Definition
The 1980 Memorial Cup was the championship tournament of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) for the 1979‑80 junior ice‑hockey season, determining the national major‑junior champion of Canada.
Overview
The tournament was contested in Brandon, Manitoba, from 10 May to 14 May 1980. Three league champions participated: the Cornwall Royals (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – QMJHL), the Peterborough Petes (Ontario Major Junior Hockey League – OMJHL), and the Regina Pats (Western Hockey League – WHL). The Cornwall Royals emerged as champions, defeating the Peterborough Petes in the final game.
Etymology/Origin
The term “Memorial Cup” refers to the trophy donated in 1919 by the Ontario Hockey Association in memory of Canadian soldiers who died in World War I. The name has been retained for the annual national championship of major‑junior ice hockey in Canada. The year “1980” designates the specific edition of the tournament held in that calendar year.
Characteristics
- Format: A three‑team round‑robin series followed by a championship game between the top two teams.
- Venue: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba.
- Participating Teams:
- Cornwall Royals (QMJHL champions) – eventual tournament champions.
- Peterborough Petes (OMJHL champions) – runners‑up.
- Regina Pats (WHL champions).
- Outcome: Cornwall Royals won the Memorial Cup, securing the title with a victory over Peterborough Petes in the final.
- Notable Players: Several participants later advanced to professional careers in the National Hockey League, including players such as Dale Hawerchuk (Cornwall) and others.
Related Topics
- Memorial Cup (general tournament)
- Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
- Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
- Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL) – now the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
- Western Hockey League (WHL)
- 1979 Memorial Cup
- 1981 Memorial Cup
- Junior ice hockey in Canada