Ottawa Senators fans feeling some serious FOMO watching the Stanley Cup playoffs can soon focus on the future as three prospects compete in the Memorial Cup in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Forward Luke Ellinas and defenceman Matthew Andonovski of the Kitchener Rangers, along with goaltender Lucas Beckman of the Chicoutimi Sanguenéens, are all signed to entry-level contracts with Ottawa and are ready to vie for junior hockey glory over the next week and a half.
Tournament Format
The Kitchener Rangers, Chicoutimi Sanguenéens, Everett Silvertips, and host Kelowna Rockets will play a round-robin schedule before advancing to a semifinal and championship game. All games are held at Prospera Place in Kelowna and broadcast on TSN and RDS.
Lucas Beckman (Chicoutimi Saguenéens)
Beckman has risen rapidly up the Senators' goaltending depth chart. The 18-year-old posted a .917 save percentage in the regular season, second-best in the QMJHL, and won his final 12 starts before the playoffs. In the postseason, he was dominant, allowing just six goals in consecutive sweeps against Halifax and Quebec. In Round 3, his 21-save shutout in Game 6 against Rouyn-Noranda sent Chicoutimi to the final, where he made 23 saves in a 5-1 win over Moncton in Game 6 to capture the Gilles-Courteau Trophy.
Beckman exudes confidence, telling the Ottawa Citizen that signing his entry-level contract was “another step in my eventual dream of being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.” He meticulously visualizes potential game scenarios the night before to prepare mentally. While his game details need refinement—working with goalie coach Alex Carrier on structure, tracking, and edges—his athleticism and compete level give him a high ceiling.
Round-robin games for Beckman (all times ET):
- Everett vs. Chicoutimi — Saturday, May 23 at 9 p.m.
- Kelowna vs. Chicoutimi — Sunday, May 24 at 9 p.m.
- Chicoutimi vs. Kitchener — Tuesday, May 26 at 9 p.m.
Luke Ellinas (Kitchener Rangers)
Ellinas is built for playoff hockey and has delivered legendary performances over three seasons with Kitchener. In 2025, he led the Rangers to a historic comeback against Windsor in the Western Conference semifinals. Down 3-0 in the series, Ellinas recorded eight points in the final four games, including a hat trick in a 3-0 Game 4 win and both goals in a 2-1 overtime victory in Game 7.
His ability to elevate his game in clutch moments makes him a key asset for Kitchener as they pursue the Memorial Cup.
Matthew Andonovski (Kitchener Rangers)
Andonovski, a steady defenceman, provides reliable play in his own end and contributes offensively when needed. He has been a consistent presence on the Rangers' blue line throughout the playoffs and will be counted on to log important minutes against top opponents.
The Memorial Cup kicks off on Friday night, with all three prospects aiming to showcase their talents on a national stage.
