As the 2025 CHL championship finals heat up across the QMJHL, OHL, and WHL, fans are being treated to thrilling hockey filled with big moments and breakout performances. These final series are not only about lifting league trophies but also about earning a spot at the prestigious Memorial Cup, set to take place in Rimouski, Quebec.
Each league has its own unique storyline, and whether it’s a young star making a big comeback, a future NHL draft pick leading his team, or a dominant core trying to make history, the excitement is real.
Let’s take a quick look at what’s making headlines in each CHL final series.
WHL Final: Cayden Lindstrom’s Stunning Return for the Tigers
In the Western Hockey League, the Medicine Hat Tigers are facing off against the Spokane Chiefs, and one of the biggest stories is the return of Cayden Lindstrom.
Lindstrom, a top Columbus Blue Jackets prospect and the 4th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, missed over a year of competitive hockey due to a back injury that required surgery. Some critics doubted whether Columbus made the right choice picking him so early.
But just 54 seconds into his return, Lindstrom silenced the doubters by notching an assist. Since then, he’s racked up four points in three games, showing the same power-forward skill that made him a top draft pick.
He had spent time rehabbing with the Blue Jackets medical team and skated with the Tigers during off-days. Now, back in full form and making a strong impact, Lindstrom is once again proving his value on the ice, helping Medicine Hat fight for the WHL crown.
QMJHL Final: Caleb Desnoyers Dominates as Moncton Eyes Title
With Rimouski Oceanic automatically earning a Memorial Cup berth as hosts, the Moncton Wildcats, who are battling Rimouski in the QMJHL final, are already locked in for the national tournament. But they’re not slowing down—in fact, they’re playing like champions already.
At the center of Moncton’s charge is Caleb Desnoyers, a 2025 NHL Draft-eligible center who has led the team all year. After finishing the regular season as their top scorer, Desnoyers now leads the playoffs with 30 points in 16 games.
In Game 2, he collected three points, including a critical assist in overtime, showing his ability to step up in big moments. Scouts are taking notice, and a strong performance at the Memorial Cup could push his draft stock even higher.
Moncton’s consistency and Desnoyers’ leadership have been a huge reason why they’re poised to make a deep run in Rimouski.
OHL Final: London Knights’ Core Makes History
In the Ontario Hockey League, the London Knights are on the verge of completing a rare three-peat trip to the OHL finals. Led by stars like Easton Cowan (TOR), Oliver Bonk (PHI), Denver Barkey (PHI), and Sam Dickinson (SJ), this team is built for success.
London has now reached the finals three years in a row, becoming the first team to do so since the Soo Greyhounds in the early ’90s. They won last year’s OHL championship and made it to the Memorial Cup final, falling just short.
This year, they’re determined to finish the job. They currently lead the series against Oshawa Generals 3-1 and could wrap it up with a win on Thursday. But even if they win the league title again, their eyes are already set on bringing home the Memorial Cup to London.
The 2025 CHL finals are filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable performances. From Cayden Lindstrom’s inspirational comeback in the WHL to Caleb Desnoyers’ rise in the QMJHL, and the historic run of the London Knights in the OHL, each series is delivering top-tier junior hockey.
With the Memorial Cup just around the corner in Rimouski, all eyes will soon be on who can take their league success and turn it into national glory. These young stars are not just chasing championships—they’re building legacies.
