1983 Memorial Cup
Encyclopedia
The 1983 Memorial Cup was held between May 7 and May 14 at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon
. Participating teams were the host team Portland Winter Hawks
along with the Oshawa Generals
, Verdun Juniors
and Lethbridge Broncos
who had won the Ontario Hockey League
(OHL), Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
(QMJHL) and Western Hockey League
(WHL) championships respectively. Portland won their first Memorial Cup
, defeating Oshawa in the final game.
1983 was the first time the Memorial Cup tournament featured four teams; it had previously involved three teams playing in a neutral host city since the round robin tournament format was adopted in 1972. The Winter Hawks were the first team to host the tournament, and the first to both participate and win the title despite failing to capture their league championship; they were eliminated by Lethbrdige in the WHL finals. The Winter Hawks were also the first American team to win the Memorial Cup.
chose to make the tournament a four team affair with a host team guaranteed to participate. The Portland Winter Hawks, who won the WHL championship in 1981–82, were chosen before the season to host the 1983 tournament. It was the first time Memorial Cup games were held outside of Canada, though Winter Hawks General Manager Brian Shaw had proposed the tournament return to its original east vs. west format.
Portland nearly won the WHL's President's Cup again in 1983, but lost in the finals to the Lethbridge Broncos who earned a trip to the tournament as the WHL champions. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup
as OHL champions by defeating the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
while the Verdun Juniors defeated the Trois-Rivières Draveurs
to win the QMJHL's President's Cup
.
The tournament was held as a single round-robin format, with the top team earning a place in the final, and the second and third place teams playing a semi-final. Oshawa opened the tournament with an 8–2 victory over Lethbridge on the strength of three goals in six minutes in the third period. In the second game, Portland held a 7–2 lead over Verdun after two periods, but surrendered four goals in the third, managing to hold on for a 7–6 victory. Verdun then defeated Lethbridge 4–3, eliminating the Broncos from the playoff round. Portland routed Oshawa 10–5 before losing to the Broncos in a game that had no impact on either team's future in the tournament. Oshawa defeated Verdun 5–1 in the final game of the round robin.
While all three teams had 2–1 records, the Generals and Juniors met again in the semi finals, while the Winter Hawks advanced to the final on the basis of most goals scored. Verdun ermerged from the first period with a 4–1 lead but were unable to hold off the Oshawa attack, falling 7–5 in the semi-final. The final was never in doubt, as the hometown Winter Hawks defeated Oshawa 8–3 on the strength of three goals by Cam Neely
. In doing so, they became the first American team to win Canada's national junior championship.
The tournament was success at the gate. The championship game drew 9,527 fans for a tournament total of 54,090; second only to the 1977 Memorial Cup
held in Vancouver
.
Semi-final
Final
, he joined the Winter Hawks for the Memorial Cup tournament via a rule that allowed each team to add an extra goaltender from their league. Vernon turned down Lethbridge before agreeing to play with Portland, a decision that infuriated the Broncos who had lost their starting goaltender, Ken Wregget
, to injury.
Several players from the Winter Hawks went on to play in the National Hockey League
(NHL). Cam Neely
played 13 seasons and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame
in 2005. Vernon won the Stanley Cup
with both the Calgary Flames
and Detroit Red Wings
during his career. As did Oshawa's John MacLean with the New Jersey Devils
. The Sutter twins
, Rich
and Ron
played for the Broncos, as did Mark Tinordi
and Gerald Diduck
. Also from Lethbridge, both Wregget and Troy Loney
won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins
.
, Brad Duggan, Ray Ferraro
, Terry Jones
, Randy Heath
, Greg Holomay, Kelly Hubbard, John Kordic
, Derek Laxdal
, Tim Lorenz, Cam Neely
, Richard Kromm
, Jim Playfair
, Ray Podloski
, Grant Sasser
, Alfie Turcotte
, Mike Vernon, Bryan Walker, Gord Walker, Ken Yaremchuk
. Coach: Ken Hodge
All-star team
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
. Participating teams were the host team Portland Winter Hawks
Portland Winter Hawks
The Portland Winterhawks are a major junior ice hockey team based in Portland, Oregon, playing in the Western Hockey League, a member league in the Canadian Hockey League. They play their home games at the Memorial Coliseum, though typically a few games each season are also played in the...
along with the Oshawa Generals
Oshawa Generals
The Oshawa Generals are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They are based in Oshawa, Ontario. The team is named for General Motors, an early sponsor which has its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa. The Generals are one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Hockey League...
