Saint John Sea Dogs beat Hamilton Bulldogs 6-3 to win Memorial Cup

The Saint John Sea Dogs beat the Hamilton Bulldogs 6-3 to become Memorial Cup champions last night.

Despite Wednesday’s loss, the Bulldogs earned their OHL championship and are proud of the run at the Memorial Cup.

“It took two months of war to get to it,” said Nathan Staios, the CHL’s defenceman of the year.

“We beat every championship team here. We beat the WHL, we beat the QMJHL, so (it) stings but you know, we’re proud of ourselves. We’re going to keep our heads high.”

It was the Bulldogs’ second Memorial Cup appearance after advancing to the 2018 semifinals where they fell to the Regina Pats.

Hamilton won the Ontario Hockey League championship to move onto the Memorial Cup.

The Sea Dogs also won the Memorial Cup in 2011 and their win on Wednesday marks the sixth time a QMJHL team has won the Memorial Cup in the last 10 tournaments.

The 2020 and 2021 Memorial Cup events were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bulldogs will return to Hamilton Thursday with a special welcome home.

The City of Hamilton, Mayor Fred Eisenberger, the Downtown BIA and community members are set to hold a ceremony at 1:45 p.m. at Gore Park.

The event will recognize the Bulldogs’ outstanding 2021-22 OHL season.

Attendees will meet the players, coaches and the Bulldogs’ mascot, Bruiser, and have an opportunity to show their congratulations.

There will also be live music, food trucks, games and local vendors who will be located throughout the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.