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Ed Chynoweth Cup

Western Hockey League trophy

Western Hockey League trophy

FieldValue
nameEd Chynoweth Cup
imageEd Chynoweth Cup.JPG
sportIce hockey
competitionWestern Hockey League
givenforPlayoff championship
first1966
firstwinnerMoose Jaw Canucks
mostwinsKamloops Blazers & Medicine Hat Tigers (6)
mostrecentMedicine Hat Tigers (6)

The Ed Chynoweth Cup is an ice hockey club championship trophy awarded to the playoff champion of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Originally called the President's Cup when the league was founded in 1966, the trophy was renamed in 2007 to honour Ed Chynoweth's long service to junior ice hockey in Canada. The WHL champion earns a berth into the Memorial Cup tournament, Canada's major junior hockey championship. The Kamloops Blazers and Medicine Hat Tigers have won the most WHL championships, with six each. The Spokane Chiefs were the first team to win the renamed trophy in the 2007–08 WHL season. The current (2024–25) holders of the Ed Chynoweth Cup are the Medicine Hat Tigers.

History

The Western Hockey League was founded in 1966 by seven teams from Saskatchewan and Alberta who were hoping to improve the quality of junior hockey in western Canada. Despite gaining approval from the governing bodies of both provinces, the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) objected to the formation of the interprovincial league, refusing to sanction the circuit and suspending all players and officials who participated in the league from participation in any CAHA league or event. Declared an "outlaw league" by the CAHA, the WHL's founders chose to play on, though the league was ruled ineligible to participate in the Memorial Cup, Canada's national junior championship.

The first President's Cup champion was the Moose Jaw Canucks in 1967. In 1971, CAHA reorganized the top level of junior hockey into two tiers, sanctioning the WHL as the top league in western Canada and one of three leagues that formed the Major Junior tier, along with the Ontario Hockey Association—now the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)—and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League—now the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Together, these three leagues form the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The 1971 WHL champion Edmonton Oil Kings faced the Quebec Remparts in the 1972 Memorial Cup final, which nearly failed to materialize as the OHA and QMJHL initially refused to face the western champion. The Oil Kings were ultimately defeated by Quebec in an abbreviated best-of-three series, as opposed to the normal best-of-seven. Three years later, in 1974, the Regina Pats became the first WHL champion to win the national title.

The New Westminster Bruins emerged as the first dynasty in WHL history, winning four consecutive championships between 1975 and 1978, along with two Memorial Cups in 1977 and 1978. In 1976, the Portland Winter Hawks became the first American-based team in the WHL, and six years later, the 1981–82 Winter Hawks recorded more firsts, becoming the first American team to win the President's Cup and the first American team to compete for the Memorial Cup. One year later, the Winter Hawks won the 1983 Memorial Cup to become the first American champions, and the first to win the Memorial Cup without winning its own league title; Portland participated by virtue of hosting the tournament despite losing the WHL final to the Lethbridge Broncos.

On December 30, 1986, four members of the Swift Current Broncos—Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, Brent Ruff, and Chris Mantyka—were killed when the team bus crashed outside Swift Current. The community rallied around the team, and less than three years later, the Broncos emerged as the top team in the CHL. Featuring Scott Kruger's younger brothers Darren and Trevor, the 1988–89 Broncos became the first team in WHL history to sweep their way through the playoffs, winning the President's Cup without losing a single game in the post-season. The Broncos faced the host Saskatoon Blades in the 1989 Memorial Cup final, defeating their provincial rivals in the first all-WHL national championship. The Kamloops Blazers dominated the WHL in the early 1990s, capturing four league championships between 1990 and 1995 and three Memorial Cups to cap a period where WHL teams won seven Memorial Cup championships in a nine-year period between 1987 and 1995.

In 2007, the league renamed the championship trophy the Ed Chynoweth Cup in honour of Ed Chynoweth's long tenure with the league. Chynoweth had served as president of both the WHL and CHL, from 1972 and 1975 respectively, until leaving both posts in 1995 to form the Edmonton Ice. He remained with the franchise through its transfer to Kootenay and until his death in 2008. Chynoweth was described by OHL commissioner David Branch as being "the architect of the Canadian Hockey League as we know it today". Chynoweth was posthumously elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.

