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THE ABBOTT MEMORIAL CUP

The Abbott Memorial Cup, commonly refered to as the Abbott Cup, was contested in the early days by teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskactchewan, Manitoba (including western Ontario teams playing in the Manitoba league). From 1971 to 1999, it was contested by the B.C./Alta. Champions (Doyle Cup) and Sask./Man. Champions.

The Abbott Cup winners went on to challenge for The Memorial Cup from 1919 to 1970, the Centennial Cup from 1971 to 1995 and since 1996 the Royal Bank Cup.

In a side note: The Abbott Cup, wasn't seen for two or three years and then reappeared In late April of 1970.
According to the Regina Leader-Post of April 30, 1970:

From 1990 to 1999 the Abbott Cup was contested for during the Round-Robin portion of the National Tournament, between the Pacific Region (BCvsAB) and West Region (SK vs MB) Champions.

NAMEING OF THE TROPHY

Excerpt from Abbott Cup, Wikipedia Page which, I helped start in April, 2006

The Cup was named after Captain E.L. (Hick) Abbott who was a noted hockey player in Western Canada. He captained the Regina Victorias when it won the (pre-Memorial Cup) Junior Championship of Canada in 1913 and 1914. Captain Abbott died in active service in the First World War and the trophy was presented in his memory in 1919 by the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association.

Excerpt from Edward Lyman Abbott, Wikipedia Page which, I created on May 9, 2006

Captain Edward Lyman Abbott MC (May 1, 1891 - August 14, 1918) was a Canadian multisport athlete and soldier. Abbott was considered a fine sportsman in Regina, Saskatchewan, and won national championships in ice hockey, and rugby football. He is the namesake of the Abbott Cup, and is honoured in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Abbott was a decorated officer in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and died in action during World War I in France.

RETIREMENT

Excerpt from Gregg Drinnan's Blog, Taking Note

Sid Smith wrote from Gull Lake, Sask., expressing the hope that "this trophy will not be handled in such a way that it will fall into disregard, be forgotten as is often the case with such."

Almost 80 years later, the Abbott Memorial Cup no longer could be considered a prominent trophy. Where it once went to the winner of a best-of-seven series, in its last years it was presented to the winner of one round-robin game between two western representatives during the Royal Bank Cup.

"I know absolutely nothing about the Abbott Cup," admitted one member of the Melfort Mustangs, Abbott Cup winners for 1996.

"It's just an appetizer (for the Royal Bank Cup)," added another player. It seems, alas, that Sid Smith's worst fears were recognized.

J. Lyman Potts, Joe's eldest son, realized in the mid-1990s, that the Abbott Cup no longer was being given the respect it deserved. He wrote to old friend Tom Melville, a former Regina Leader-Post sports editor, and the two of them mounted a lengthy campaign that resulted in the Abbott Cup being retired(1999) to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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The teams play a two game, total-goal Aggregate score, egate series.

• 1919 - Regina Patricias (Sask.)
• vs Winipeg Lutherans (Man.)
  Aggregate score, 8-5, (5-4 & 3-1)

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The teams play a two game, total-goal aggregate series.

• 1920 - Selkirk "Fishermen" Juniors (Man.)
• vs Calgary Monarchs (Alta.)
  Aggregate score, 11-5, (8-2,3-3)
• 1921 - Winnipeg Junior Falcons (Man.)
• vs Fort William YMCA (Ont.),
  Aggregate score, 20-7, (9-3,11-4)
• 1922 - Regina Patricias (Sask.)
• vs University of Manitoba,
  Aggregate score, 6-4, (1-4,5-0ot)
• 1923 - University of Manitoba Bisons (Man.)
• vs Calgary Canadians (Alta.),
  Aggregate score, 10-7, (5-4,5-3)
• 1924 - Calgary Canadians (Alta)
• vs Regina Pats (Sask),
  Aggregate score, 7-6, (2-4,5-2)
• 1925 - Regina Pats (Sask) ^[5]
• vs Fort William War Veterans (Ont.)
  Aggregate score, 7-4, (3-1,4-3)
• 1926 - Calgary Canadians (Alta.) ^[5]
• vs Winnipeg Tammany Tigers (Man.)
  Aggregate score, 6-5, (3-3,3-2ot)
• 1927 - Port Arthur West End Juniors (Ont.)
• vs Regina Pats (Sask),
  Aggregate score, 5-3, (1-2,4-1)
• 1928 - Regina Monarchs (Sask.)
• vs Ottawa Gunners (Ont.),
  Aggregate score, 11-4, (4-3,7-1)
• 1929 - Elmwood Millionaires (Man.)
• vs Calgary Canadian-Falcons (Alta.),
  Aggregate score, 5-4, (1-1,4-3)

