Remembering May 31, 2015: Oshawa Generals win fifth Memorial Cup

Seven years ago today the Oshawa Generals defeated the Kelowna Rockets to win their CHL-leading fifth Memorial Cup championship.

The Generals had a quality team in the 2014-15 season but few outside Oshawa expected them to go on a lengthy run in the OHL playoffs, especially with future mega-star Connor McJesus, sorry, McDavid, waiting in the west.

But that’s exactly what they did, culminating in a five-game upset series win over McDavid and his Erie Otters in the league final, giving the Generals their record 13th J. Ross Roberston Cup.

Underdogs once again in the Memorial Cup with McDavid’s current teammate Leon Draisaitl and his Kelowna Rockets established as the heavy favourite, Oshawa quickly took care of business in Quebec City. Oshawa dispatched Rimouski 4-3, got by the host Remparts 5-4 in overtime and beat Kelowna 2-1 to earn a bye straight into the final.

And it was in that game where future captain Anthony Cirelli – then a fresh-faced rookie – earned his ‘Captain Clutch’ nickname when he scored the winner in overtime to give the Generals a 2-1 victory and bring the Memorial Cup back home to Oshawa.

Photo courtesy of Oshawa Generals