, Verdun Juniors
Verdun Juniors
The Verdun Juniors were a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1982 to 1984. They played at the Verdun Auditorium.-History:The Verdun Juniors were assembled by general manager Eric Taylor, and coached by Pierre Creamer...
and Lethbridge Broncos
Lethbridge Broncos
The Lethbridge Broncos were a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League from 1974 until 1986. They played at the Lethbridge Sportsplex.-Season-by-season record:...
who had won the Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
(OHL), Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League...
(QMJHL) and Western Hockey League
Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada...
(WHL) championships respectively. Portland won their first Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
, defeating Oshawa in the final game.
1983 was the first time the Memorial Cup tournament featured four teams; it had previously involved three teams playing in a neutral host city since the round robin tournament format was adopted in 1972. The Winter Hawks were the first team to host the tournament, and the first to both participate and win the title despite failing to capture their league championship; they were eliminated by Lethbrdige in the WHL finals. The Winter Hawks were also the first American team to win the Memorial Cup.
Tournament
Since the adoption of the round robin tournament format in 1972, the Memorial Cup tournament had been held in a pre-selected, and often neutral, host city. Beginning in 1983, the Canadian Amateur Hockey AssociationCanadian Amateur Hockey Association
The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association was the national governing body of amateur ice hockey play in Canada from 1914 until 1994 when it merged with the Canadian Hockey Association or Hockey Canada....
chose to make the tournament a four team affair with a host team guaranteed to participate. The Portland Winter Hawks, who won the WHL championship in 1981–82, were chosen before the season to host the 1983 tournament. It was the first time Memorial Cup games were held outside of Canada, though Winter Hawks General Manager Brian Shaw had proposed the tournament return to its original east vs. west format.
Portland nearly won the WHL's President's Cup again in 1983, but lost in the finals to the Lethbridge Broncos who earned a trip to the tournament as the WHL champions. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
as OHL champions by defeating the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the Essar Centre. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey...
while the Verdun Juniors defeated the Trois-Rivières Draveurs
Trois-Rivières Draveurs
The Trois-Rivières Draveurs were a junior ice hockey team playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. They played at the Colisée de Trois-Rivières, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The team was originally known as the Trois-Rivières Ducs and were a founding member of the QMJHL in 1969...
to win the QMJHL's President's Cup
President's Cup (QMJHL)
The President's Cup is awarded annually by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to the league's playoffs champion.--Winners—Teams that went on to win the Memorial Cup are listed in bold font.-External links:* List of trophy winners....
.
The tournament was held as a single round-robin format, with the top team earning a place in the final, and the second and third place teams playing a semi-final. Oshawa opened the tournament with an 8–2 victory over Lethbridge on the strength of three goals in six minutes in the third period. In the second game, Portland held a 7–2 lead over Verdun after two periods, but surrendered four goals in the third, managing to hold on for a 7–6 victory. Verdun then defeated Lethbridge 4–3, eliminating the Broncos from the playoff round. Portland routed Oshawa 10–5 before losing to the Broncos in a game that had no impact on either team's future in the tournament. Oshawa defeated Verdun 5–1 in the final game of the round robin.
While all three teams had 2–1 records, the Generals and Juniors met again in the semi finals, while the Winter Hawks advanced to the final on the basis of most goals scored. Verdun ermerged from the first period with a 4–1 lead but were unable to hold off the Oshawa attack, falling 7–5 in the semi-final. The final was never in doubt, as the hometown Winter Hawks defeated Oshawa 8–3 on the strength of three goals by Cam Neely
Cam Neely
Cameron Michael Neely is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League from 1983 to 1996. He currently serves as the president of the Boston Bruins.-Playing career:Cam Neely was born in Comox,...
. In doing so, they became the first American team to win Canada's national junior championship.
The tournament was success at the gate. The championship game drew 9,527 fans for a tournament total of 54,090; second only to the 1977 Memorial Cup
1977 Memorial Cup
The 1977 Memorial Cup occurred May 8-May 14 at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia. Participating teams were the winners of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League which were the Ottawa 67's, Sherbrooke Castors and New...
held in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
.
