Windsor Crushes Brandon a 2nd time to clinch Memorial Cup Title, 9-1

The Spitfires clinched the Memorial Cup Championship the same way they started with a 9-1 win to clinch the CHL Memorial Cup Championship for the 2nd straight year. With the win, the Spitfires become the first team in 15 years to win back-to-back Memorial Cup Tournaments after the Kamloops Blazers did it in 1994 and 1995.

The teams 9 goals were scored by 8 different players with Adam Henrique leading the way with 2 goals and an assist. Other players with three point nights included Taylor Hall (1G 2A). Other big nights came from Greg Nemisz, Eric Wellwood and Zack Kassian all had a goal and an assist. Other notable performances included Ryan Ellis with 3 assists, while Justin Shugg and Kenny Ryan who each had two assists apiece in the Championship game that was never in doubt for the Spitfires.

Matt Calvert scored the only Wheat Kings goal of the night on a great set up for a one timer from Scott Glennie. Despite the two blowouts for the Wheat Kings, it won't take away from a great season which included a WHL East Division Title. Getting to the WHL Conference Finals for the 2nd straight year and coming back after a bad night to wrap up the round robin against Calgary to win the Semifinal in OT.

There is no doubt that the Spitfires are the class of the Major Juniors and they will go down as one of the greatest teams in junior hockey history.


From the Memorial Cup Website: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

In Brandon, Manitoba: Adam Henrique and Ryan Ellis each registered three points each while the Spitfires recorded 52 shots on goal en route to a strong 9-1 victory over the host Brandon Wheat Kings to win the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The Spitfires become just the 8th Team in CHL History to win back-to-back titles, and the first team since the Kamloops Blazers in 1994 & 1995.

Adam Henrique opened the scoring at 6:34 with a wrist-shot which he directed between the pads of Jacon De Serres. Then, with 33 seconds left in the first period, the Spitfires doubled their lead. The Wheat Kings failed to clear the puck causing a turnover in their own zone which opened the door for Eric Wellwood who jumped on a loose puck and beat De Serres top shelf.

Windsor took a 3-0 advantage 4:34 into the 2nd period whith Brent Raedeke in the penalty box for slashing. Taylor Hall let go a powerful wrist shot from the left faceoff dot that found an opening over the goalie's shoulder.

The Wheat Kings cut the lead to two less then 4 minutes later. Matt Calvert recorded his third goal of the MasterCard Memorial CUp on the powerplay. But it wasn't long before the Spitfires added to the lead. After a lengthy review from the video booth, Nemisz's goal was confirmed, putting Windsor up 4-1. Zach Kassian and Cam Fowler added markers prior to the end of the 2nd period to put the game out of reach.

Zach Kassian and Cam Fowler added markers ended prior to the end of the 2nd period to put the game out of reach.

Zach Kassian, Adam Henrique and Dale Mitchell recorded goals in the third period. Philipp Gruaber made 27 saves for his 4th win of the tournament. Following the game, Taylor Hall was awarded the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup MVP, his second in as many years. He completed the tournament with 5 goals and 4 assists.

Of note, Cam Fowler became just the 21st player in history to win both an IIHF Gold Medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship as well as a Memorial Cup Title in the same year. His teammate, Ryan Ellis, accomplishment the feat last year.

Of the players who also managed to win both titles in the same year is former Brandon Wheat King Trevor Kidd who gold in 1991 before winning a Memorial Cup with the Spokane Chiefs. Kidd participated in the opening ceremonies in the opening game.


Game Summary

Brandon Wheat Kings 1 Windsor Spitfires 9 (0-2, 1-4, 0-3)

0-1 WSR: Adam Henrique (Ellis, Hall) 6:34 1st

0-2 WSR: Eric Wellwood (Timmins, Fowler) 19:27 1st

0-3 WSR: Taylor Hall (PP) (Henrique, Ellis) 4:34 2nd

1-3 BRN: Matt Calvert (PP) (Glennie, Schenn) 8:16 2nd

1-4 WSR: Greg Nemisz (Kassian, Ryan) 8:56 2nd

1-5 WSR: Marc Cantin (Shugg, Cundari) 11:36 2nd

1-6 WSR: Cam Fowler (Ellis, Nemisz) 16:52 2nd

1-7 WSR: Zach Kassian (Ryan) 5:42 3rd

1-8 WSR: Adam Henrique (Hall, Shugg) 9:44 3rd

1-9 WSR: Dale Mitchell (Timmins, Wellwood) 15:40 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: BRN 28 WSR 52