List of winners

  • Number in parentheses denotes total championships won to that point

By season

SeasonWinning teamtitle=2008–09 WHL Guidepublisher=Western Hockey Leagueeditor1=Flett, Coreyeditor2=Watts, Jessieyear=2008pages=146–186}}tiesaa}}Memorial Cup result
1966–67Moose Jaw Canucks (1)Regina Pats4–1Ineligible
1967–68Estevan Bruins (1)Flin Flon Bombers4–0–1Estevan lost final
1968–69Flin Flon Bombers (1)Edmonton Oil Kings4–2Ineligible
1969–70Flin Flon Bombers (2)Edmonton Oil Kings4–0Ineligible
1970–71Edmonton Oil Kings (1)Flin Flon Bombers4–1–1Edmonton lost final
1971–72Edmonton Oil Kings (2)Regina Pats4–1Edmonton finished third
1972–73Medicine Hat Tigers (1)Saskatoon Blades3–0–2Medicine Hat finished third
1973–74Regina Pats (1)Calgary Centennials4–0Regina won Memorial Cup
1974–75New Westminster Bruins (1)Saskatoon Blades4–3New Westminster lost final
1975–76New Westminster Bruins (2)Saskatoon Blades4–2–1New Westminster lost final
1976–77New Westminster Bruins (3)Brandon Wheat Kings4–1New Westminster won Memorial Cup
1977–78New Westminster Bruins (4)Billings Bighorns4–0New Westminster won Memorial Cup
1978–79Brandon Wheat Kings (1)Portland Winter Hawks4–2Brandon lost final
1979–80Regina Pats (2)Victoria Cougars4–1Regina finished third
1980–81Victoria Cougars (1)Calgary Wranglers4–3Victoria finished third
1981–82Portland Winter Hawks (1)Regina Pats4–1Portland finished third
1982–83Lethbridge Broncos (1)Portland Winter Hawks4–1Portland won Memorial Cup
Lethbridge finished fourth
1983–84Kamloops Junior Oilers (1)Regina Pats4–3Kamloops finished third
1984–85Prince Albert Raiders (1)Kamloops Blazers4–0Prince Albert won Memorial Cup
1985–86Kamloops Blazers (2)Medicine Hat Tigers4–1Kamloops finished third
Portland finished fourth
1986–87Medicine Hat Tigers (2)Portland Winter Hawks4–3Medicine Hat won Memorial Cup
1987–88Medicine Hat Tigers (3)Kamloops Blazers4–2Medicine Hat won Memorial Cup
1988–89Swift Current Broncos (1)Portland Winterhawks4–0Swift Current won Memorial Cup
Saskatoon lost final
1989–90Kamloops Blazers (3)Lethbridge Hurricanes4–1Kamloops finished fourth
1990–91Spokane Chiefs (1)Lethbridge Hurricanes4–0Spokane Won Memorial Cup
1991–92Kamloops Blazers (4)Saskatoon Blades4–3Kamloops won Memorial Cup
Seattle finished third
1992–93Swift Current Broncos (2)Portland Winter Hawks4–3Swift Current finished fourth
1993–94Kamloops Blazers (5)Saskatoon Blades4–3Kamloops Won Memorial Cup
1994–95Kamloops Blazers (6)Brandon Wheat Kings4–2Kamloops won Memorial Cup
Brandon finished third
1995–96Brandon Wheat Kings (2)Spokane Chiefs4–1Brandon finished third
1996–97Lethbridge Hurricanes (1)Seattle Thunderbirds4–0Lethbridge lost final
1997–98Portland Winter Hawks (2)Brandon Wheat Kings4–0Portland won Memorial Cup
Spokane finished third
1998–99Calgary Hitmen (1)Kamloops Blazers4–1Calgary lost final
1999–2000Kootenay Ice (1)Spokane Chiefs4–2Kootenay finished fourth
2000–01Red Deer Rebels (1)Portland Winter Hawks4–1Red Deer won Memorial Cup
Regina finished third
2001–02Kootenay Ice (2)Red Deer Rebels4–2Kootenay won Memorial Cup
2002–03Kelowna Rockets (1)Red Deer Rebels4–2Kelowna finished third
2003–04Medicine Hat Tigers (4)Everett Silvertips4–0Kelowna won Memorial Cup
Medicine Hat finished third
2004–05Kelowna Rockets (2)Brandon Wheat Kings4–1Kelowna finished fourth
2005–06Vancouver Giants (1)Moose Jaw Warriors4–0Vancouver finished third
2006–07Medicine Hat Tigers (5)Vancouver Giants4–3Vancouver won Memorial Cup
Medicine Hat lost final
2007–08Spokane Chiefs (2)Lethbridge Hurricanes4–0Spokane won Memorial Cup
2008–09Kelowna Rockets (3)Calgary Hitmen4–2Kelowna lost final
2009–10Calgary Hitmen (2)Tri-City Americans4–1Brandon lost final
Calgary finished third
2010–11Kootenay Ice (3)Portland Winterhawks4–1Kootenay finished third
2011–12Edmonton Oil Kings (1)Portland Winterhawks4–3Edmonton finished fourth
2012–13Portland Winterhawks (3)Edmonton Oil Kings4–2Portland lost final
Saskatoon finished fourth
2013–14Edmonton Oil Kings (2)Portland Winterhawks4–3Edmonton won Memorial Cup
2014–15Kelowna Rockets (4)Brandon Wheat Kings4–0Kelowna lost final
2015–16Brandon Wheat Kings (3)Seattle Thunderbirds4–1Brandon finished fourth
Red Deer lost semifinal
2016–17Seattle Thunderbirds (1)Regina Pats4–2Seattle finished fourth
2017–18Swift Current Broncos (3)Everett Silvertips4–2Swift Current finished fourth
Regina lost final
2018–19Prince Albert Raiders (2)Vancouver Giants4–3Prince Albert finished fourth
2019–20WHL playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Ed Chynoweth Cup not awarded
2020–21WHL playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Ed Chynoweth Cup not awarded
2021–22Edmonton Oil Kings (3)Seattle Thunderbirds4–2Edmonton finished fourth
2022–23Seattle Thunderbirds (2)Winnipeg Ice4–1Seattle lost final
2023–24Moose Jaw Warriors (1)Portland Winterhawks4–0Moose Jaw lost semifinal
2024–25Medicine Hat Tigers (6)Spokane Chiefs4–1Medicine Hat lost final

