Memorial Cup finally here
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/05/2010 (5806 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
CFB SHILO — With a 15-gun salute, the historic Memorial Cup was officially re-dedicated in honour of every Canadian soldier who has paid the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.
Yesterday’s ceremony also marked the cup’s first official stop in Westman before it arrived in the Wheat City to kick off the 10-day tournament.
The cup was originally donated to the Canadian Hockey League by the Ontario Hockey Association in 1919 in remembrance of the Canadian men and women who died in service in the First World War.
More than 200 military and civilians gathered at Leslie Parade Square to witness the official ceremony, which began with a vice-regal salute and Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Philip S. Lee’s inspection of a 100-person guard of honour comprised of members of the Royal Canadian Artillery 26th Field Regiment.
Following the inspection, three veterans escorted the coveted shining silver cup onto the parade square so Western Hockey League commissioner Ron Robison and CHL vice-president Gilles Courteau could complete the official rededication.
"I hope that this rededication helps to remind fans of Canada’s game that we have the freedom, prosperity and security to enjoy our pastimes because of the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces," the lieutenant-governor said.
To mark the close association the Canadian Forces and the Memorial Cup have held since 1919, the Snowbirds completed two passes over Leslie Parade Square, one of which was in missing man formation to honour all of Canada’s fallen soldiers.
As the memory of the First World War fades deeper into history, Courteau says such ceremonies are important to not only educate youth, but to remind Canadians to pay their respects to those Canadians who serve in the Canadian Forces today.
"It was important to us to recognize the soldiers from every generation for the great efforts they’ve done for our country," Courteau told the Sun. "It is another way to remind our youth what happened and to show the young boys and future hockey players what it means in our country to play for the Memorial Cup and what it means to our veterans."
Former Brandon Wheat King and Memorial Cup champion Trevor Kidd said he was humbled to learn about the cup’s important history and admitted that as a player, he had no idea of its significance.
"… It was really nice to be part of this today and to see what (the Memorial Cup) means," said Kidd, who won the Cup as a member of the Spokane Chiefs. "When you’re young, maybe you don’t appreciate things like you should, and then you relate back and you reflect back and for myself, I think winning it now means more to me. Even just being part of this presentation and seeing what it means for Canada and our military … it’s a huge privilege."