PP: BRN 1/4 WSR 1/2

PIM: BRN 10 Minutes on 5 Penalites WSR 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties

Goalies: BRN Jacob De Serres 43 SVS on 52 Shots WSR Philipp Grubauer 27 SVS on 28 Shots

ATT: 5609

3rd Star: Matt Calver (BRN)

2nd Star: Scott Timmins (WSR)

1st Star: Adam Henrique (WSR)


Tournament Schedule

5/14: Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (5-0, 4-1, 0-2)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=107

5/15: Calgary Hitmen 5 Moncton Wildcats 4 (0-1, 1-2, 4-1)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=108

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings 4 Moncton Wildcats 0 (1-0, 2-0, 1-0)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=109

5/17: Calgary Hitmen 2 Windsor Spitfires 6 (0-2, 2-1, 0-3)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=110

5/18: Moncton Wildcats 3 Windsor Spitfires 4 (OT) (1-1, 0-1, 2-1, 0-1)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=111

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings 1 Calgary Hitmen 5 (1-5, 0-0, 0-0)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=112

5/21: Brandon Wheat Kings 5 Calgary Hitmen 4 (OT) (0-2, 3-1, 1-1, 1-0)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=114

5/23: Brandon Wheat Kings 1 Windsor Spitfires 9 (0-2, 1-4, 0-3)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=115

5 goal 1st period for Calgary sends a message for Friday's Memorial Cup Semifinal

Even though both teams will be playing each other again tomorrow night in the Memorial Cup Semifinal. The Calgary Hitmen sent a clear message that they intend to knockout the tournament host and move to Sunday's Final to play the Windsor Spitfires for the Memorial Cup Title.

All the goals came in the first period as Kris Foucault (2G 2A), and Justin Bubnick (1G 3A) both had 4 point nights and moved up to 1 & 3 in the Memorial Cup Scoring Leads with a 5-1 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings.

As early as 3 and a half minutes into the game it was looking like it would be a burn burner as Foucault got the Hitmen scoring going just 3:15 into the game. However, just 30 seconds later it was Brandon's Jay Fehr who made it 1-1 and unfortunately for Brandon, it turned out to be the Wheat Kings only goal of the game. Just 3 minutes Foucault fired back to make it a 2-1 lead and it would eventually lead to a 3 goal barrage in just 3 minutes later in the period with goals from Bubnick, Beach and Shattock late in the first period.

The 2nd & 3rd periods saw no scoring but a lot of hits as the teams combined for 105 penalty minutes on 25 penalties. Including a couple of major penalties for cross checking, a number of scrums and a big time fight near the end of the first period between Cody Beach and Travis Hamonic as well.

Both goalies were very busy as combined 70 SOG, with Brandon out-shooting Calgary 40-030. This is a team that hasn't had a need to show a lot of desperation this season, with the Eastern Conference Final being the exception as Calgary won 4-in-a-row after Brandon won the opener in that series.

Even though the 2 teams will play again on Friday Night, this was an important night to feel each other and get that all important home ice advantage for Friday's Semifinal. Even though the Brandon Wheat Kings are the tournament hosts, the team will be seeing red if the Wheat Kings can't find a way to respond on Friday Night as a spot in the Memorial Cup Championship against Windsor on Sunday Evening is on the line.


From the Memorial Cup Website: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

In Brandon, Manitoba: The Calgary Hitmen offense exploded for five first period goals en route to a 5-1 victory over Brandon at Westman Place to finish the round-robin schedule at the MasterCard Memorial Cup with a 2-1 record and gaining home ice for Friday's Semifinal.

The Hitmen were the first to get on the board. Kris Foucault directed an innocent looking shot on net that slid between the pads of Jacob De Serres. Less then thirty seconds later, the Wheat Kings tied it up at one with Jay Fehr, who was left alone in the slot, one-timed a beautiful Aaron Lewadniuk pass behind goaltender Martin Jones.

Fouculat seemed to have De Serres number in the first period. He scored his 2nd goal of the game, and third of the tournament, on the Hitmen's third shot. Then, Cody Beach doubled the Hitmen's lead by registering his first goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup at 13:47.

A relentless Calgary Hitmen squad kept pressuring coming. Jimmy Bubnick and Tyler Shattock added markers to give the Hitmen a comfy 5-1 lead after twenty minutes of play.

The Wheat Kings raised their level of play in the 2nd period. Although they failed to score, the shot total was a respectable 10-9 for the Hitmen.

