The host Shawinigan Cataractes and defending champion Saint John Sea Dogs have each been fined $2,500 after a game that degenerated into skirmishes at the MasterCard Memorial Cup.

Organizers announced Thursday the teams were fined for "conduct prejudicial to the welfare of the game and the tournament."

Three melees marked the final minute of Saint John's 4-1 victory on Wednesday night, including a fight between Shawinigan's Vincent Arceneau and Grant West of Saint John.

There were also shouting matches between the benches.

In the first period, Arceneau fired a slapshot directly at Saint John's Stephen MacAuley, but was not penalized.

Saint John advanced to the Memorial Cup semifinal, while Shawinigan must play Edmonton in a tiebreaker for the other spot in the semi.