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• 1930 - Regina Pats (Sask.)
• vs Elmwood Millionairs (Man),
  Aggregate score, 8-0, (3-0,5-0)
• 1931 - Elmwood Millionairs (Man.)
• vs Regina Pats (Sask),
  Aggregate score, 4-3, (0-1,4-2ot2)
  Note: OT = 10 minute preiods, 3-2 1st ot - 4-2 2nd ot
• 1932 - Winnipeg Monarchs (Man)
• vs Saskatoon Wesleys (Sask),
  Aggregate score, 3-2, (0-1,3-1)

The teams now play a best-of-three game series. Overtime is a full period.

• 1933 - Regina Pats (Sask)
• vs Brandon Native Sons (Man),
  0-0, 1-1ot3, 2-1
• 1934 - Edmonton Athletics Club (Alta)
• vs Port Arthur "Westies" West Ends (Ont),
  7-3 ,4-0

Junior Classifications

In 1934 'Junior Hockey' in Canada was divided into 'A' and 'B' classifications. The Abbott Memorial Cup (Western Junior Champions) awarded to the Junior 'A' level and the winners still competed for The Memorial Cup .

• 1935 - Winnipeg Monarchs (Man)
• vs Saskatoon Wesleys (Sask),
  5-4, 3-5 ,3-2
• 1936 - Saskatoon Wesleys (Sask.)
• vs Winnipeg-Elmwood Maple Leafs (Man.)
  4-2, 4-2ot
• 1937 - Winnipeg Monarchs (Man.)
• vs Saskatoon Wesleys (Sask.)
  5-2, 5-6 ,6-1

The teams now play a best-of-five game series. No overtime games played.

• 1938 - St. Boniface Seals (Man)
• vs Edmonton Athletic Club Roamers (Alta.)
  7-3, 8-3, 1-3, 6-5
• 1939 - Edmonton Athletic Club Roamers (Alta.)
• vs Brandon Elks (Man.)
  6-0, 6-0, 0-5, 9-3

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• 1940 - Kenora Thistles (Ont.)
• vs Edmonton Athletic Club (Alta.)
  2-2T, 1-7, 3-1, 6-5, 2-2T
• 1941 - Winnipeg Rangers (Man.)
• vs Saskatoon Quakers (Sask.) (best-of-seven)
  6-4, 1-4, 3-1, 5-10, 4-3, 2-10, 7-3
• 1942 - Portage La Prairie Terriers (Man.)
• vs Edmonton Maple Leafs (Alta.)
  13-3 ,6-4, 7-6
• 1943 - Winnipeg Rangers (Man.)
• vs Saskatoon Quakers (sask.)
  12-8, 7-2, 4-12, 3-2
• 1944 - Trail Smoke Eaters (B.C.)
• vs Port Arthur Flyers (Ont.)
  4-2, 4-3, 3-2

The teams now play a best-of-seven eight point game series. Where Wins = 2pts, Ties = 1pt, Loses = 0pts.

• 1945 - Moose Jaw Canucks (Sask.)
• vs Winnipeg Monarchs (Man.)
  8 points to 2, (6-4, 6-2, 4-5, 5-1, 7-6)
• 1946 - Winnipeg Monarchs (Man.)
• vs Edmonton Canadians (Alta.)
  8 points to 2, (1-4, 5-1, 6-3, 5-3, 9-2).
• 1947 - Moose Jaw Canucks (Sask.)
• vs Brandon Elks (Man.)
  9 pionts to 7, (1-2, 3-3, 1-9, 5-3, 2-4, 7-4, 3-1, 6-4)
• 1948 - Port Arthur West End Bruins (Ont.)

The teams now play a best-of-seven series.