By team

TeamWonLostYears wonYears LostFinals Appearances
Kamloops Blazers631983–84, 1985–86, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1994–951984–85, 1987–88, 1998–999
Medicine Hat Tigers611972–73, 1986–87, 1987–88, 2003–04, 2006–07, 2024–251985–867
Edmonton Oil Kings531970–71, 1971–72, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2021–221968–69, 1969–70, 2012–138
New Westminster Bruins401974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78—4
Kelowna Rockets402002–03, 2004–05, 2008–09, 2014–15—4
Portland Winterhawks3101981–82, 1997–98, 2012–131978–79, 1982–83, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1992–93, 2000–01, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2023–2413
Brandon Wheat Kings351978–79, 1995–96, 2015–161976–77, 1994–95, 1997–98, 2004–05, 2014–158
Swift Current Broncos301988–89, 1992–93, 2017–18—3
Kootenay Ice301999–2000, 2001–02, 2010–11—3
Regina Pats251973–74, 1979–801966–67, 1971–72, 1981–82, 1983–84, 2016–177
Seattle Thunderbirds232016–17, 2022–231996–97, 2015–16, 2021–225
Flin Flon Bombers221968–69, 1969–701967–68, 1970–714
Spokane Chiefs231990–91, 2007–081995–96, 1999–2000, 2024–255
Calgary Hitmen211998–99, 2009–102008–093
Prince Albert Raiders201984–85, 2018–19—2
Lethbridge Hurricanes131996–971989–90, 1990–91, 2007–084
Red Deer Rebels122000–012001–02, 2002–033
Vancouver Giants122005–062006–07, 2018–193
Victoria Cougars111980–811979–802
Moose Jaw Warriors112023–242005–062
Moose Jaw Canucks101966–67—1
Estevan Bruins101967–68—1
Lethbridge Broncos101982–83—1
Saskatoon Blades05—1972–73, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1991–92, 1993–945
Everett Silvertips02—2003–04, 2017–182
Calgary Centennials01—1973–741
Billings Bighorns01—1977–781
Calgary Wranglers01—1980–811
Tri-City Americans01—2009–101
Winnipeg Ice01—2022–231

