Halifax Mooseheads eye Memorial Cup
Hockey team back to work after winning QMJHL finals Friday
There’s no rest for Halifax’s hockey heroes, as the Mooseheads are back to work with their sights set on the national championships.
Last Friday, the team captured the President Cup in the QMJHL finals. They lost just one game in their playoff run that led them to their first championship title.
"I don't think there's words that can describe how great it felt," said Trey Lewis, co-captain.
Lewis' face is still covered in bruises from the tournament. He said despite his funny appearance, he's never been in so many pictures in his life.
"I think most of the guys are still on cloud nine here, it's pretty incredible."
It's a feeling shared by Cole Harbour's Nathan MacKinnon, who was thrilled to lift the President Cup in front of his hometown fans.
"It was awesome," he said. "One of the most exciting moments of my life for sure."
Back to work
While the team celebrated Friday, it was back to work on Saturday preparing for the national spotlight.
"It's obviously very exciting, we're thrilled," said Cam Russell, general manager. "But I find that the players are focused. All along their goal is to win a Memorial Cup, and as wonderful as it's been, they're looking forward to next week."
'I'm really proud of what we did for sure, but at the same time, we want more' —Nathan MacKinnon
Wednesday, the Moosheads will take off for Saskatoon, where they’ll face off against the best teams across the country in the Memorial Cup tournament.
"It's funny because you win, but we're given 48 hours to secure hotel rooms, secure tickets and find out what parents are going to make the trip," said Russell.
"Obviously there's some satisfaction," said MacKinnon. "I'm really proud of what we did for sure, but at the same time, we want more."
Their first match is Saturday, when they’re scheduled to take on the Portland Winterhawks. The next day they’ll take on the home team, the Saskatoon Blades.
It’s a big year for several of the Mooseheads players. Not only did they win the President Cup, but three members of the team have topped the NHL draft list. Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin and Zach Fucale are all expected to be drafted and sign big contracts with NHL teams next month.