• vs Lethbridge Native Sons (Alta.), 4-3 series
  1-6, 6-7, 7-4, 4-5, 5-0, 6-4, 11-1
• 1949 - Brandon Wheat Kings (Man.)
• vs Port Authur West End (Ont.) Bruins, 4-1 series
  6-2, 6-0, 5-2, 4-7, 6-4

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• 1950 - Regina Pats (Sask.)
• vs Port Arthur West End Bruins (Ont.), 4-1 Series
  8-5ot, 3-6, 4-0, 5-3, 1-0
• 1951 - Winnipeg Monarchs (Man.)
• vs Regina Pats (sask.), 4-3-1 series
  In Regina: 1-3, 5-5ot, 2-1,
  In Winnipeg: 2-0, 5-2, 1-2, 3-4ot, 8-4
• 1952 - Regina Pats (Sask.)
• vs Fort William Hurricanes (Ont.), 4-2 Series
  1-3, 3-2, 1-2, 5-2, 6-1, 2-1
• 1953 - St. Boniface Canadians (Que.)
• vs Lethbridge Native Sons (Alta.), 4-3 Series
  7-5, 8-6, 2-3, 5-5, 4-3, 1-6, 12-1
• 1954 - Edmonton Oil Kings (Alta.)
• vs Fort William Hurricans (Ont.), 4-1 series
  6-0, 1-2, 8-0, 8-1, 8-2
• 1955 - Regina Pats (Sask.)
• vs Winnipeg Monarchs (Man.), 4-3 Series
  7-0, 4-1, 10-4, 3-5, 2-1, 2-4, 6-3, 5-4ot
• 1956 - Regina Pats (Sask.)
• vs Port Arthur North Stars (Ont.), 4-1 Series
  4-8, 1-4, 9-4, 7-2, 2-4, 6-3, 5-4
• 1957 - Flin Flon Bombers (Man.)
• vs Fort William Canadians (Ont.), best
  4-2, 4-2, 3-1, 4-2
• 1958 - Regina Pats (Sask.)
• vs St. Boniface Canadiens (Que.), 4-2 series
  7-5, 3-8, 8-4, 8-0, 2-5, 4-0
• 1959 - Winnnipeg Braves(MJHL)
• vs Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL), 4-2 series
  1-5, 4-7, 5-2, 6-4, 5-1, 3-0

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• 1960 - Edmonton Oil Kings, (CAHL)*
• vs Brandon Wheat Kings(Man),4-3 series
  4-6, 2-7, 5-2, 3-2, 5-4, 3-6, 6-1
• 1961 - Edmonton Oil Kings, (CAHL)*
• vs Winnipeg Rangers(Man),
  4-2, 4-1, 1-4, 8-3, 7-5
• 1962 - Edmonton Oil Kings (CAHL)* ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• vs Brandon Wheat Kings (SJHL),
  3-1, 0-4, 4-3, 9-5, 1-2, 3-4, 5-3
• 1963 - Edmonton Oil Kings (CAHL)* ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• vs Brandon Wheat Kings (SJHL),
  7-3, 3-2, 7-9, 1-0, 5-3
• 1964 - Edmonton Oil Kings (CAHL)* ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• vs Estevan Bruins (SJHL)
  5-2, 5-1, 3-5, 5-3, 5-0
• 1965 - Edmonton Oil Kings (CAHL)* ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• vs Winnipeg Braves (MJHL)
  3-1, 7-1, 5-6, 4-8, 2-1, 6-3
• 1966 - Edmonton Oil Kings (CAHL)* ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• vs Estevan Bruins (SJHL),
  2-5, 3-1, 6-4, 3-5, 2-0, 5-3

Note: (CAHL)* - Central Alberta Hockey League was a seniors league as there was no junior league in Alberta at the time.

Formation of the CMJHL

1967 was an important year for junior hockey in Western Canada as seven teams, including the defending Memorial Cup champion Edmonton Oil Kings, formed the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League as an attempt to establish one junior "A" league in the west.

The establishment of the CMJHL, which was the forerunner of the present Western Hockey League, created several issues including who would be eligible to represent the west in the Memorial Cup finals.