Same story in the Final Frame, but the intensity level was sky high and the officials sent a number of players on both sides to the penalty box for roughing.

Martin Jones made 39 saves with the win, while De Serres took the loss despite making 25 saves.

All three Stars were Hitmen players. Kris Foucault was named the game's first star while teammates Jimmy Bubnick (2nd) and Tyler Shattock (3rd) was also honored.

The Brandon Wheat Kings will battle the Calgary Hitmen in the Semifinal of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS on Friday Night at 7:00 PM (CDT). The game also can be seen live on www.sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the USA.


Round Robin Records: Calgary is 2-1-0 Brandon is 1-2-0

Game Boxscore

Brandon Wheat Kings 1 Calgary Hitmen 5 (1-5, 0-0, 0-0)

0-1 CGY: Kris Foucault (Bubnick) 3:15 1st

1-1 BRN: Jay Fehr (Lewadniuk, Rajala) 3:44 1st

1-2 CGY: Kris Foucault (Shattock, Bubnick) 6:36 1st

1-3 CGY: Chris Beach (Burgart, Nyren) 13:47 1st

1-4 CGY: Justin Bubnick (Shattock, Foucault) 14:54 1st

1-5 CGY: Tyer Shattock (Foucault, Bubnick) 16:50 1st


Game Stats

SOG: BRN 40 CGY 30

PP: BRN 0/6 CGY 0/4

PIM: BRN 34 Minutes on 10 Penalties CGY 71 Minutes on 10 Penalties

Goalies: BRN Jacob De Serres 25 SVS on 30 Shots CGY Martin Jones 39 SVS on 40 Shots

ATT: 5280

3rd Star: Tyler Shattock (CGY)

2nd Star: Jimmy Bubnick (CGY)

1st Star: Kris Foucault (CGY)


Tournament Standings after the Round Robin

1. Windsor 3-0-0 6 PTS 19-8

2. Calgary 2-1-0 4 PTS 12-11

3. Brandon 1-2-0 2 PTS 8-14

4. Moncton 0-2-1 1 PTS 7-13


Windsor has clinched a Championship Spot.

Brandon and Calgary will play in the Semifinals.

Moncton has been eliminated from the Memorial Cup.


Tournament Stats

1. Jimmy Bubnick (CGY) 8 PTS (3G 5A)

2. Taylor Hall (WSR) 6 PTS (4G 2A)

3. Kris Foucault (CGY) 6 PTS (3G 3A)

4. Tyler Shattock (CGY) 6 PTS (2G 4A)

5. Adam Henrique (WSR) 5 PTS (2G 3A)

3 Oters with 5 Points


Goaltending

1. Philipp Grubauer (WSR) 3 GP 3-0 2.50 GAA .921 SV%

2. Shane Owen (MON) 1 GP 0-0 3.32 GAA .923 SV%

3. Martin Jones (CGY) 3 GP 2-1 3.35 GAA .912 SV%

4. Jacob De Serres (BRN) 3 GP 1-1 3.38 GAA .889 SV%

5. Nicola Riopel (MON) 2 GP 0-2 4.54 GAA .862 SV%


Tournament Schedule

5/14: Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (5-0, 4-1, 0-2)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=107

5/15: Calgary Hitmen 5 Moncton Wildcats 4 (0-1, 1-2, 4-0)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=108

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings 4 Moncton Wildcats 0 (1-0, 2-0, 1-0)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=109

5/17: Calgary Hitmen 2 Windsor Spitfires 6 (0-2, 2-1, 0-3)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=110

5/18: Moncton Wildcats 3 Windsor Spitfires 4 (OT) (1-1, 0-1, 2-1, 0-1)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=111

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings 1 Calgary Hitmen 5 (1-5, 0-0, 0-0)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=112

5/21, Semifinal: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Calgary Hitmen 7:00 PM

5/23, Championship: Windsor Spitfires VS. SF Winner 6:00 PM

Despite a strong showing, Wellwood's OT Winner knockout Wildcats

Despite playing giving one of the best efforts in this year's playoffs and Memorial Cup, Windsor's Eric Wellwood showed why the Spitfires are the defending Champions and looking to defend the Memorial Cup.

His OT Game Winner 12 minutes into the extra period gave the Spitfires a perfect 3-for-3 in the Round Robin and officially clinched a spot in Sunday's Championship Game. For Moncton, despite going up 3-2 early in the 3rd period, the lead didn't last long as Stephane Johnston scored his first of the tournament to tie the game at 3-3.

