A Major decision

I have no sympathy for anyone out of Windsor complaining about being left out of next year's Memorial Cup. For starters, it's not exactly true. Sure, the city learned today that it will not be hosting the 2011 tournament, but if the stars align Windsor's team can certainly make next year's event. Will it be worth the extra 3 hours of travel though? See, bloody Mississauga is hosting the bloody thing now. Yeah I know, bloody Mississauga and it's lack of support for Jr. Hockey shouldn't be permitted to welcome the game's best. Yeah yeah, well that sentiment, while passionately argued by many, is trite, kind of pathetic, and foolish. Toronto's grandest suburb may not produce the frenzied faithful of other towns, but it's still a major hockey hub with financial might, media accessibility and potential for much better. Jr. Hockey is big business now, and while it's passionate roots remain in our smaller communities, the game must find a way to return to our biggest markets. Starting in Mississauga is a good start.

There's talk the Spitfires might breakdown, rebuild, retool, whatever after Brandon in order to better position themselves for a run at Mississauga. Forget it. Why not instead take a run at Windsor? The Memorial Cup tournament rotates through the top leagues, so by 2013 it'll be back in Ontario, and the CHL looking for a suitable host. 2013 is when the Spitfires should really be of Championship calibre again. By taking a step back for the next couple, a major step forward could very well follow. The Spits didn't get the 2011 tournament for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the very same reasons that might favour them a few years down the line? Nevermind already having won the big one, the Rose City could finally get the big one. Until then, let the cries of neglect continue. As inaccurate as they are, they're still entertaining.