It was determined that the CMJHL teams would not have the right to participate in the playdowns for the national junior hockey championship and as a result, for the first time since 1959 a team other than the Oil Kings would represent the west in the national final.

• 1967 - Port Arthur Marrs (Ont.) ^{[4] [5]}
• vs New Westminster Royals (Pacific Coast JHL) ^{[2] [3] [4]}
  5-6, 5-2, 10-1, 6-2, 5-0
• 1968 - Estevan Bruins (SJHL) ^{[4] [5]}
• vs Penticton Broncos (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}
  3-0, 5-4, 6-1, 12-1
• 1969 - Regina Pats (SJHL) ^{[4] [5]}
• vs Lethbridge Sugar Kings (AJHL) ^{[3] [4]}
  6-2, 4-5, 8-4, 6-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-3

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• 1970 - Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) ^{[4] [5]}
• vs Fort William Westfort Hurricanses (Thunder Bay Ont.)
  3-6, 2-5, 4-2, 5-2, 5-1, 8-6

Junior 'A" Realignment

In 1971, Junior 'A' Hockey was divided once again to form a 'Major Junior' and a 'Tier II' level, commonly reffered to as Junior A.

As a result the 'Major Junior' level were no longer eligible for the Abbott Cup which was awarded to the 'Tier II' level. The Abbott Cup winners would go on to challenge for the newly donated The Manitoba Centennial Cup (National Championship) as the 'Tier II' level were no longer eligible for the Memorial Cup.

• 1971 - Red Deer Rustlers (AJHL) ^{[3] [4] [6]}
• vs St. Boniface Saints (MJHL)
  3-1, 3-2, 4-2, 5-1
• 1972 - Red Deer Rustlers (AJHL) ^{[3] [4] [6]}
• vs Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
  3-2, 0-7, 6-2, 6-5, 4-2
• 1973 - Portage la Prairie Terriers (MJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs Penticton Broncos (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}
  1-5, 4-6, 6-4ot, 3-5, 6-3, 5-3, 6-2
• 1974 - Selkirk Steelers (MJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs Kelowna Buckaroos (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}
  5-4, 0-6, 5-4, 8-3, 4-5ot, 3-7, 5-2
• 1975 - Spruce Grove Mets (AJHL) ^{[3][4] [6]}
• vs Selkirk Steelers (MJHL)
  3-1, 6-5, 3-2, 4-5, 2-4, 4-2
• 1976 - Spruce Grove Mets (AJHL) ^{[3][4] [6]}
• vs Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL)
  6-5, 5-4ot, 7-4, 2-4, 9-2
• 1977 - Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs Richmond Sockeyes (Pacific Coast JHL)
  7-6, 8-4, 7-3, 6-7ot2, 8-5
• 1978 - Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs Merritt Centennials (BCJHL) ^{[2] [3] [4]}
  5-6, 8-6, 4-3, 8-6, 7-2
• Note: Merritt was selected to represent the BCJHL ^[1] for the national playdowns
• 1979 - Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs Fort Saskatchewan Traders (AJHL) ^{[3] [4]}
  5-1, 5-2, 3-5, 8-3, 2-5, 8-7

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• 1980 - Red Deer Rustlers (AJHL) ^{[3] [4] [6]}
• vs Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL)
  6-1, 5-1, 1-5, 4-2, 3-6, 6-2
• 1981 - Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs St. Albert Saints (AJHL) ^[3]
  7-2, 3-1, 4-3ot, 6-2
• 1982 - Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs St. Albert Saints (AJHL) ^[3]
  1-2, 5-4, 5-2, 9-1, 6-1
• 1983 - Abbotsford Flyers (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
  0-4, 6-10, 6-5, 7-5, 6-4, 4-1
• 1984 - Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs Langley Eagles (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}
  4-3, 5-3, 5-3, 5-4
• 1985 - Penticton Knights (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Estevan Bruins (SJHL)
  5-1, 6-2, 6-3, 9-3
• 1986 - Penticton Knights (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Winnipeg South Blues (MJHL)
  8-2, 10-1, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3
• 1987 - Richmond Sockeyes (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
  3-4ot, 5-3, 4-3ot, 1-2, 5-3, 3-4ot, 5-4
• 1988 - Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) ^{[4] [6]}
• vs Calgary Canucks (AJHL) ^{[3] [4]}
  2-3, 3-4ot2, 7-3, 6-7ot, 7-2, 5-3, 3-2
• 1989 - Vernon Lakers (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
  2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 6-1, 4-7, 7-5

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National Championship Tournament

With a realignment of "Regions", in 1990, the Abbott Cup best-of-seven series was eliminated. The Abbott Cup would now be awarded during a Round-Robin game at the National Championship Tournament between the Doyle Cup champion (BC/Alta Pacific Region) and the Anavet Cup champion (Man/Sask Western Region). .

