In 1972 the Memorial Cup changed formats for the fourth time in the fifty-four-year history of the Memorial Cup as for the first time ever a round robin tournament format was introduced where three teams would meet each other once in the round robin portion of the tournament and the top two teams would then meet in a sudden death game to determine the Memorial Cup champion.

Another change in the format of the Memorial Cup came with the creation of the Major Junior "A" series by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. With this change three leagues were recognized as Major Junior "A" and the playoff winners of each league would challenge for the Memorial Cup. The champions of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey Association Major Junior A League and the Western Canadian Hockey League would meet in the Memorial Cup Tournament. The Tier II Junior "A" series was also created at this time and the old branch play down system would continue at this level and in 1972 the best from the West would meet the Eastern Canada winners for the Centennial Cup.

Most Appearances Team (Since 1972)

8 - Peterborough (OHL) (1972,1978,1979,1980,1989,1993,1996,2006)

6- Gatineau (QMJHL) (1986,1988,1995,1997,2003,2004)

5 - Kitchener (OHL) (1981,1982,1984,1990,2003)

Most Final Game Appearances:

6 - Peterborough (OHL) - 1972,1978,1979,1980,1993,1996)

5 - Kitchener (OHL) - (1981,1982,1984,1990,2003)

4 - New Westminister (WHL) - (1975,1976,1977,1978)

Most Championships:

3 - Cornwall Royals (QMJHL) - (1972,1980,1981)

3 - Kamloops Blazers (WHL) - (1992,1994,1995)

2 - Kitchener Rangers (OHL) - (1982, 2003)

** Five other teams are tied with 2, Ottawa 67's (1984,1999); Medicine Hat Tigers (1987,1988); Portland Winter Hawks (1983,1998), New Westminister Bruins (1977,1978) and Toronto Marlboros (1973,1975).