Northwood University is proud to be among the sponsors of the first-ever Memorial Cup held in Michigan.
The Memorial Cup is among the most esteemed and sought-after trophies in North American sports. The 104th Memorial Cup will be held May 24 through June 2 at the Dow Events Center in Saginaw. The tournament victor will be the new champion of the Canadian Hockey League.
“Hosting the Memorial Cup — one of Canada’s major sporting events — in Saginaw is a boon for the entire Great Lakes Bay Region,” noted Murray Kyte, vice president of advancement for Northwood University. “The 2024 Memorial Cup will showcase our region’s capacity to host world-class sporting events, and it should foster a spirit of pride among our residents as we welcome teams, fans, and visitors from across North America.”
Northwood University is the Girls Hockey Skills Development Sponsor of the 2024 Memorial Cup.
“The National Hockey League estimates only 20% of players in U.S. hockey programs are female,” Kyte stated. “Encouraging more female participation in hockey fosters teamwork, leadership, and resilience, all of which are invaluable both on and off the ice.”
The Memorial Cup carries a profound legacy that has influenced the landscape of junior hockey across the continent. Originally named the OHA Memorial Cup, it was donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in March 1919 to honor the memory of the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada during World War I. In 2010, the Memorial Cup was re-dedicated to commemorate all fallen Canadian Military Personnel.
In 1983, the Memorial Cup gained international recognition when hosted outside Canada for the first time at the Portland Memorial Coliseum. This year will be the first year the Memorial Cup will be hosted in an American city within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Presented by Dow, the 2024 Memorial Cup is being hosted by the Saginaw Spirit, which is owned by Northwood University Alumnus Dick Garber, whose successful business portfolio includes the Garber Automotive Group.
“Dick Garber’s leadership and dedication to community exemplifies the values Northwood instills in our students,” Kyte stated. “His success with Garber Automotive Group and his unwavering support reflect the highest standards of excellence and service, and it’s an example of how successful companies can make a transformative impact on their local communities – and entire geographic regions!”
The 2024 Memorial Cup tournament field has been set, and the first game is scheduled for Friday, May 24. Tickets are available here.
Among some of the Memorial Cup action happening off the ice, Grammy-nominated artist Walker Hayes will perform a concert at 6 p.m. June 1 at Jolt Credit Union Event Park across from the Dow Event Center. The event will also feature Country music artists Kylie Morgan and Waylon Hanel.
For more information, visit https://chl.ca/memorialcup/.
