A South Surrey goalie is headed to the Canadian Hockey League's Memorial Cup Final this Sunday with the Medicine Hat Tigers — the team's first time competing in the final since 2007.
Harrison Meneghin, who was named Western Hockey League Playoffs MVP, has been playing an outstanding season, posting a 23-9-2 record during the regular season and continuing his standout play in WHL playoffs, going 14-1 with three shutouts, a 2.32 goals-against average, and a 0.907 save percentage through 16 games.
The 6'4", 174-pound netminder was also named Player of the Game Tuesday (May 27), after steering aside 25 of 26 shots from the OHL champion London Knights for a .972 save percentage.
Now 20, Meneghin, who wasn't drafted into the WHL, also recently signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lighting.
After going 3-0 in the round robin, he and his team are still waiting to see who they'll play in the final, which will be decided after the Moncton Wildcats and London Knights play Friday (May 30) night.
"It's going to be a hard game ... both those teams are good. We know both teams will be tough," Meneghin said from Rimouski, Que. Wednesday, where the 2025 Memorial Cup games are being played.
As for his exceptional puck-stopping play — even after he suddenly and unexpectedly lost his father on the last game of the WHL regular season — Meneghin remained humble, giving credit to the intesnity of the games and his teammates.
'The team has been playing well in front of me," he said.
His dad has been an inspiration for him throughout, Meneghin said.
"It's been more motivation for me ... and my teammates as well."
Their goal? To hoist the CHL's top prize after winning the Memorial Cup Final, and bring the cup back to the West.
The final starts at 5 p.m. MST this Sunday, June 1.
"It's a pretty big deal for me and my team," he said, noting his mother and uncle will be in Quebec as well.
His plan is simple.
"Just do the things that you're good at, and trust yourself and your teammates. That's all you can do ... and try not to be too nervous."
He is expected to likely head to the American Hockey League to start his professional career with Tampa Bay.
"We'll see how everything plays out," said Meneghin.
Before he heads to Florida, he'll be back home in South Surrey for the summer, where community residents may see him out and about.
And, likely, playing more hockey.
"I enjoy hanging out around White Rock beach and the pier ... and playing hockey."