Round-robin standings
| GP | W | L | GF | GA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Winter Hawks Portland Winter Hawks The Portland Winterhawks are a major junior ice hockey team based in Portland, Oregon, playing in the Western Hockey League, a member league in the Canadian Hockey League. They play their home games at the Memorial Coliseum, though typically a few games each season are also played in the... (WHL Host) |
3 | 2 | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Oshawa Generals Oshawa Generals The Oshawa Generals are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They are based in Oshawa, Ontario. The team is named for General Motors, an early sponsor which has its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa. The Generals are one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Hockey League... (OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... ) |
3 | 2 | 1 | 18 | 13 |
| Verdun Juniors Verdun Juniors The Verdun Juniors were a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1982 to 1984. They played at the Verdun Auditorium.-History:The Verdun Juniors were assembled by general manager Eric Taylor, and coached by Pierre Creamer... (QMJHL Quebec Major Junior Hockey League The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League... ) |
3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 15 |
| Lethbridge Broncos Lethbridge Broncos The Lethbridge Broncos were a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League from 1974 until 1986. They played at the Lethbridge Sportsplex.-Season-by-season record:... (WHL Western Hockey League The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada... ) |
3 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 15 |
Scores
Round-robin- May 7 Oshawa 8–2 Lethbridge
- May 7 Portland 7–6 Verdun
- May 8 Verdun 4–3 Lethbridge
- May 8 Portland 10–5 Oshawa
- May 9 Lethbridge 9–3 Portland
- May 10 Oshawa 5–1 Verdun
Semi-final
- May 12 Oshawa 7–5 Verdun
Final
- May 14 Portland 8–3 Oshawa
Players
Goaltender Mike Vernon was the subject of controversy during the tournament. While he was a player for the Calgary WranglersCalgary Wranglers
The Calgary Wranglers were a junior ice hockey team that played in the Western Hockey League from 1977 until 1987. The Wranglers played their home games in Calgary, Alberta, at the Stampede Corral.-Season-by-season Record:...
, he joined the Winter Hawks for the Memorial Cup tournament via a rule that allowed each team to add an extra goaltender from their league. Vernon turned down Lethbridge before agreeing to play with Portland, a decision that infuriated the Broncos who had lost their starting goaltender, Ken Wregget
Ken Wregget
Kenneth Wregget is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He won the Stanley Cup in 1992 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.-Playing career:...
, to injury.
Several players from the Winter Hawks went on to play in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL). Cam Neely
Cam Neely
Cameron Michael Neely is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League from 1983 to 1996. He currently serves as the president of the Boston Bruins.-Playing career:Cam Neely was born in Comox,...
played 13 seasons and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
in 2005. Vernon won the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
with both the Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
and Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
during his career. As did Oshawa's John MacLean with the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. The Sutter twins
Sutter family
The Sutter family, originally from Viking, Alberta, Canada, is one of the most famous families in the National Hockey League . Six brothers: Brent, Brian, Darryl, Duane, Rich, and Ron, reached the NHL in the 1970s and 80s. Four brothers, Brian, Duane, Darryl, and Brent have gone on to become...
, Rich
Rich Sutter
Richard G. Sutter is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning. He is part of the...
and Ron
Ron Sutter
Ronald Sutter is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He is the brother of Brian, Brent, Darryl, Duane and Rich Sutter all of whom went to the NHL...
played for the Broncos, as did Mark Tinordi
Mark Tinordi
Mark D. Tinordi is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League for twelve seasons between 1987–88 and 1998–99....
and Gerald Diduck
Gerald Diduck
Gerald Diduck is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman. He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Islanders in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Diduck played 932 games in an NHL career that spanned eight different teams from 1984 to 2001...
. Also from Lethbridge, both Wregget and Troy Loney
Troy Loney
Troy Ayne Loney is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey Left Winger.-Career:Loney was a member of the 1991 and 1992 Pittsburgh Penguin Stanley Cup champions. He was the veteran forward who was claimed by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim at the Expansion Draft in June 1993, and was named the...
won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
.
Winning roster
Curt Brandolini, Bruno Campese, Brian CurranBrian Curran
Brian Phillip Curran is a Canadian ice hockey player, coach. and executive. He is the current head coach of the Lloydminster Bobcats in the Alberta Junior Hockey League....
, Brad Duggan, Ray Ferraro
Ray Ferraro
Raymond Ferraro is a retired professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers , New York Islanders , New York Rangers , Los Angeles Kings , Atlanta Thrashers and St. Louis Blues...
, Terry Jones
Terry Jones
Terence Graham Parry Jones is a Welsh comedian, screenwriter, actor, film director, children's author, popular historian, political commentator, and TV documentary host. He is best known as a member of the Monty Python comedy team....
