Manitoba.
“It’s a big party, look at all the festivities here, there is so many things to do, and the hockey is fantastic,” said Michel Hudon, from Prince Albert, Sask.
Desiree Comeau from Sherbrooke, Que. is a fan of the Drummondville Voltigeurs, and was with her family cheering on the Quebec League champions.
“We wouldn’t miss this,” said Comeau. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had this opportunity. We went to 61 of 68 games [this] year so we weren’t going to miss this.”
There is no shortage of fun things to do right next to the Dow Event Centre in Saginaw, including live music, games for the kids, face painting, a food truck alley, corn hole boards and of course, beer for the adults.
Live music entertains hundreds of hockey fans at the Memorial Cup Fan Fest in Saginaw, Mich. in May 2024. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)With London, Ont. just three hours southeast of the tournament, a massive Knights fan base attended Saturday’s game.
“We’ve been going to every game all year as season ticket holders, and with this being a Saturday afternoon game it was easy to come up for the day,” said Jamie Manz, who was there with his family. “London is going to dominate and take the whole thing.”
Back in London, fans that could not attend the games in person were downtown at Dundas Place to watch on the big screen.
Knights fans attended a viewing party on Dundas Place in London, Ont. on May 25, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
Despite some rain keeping many away, approximately 100 fans showed up to the first viewing party.
“Our plan is to have every night's game broadcast here from Dundas Place,” said London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis. “This is why we built Dundas Place, so we would have a community space to bring the community together to celebrate and have events together. We are planning to have a Knights court for every game of the Memorial Cup.”
Fans were seeking shelter as a downpour hit right before puck drop, but they eventually got in place to watch the game.
Addison Skeggs, 11, of London, Ont. tests the speed of her shot at Memorial Cup Fan Fest in Saginaw, Mich. on May 25, 2024. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
“It's great to see the fans come out to support the Knights. We can’t be in Saginaw, but we can be here cheering,” said Knights fan Alex Jamina.
Back over the border, London fans there for the entire event are hoping they will be seeing their team hoist the trophy for the third time.
“We bought tickets at the beginning of the season knowing they were going to win it,” said Knights fan Marsha Haggarty.
“Memorial Cup here we go,” added her husband Larry.
Diane Durioux and Emile Deschamps came from northern Quebec to watch the Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Mich. in May 2024. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972087.1721581281!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Trudeau and family head to British Columbia for vacation in unnamed location
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will head to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1.
Workplace habit of 'coffee badging' prompts reported new policy at Amazon
The term 'coffee badging' has gained some new significance this week with multiple outlets reporting Amazon is allegedly taking measures to counter the workplace trend it refers to.
'Shoot for the stars': Indigenous contestants in Miss Universe Canada on the importance of representation
More than 60 women, including some Indigenous participants, will compete for the top spot at Miss Universe Canada.
Canadian musicians struggle to get visas to perform in the U.S., some cancel shows
Backlogs and processing delays of temporary U.S. visas required by entertainers, athletes and artists has forced some Canadian bands to cancel U.S. tour dates because paperwork wasn't processed in time.
The Secret Service acknowledges denying some past requests by Trump's campaign for tighter security
The U.S. Secret Service has acknowledged it denied some requests by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's campaign for increased security at his events in the years before the assassination attempt on him at a recent rally.
Israel's latest airstrikes in Gaza kill at least 15 including children
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 people including women and children overnight in Gaza, according to hospital officials and a body count by an Associated Press journalist on Sunday.