• 1990 - New Westminster Royals (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Nipawin Hawks (SJHL), 3-2
• Note: Vernon Lakers (BCJHL) ^[6], as Host
• 1991 - Vernon Lakers (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Yorkton Terriers (SJHL), 5-4ot
• 1992 - Vernon Lakers (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Winkler Flyers (SJHL), 5-3
• 1993 - Kelowna Spartans (BCJHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}
• vs Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL), 4-3
• 1994 - Olds Grizzlys (AJHL )^{[3] [4] [6]}
• vs Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL), 5-0
  Note: Kelowna Spartans (BCJHL) ^[6] enter Centennial Cup Tournament as Olds is also the Host
• 1995 - Winnipeg South Blues (MJHL)
• vs Calgary Canucks (AJHL) ^{[3] [4] [6]}, 6-3

• 1996 - Melfort Mustangs (SJHL)
• vs Vernon Vipers (BCHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [7]}, 5-1
• 1997 - South Surrey Eagles (BCHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [7]}
• vs Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL), 5-4ot
• 1998 - South Surrey Eagles (BCHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [7]}
• vs Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL), 6-2
• 1999 - Vernon Vipers (BCHL) ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [7]}
• vs Estevan Bruins (SJHL), 3-2

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The Abbott Cup was retired after the 1999 season.

Excerpt from Gregg Drinnans' blog "Taking Note".....

J. Lyman Potts, Joe's eldest son, realized in the mid-1990s, that the Abbott Cup no longer was being given the respect it deserved. He wrote to old friend Tom Melville, a former Regina Leader-Post sports editor, and the two of them mounted a lengthy campaign that resulted in the Abbott Cup being retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

The Abbott Cup....Lest We Forget about E.L. 'HICK' Abbott

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Captain E. L. (Hick) Abbott was a noted hockey player in Western Canada. He captained the Regina Victorias when it won the Junior Championship of Canada in 1913 and 1914.

Capt. Abbott died in active service in the First World War of 1914-18 and the Abbott Cup Memorial Trophy was presented in his memory in 1919 by the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association and is awarded annually for the championship of Junior 'A' Hockey in Western Canada.

More Detailed Information On Captain E. L. Abbott

• 1. Gregg Drinnans' blog "Taking Note" has a real nice article entitled The Abbott Cup....Lest We Forget about E.L. 'HICK' Abbott
• 2. There is also a nice article on WIKIPEDIA about Edward Lyman "Hick" Abbott

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• AJHL - Alberta Junior Hockey League
• BCHL - British Columbia Hockey League
• BCJHL - British Columbia Junior Hockey League
• CAHL - Central Alberta Hockey League(Senior)
• MJHL - Manitoba Junior Hockey League
• PCJHL - Pacific Coast Junior Hockey League / "Pac A"
• SJHL - Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League
• SSJHL - Southern Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Port Arthur and Fort William are now Thunder Bay, Ontario

• BC - British Columbia
• AB - Alberta
• SK - Saskatchewan
• MB - Manitoba

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• [1] = The Nat Bailey/Subway/Fred Page Cup - League Championship
• [2] = The Mowat Cup - BC Championship
• [3] = The Doyle Cup - BC vs ALTA Championship
• [4] = The Abbott Memorial Cup - Western Canadian Championship
• [4a] = Western Canada Cup Host, BCHL,AJHL,SJHL,MJHL
• [5] = The Memorial Cup - National Junior Championship
• [6] = The Manitoba Centennial Trophy - National Jr A Championship
• [7] = The Royal Bank Cup - National Jr A Championship

note: some info came from www.chl.ca/CHLMemorialCup05/history.html

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