, Randy Heath
Randy Heath
Randy T. Heath is a retired National Hockey League player, who played for the New York Rangers. He played a total of thirteen games and scored two goals and four assists for six points.-External links:...
, Greg Holomay, Kelly Hubbard, John Kordic
John Kordic
John "Rambo" Kordic was a Canadian hockey player in the National Hockey League.Kordic played for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, and Quebec Nordiques, for a total of seven seasons in the NHL. He won the Calder Cup with Sherbrooke Canadiens in 1985, and a Stanley...
, Derek Laxdal
Derek Laxdal
Derek Laxdal is a former professional ice hockey right winger. Currently, he is the head coach of the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings. He led the Idaho Steelheads to the Kelly Cup as ECHL champions in the 2006–07 season....
, Tim Lorenz, Cam Neely
Cam Neely
Cameron Michael Neely is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League from 1983 to 1996. He currently serves as the president of the Boston Bruins.-Playing career:Cam Neely was born in Comox,...
, Richard Kromm
Richard Kromm
Richard Gordon "Rich" Kromm was a Canadian American ice hockey player for the Calgary Flames and the New York Islanders....
, Jim Playfair
Jim Playfair
James Playfair is the associate coach of the Phoenix Coyotes. He is a former NHL ice hockey player and a former head coach of the Calgary Flames.-Playing career:...
, Ray Podloski
Ray Podloski
Ray Podloski was a professional ice hockey player who played eight games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Boston Bruins.- References :...
, Grant Sasser
Grant Sasser
Grant Sasser is a retired professional ice hockey player who played three games in the National Hockey League. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and was the first Oregon native to participate in an NHL game. Sasser played junior hockey for the hometown Portland Winterhawks- External links :...
, Alfie Turcotte
Alfie Turcotte
Alfie Turcotte is a former American ice hockey player.Born in Indiana, but raised in Holt, Michigan, Turcotte was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft...
, Mike Vernon, Bryan Walker, Gord Walker, Ken Yaremchuk
Ken Yaremchuk
Ken Yaremchuk is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 235 games in the National Hockey League...
. Coach: Ken Hodge
Award winners
- Stafford Smythe Memorial TrophyStafford Smythe Memorial TrophyThe Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy is a Canadian Hockey League trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the annual Memorial Cup Tournament...
(MVP): Alfie TurcotteAlfie TurcotteAlfie Turcotte is a former American ice hockey player.Born in Indiana, but raised in Holt, Michigan, Turcotte was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft...
, Portland - George Parsons TrophyGeorge Parsons TrophyThe George Parsons Trophy is awarded annually to the player judged to be the most sportsmanlike at the Memorial Cup ice hockey tournament. It was first awarded in 1973. The trophy is named for George Parsons, a former OHA and NHL player whose career was ended prematurely in 1939 by an eye...
(Sportsmanship): David GansDavid Gans----David ben Solomon ben Seligman Gans was a Jewish mathematician, historian, astronomer, astrologer, and is best known for the works Tzemach David and Nechmad ve'naim.- Early life :...
, Oshawa - Hap Emms Memorial TrophyHap Emms Memorial TrophyThe Hap Emms Memorial Trophy is awarded to the outstanding goaltender at the Memorial Cup of the Canadian Hockey League.The award is named after Leighton "Hap" Emms, who led four teams to championship victories at the Memorial Cup in the 1950s and 1960s....
(Goaltender): Mike Vernon, Portland
All-star team
- Goal: Peter SidorkiewiczPeter SidorkiewiczPeter Paul Sidorkiewicz is a former Canadian professional goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers, the Ottawa Senators and the New Jersey Devils....
, Oshawa - Defence: Joe CirellaJoe CirellaJoseph Cirella is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in 828 games in the National Hockey League...
, Oshawa; Jerome Carrier, Verdun - Centre: Ken YaremchukKen YaremchukKen Yaremchuk is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 235 games in the National Hockey League...
, Portland - Left wing: Randy HeathRandy HeathRandy T. Heath is a retired National Hockey League player, who played for the New York Rangers. He played a total of thirteen games and scored two goals and four assists for six points.-External links:...
, Portland - Right wing: John MacLeanJohn MacLean (hockey)John MacLean is a former Canadian ice hockey player, and former head coach of the New Jersey Devils. He is currently an assistant coach with the Carolina Hurricanes...
, Oshawa