Notes

  • In some playoff years, ties were possible, and are noted in win–loss–tie format
  • The league did not receive official sanctioning by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association until 1971, and thus was not eligible to compete for the Memorial Cup between 1967 and 1970. In spite of this, the 1968 Estevan Bruins did compete in the Memorial Cup final, the only team in the WHL's first four years permitted to do so.
  • Portland qualified for the 1983 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Portland qualified for the 1986 Memorial Cup as the host team after New Westminster withdrew as the host.
  • Saskatoon qualified for the 1989 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Seattle qualified for the 1992 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Kamloops both hosted the 1995 Memorial Cup and qualified as the league winner. As the losing finalist, Brandon played as the WHL's second representative.
  • Spokane qualified for the 1998 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Regina qualified for the 2001 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Kelowna qualified for the 2004 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Vancouver qualified for the 2007 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Brandon qualified for the 2010 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Saskatoon qualified for the 2013 Memorial Cup as the host team.
  • Kamloops' first title was won as the Junior Oilers, before being renamed the Blazers.
  • The original Oil Kings moved to Portland in 1976; the team was revived via expansion in 2007.

References

;General

;Specific

References

  1. (October 5, 1966). "CMJHL may play without official sanction of CAHA". Calgary Herald.
  2. (October 4, 1966). "Buffaloes continue program". Calgary Herald.
  3. "Ed Chynoweth Cup". Western Hockey League.
  4. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.158
  5. (2008). "2008–09 WHL Guide". Western Hockey League.
  6. "Memorial Cup Winners". Slam! Sports.
  7. Matheson, Jim. (1976-05-26). "Oil Kings get CAHA nod for move to Portland". Edmonton Journal.
  8. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.204
  9. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.208
  10. (December 31, 1986). "Tragedy hits hockey club". Calgary Sun.
  11. ''The Memorial Cup'', pp. 236–237
  12. (April 22, 2008). "Former WHL President Chynoweth passes away". TSN.
  13. (June 17, 2008). "Hockey Hall of Fame Announces 2008 Inductees". Hockey Hall of Fame.
  14. (2008). "2008–09 WHL Guide". Western Hockey League.
  15. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.145
  16. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.159
  17. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.163
  18. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.166
  19. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.174
  20. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.178
  21. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.191
  22. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.197
  23. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.202
  24. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.206
  25. ''The Memorial Cup'', pp.210–211
  26. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.216
  27. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.225
  28. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.238
  29. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.242
  30. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.257
  31. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.271
  32. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.277
  33. Sportak, Randy. (1999-05-24). "'I'm in shock'". Calgary Sun.
  34. Cook, Jon. (2000-05-24). "Colts win Memorial Cup marathon". Slam! Sports.
  35. "The 2003 Memorial Cup". Canadian Hockey League.
  36. "The 2004 Memorial Cup". Canadian Hockey League.
  37. "The 2005 Memorial Cup". Canadian Hockey League.
  38. "The 2006 Memorial Cup". Canadian Hockey League.
  39. (2007-05-29). "Giants crowned 2007 Memorial Cup Champions". Slam! Sports.
  40. Johnston, Patrick. (March 23, 2020). "COVID-19 forces cancellation of CHL playoffs and 2020 Memorial Cup". [[The Province]].
  41. "WHL cancels 2021 playoffs, citing COVID-19 challenges".
  42. Palmer, Randy. (May 31, 2024). "Warriors see magical season come an end with loss in Memorial Cup semifinal". Moose Jaw Today.
  43. (2 June 2025). "London Knights win 2025 Memorial Cup".
  44. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.141
  45. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.223
  46. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.251
  47. ''The Memorial Cup'', p.264
  48. Weaver, Dan. (December 3, 1996). "A Memorial Day Spokane Awarded The Final Four Of Major Junior Hockey For 1998". The Spokesman-Review.
  49. (December 6, 1999). "Regina to host 2001 Memorial Cup". CBC News.
  50. (May 15, 2007). "Competing Teams Announced for MasterCard Memorial Cup". WHL.
  51. (October 12, 2011). "Saskatoon Blades to host 2013 Memorial Cup". Sportsnet.ca.
  52. (1993). "Local Heroes: A History of the Western Hockey League". Harbour Publishing.
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