A total of 33 shots (20-13 in favor of Windsor) were shot as both teams were looking to get the win. A Moncton win would have forced a tie-breaker against the loser of today's Calgary VS. Brandon Winner, but it wasn't to be as the Spitfires turned it on in the OT by out-shooting the Wildcats 13-2, but Moncton Goalie Shane Owen who in for Riopel played very well by stopping 48 of 52 shots just couldn't handle it any longer as he gave up the goal to Wellwood that knocked them out of this year's tournament.

So Windsor will have 4 days off as they will face either Brandon or Calgary in Sunday's Memorial Cup Final. While Brandon and Calgary will finish the round-robin tonight as they size up each other for Friday's Semifinal.

From the Memorial Cup Website: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

In Brandon, Manitoba: Eric Wellwood of the Windsor Spitfires scored 12:22 into OT to lead the defending MasterCard Memorial Cup Tournament Champions to a 4-3 OT Victory over the Moncton Wildcats.

The Wildcats came out of the game determined to avoid elimination, limiting the Spitfires scoring opportunities with an aggressive fore-check. Randy Cameron broke out of the late stages of the first period. He beat goaltender Philipp Grubauer at 18:36 with a solid wrist-shot on the power-play. It didn't take long for the defending Memorial Cup Champions long to even it up. Cam Fowler redirected a Justin Shugg point shot past Shane Owen with 8 seconds to go in the period. Owen was making his first start of the tournament in place of Nicola Riopel would could not compete due to illness.

Moncton managed to out-shot Windsor 16-12 in the opening frame.

Shugg put the Spitfires up by one in the Early stages of the second period by tipping a great Taylor Hall feed. The rest of the period belonged to the goaltenders with both making a sense of spectacular saves to keep the score 2-1.

There was a lot of excitement in the opening minutes of the third period. Wildcats captain Scott Brannon tied the score up at 2-2 at 2:32 with a hard slap from the blue-line with Mark Cundari and Gabriel Bourque in the penalty box for roughing. Less then a minute later, defensemen Brandon Gormley's blast from the point fooled Grubauer.

But the Spitfires battled back. Stephane Johnson registered his first goal of the tournament to even things up at 4:47.

Gabriel Bourque almost ended it in the closing seconds of the third period, but he hit the crossbar with twenty seconds to play.

Eric Wellwood, a 2009 Philadelphia Flyers draft pick, won it for the Spitfires 12:22 into overtime. He was named the game's third star. Justin Shugg received the first star when Randy Cameron was named the second star.

Game six of the MasterCard Memorial Cup will get going at 7:00 PM as the WHL Champions and Tournament Host Brandon Wheat Kings will began to size each other up for Friday's Semifinal. The winner will have the #2 Seed and will be the designate home team for Friday's Game. You can view on line at www.sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.A.


Round Robin Records: Windsor is 3-0-0 Moncton is 0-2-1


Game Boxscore

Moncton Wildcats 3 Windsor Spitfires 4 (OT) (1-1, 0-1, 2-1, 0-1)

1-0 MON: Randy Cameron (PP) (Tessier, Gormley) 18:36 1st

1-1 WSR: Cam Fowler (PP) (Shugg, Ellis) 19:52 1st

1-2 WSR: Justin Shugg (Hall, Henrique) 5:09 2nd

2-2 MON: Scott Brannon (Hrivik) 2:32 3rd

3-2 MON: Brandon Gromley (Stephens) 3:01 3rd

3-3 WSR: Stephane Johnston (Henrique, Ellis) 4:47 3rd

3-4 WSR: Eric Wellwood (Young, Mitchell) 12:22 OT


Game Stats

SOG: MON 41 WSR 52

PP: MON 1/4 WSR 1/2

PIM: MON 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties WSR 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: MON Shane Owen 48 SVS on 52 Shots WSR Philipp Grubauer 38 SVS on 41 Shots

ATT: 5160

3rd Star: Eric Wellwood (WSR)

2nd Star: Randy Cameroon (MON)

1st Star: Justin Shugg (WSR)



Tournament Standings after 5/18

1. Windsor 3-0-0 6 PTS 19-8

2. Brandon 1-1-0 2 PTS 7-9

3. Calgary 1-1-0 2 PTS 7-10

4. Moncton 0-2-1 1 PTS 9-13


Clinched Championship Game Spot

Clinched Semifinal Spot

Eliminated from the Memorial Cup


Tournament Schedule

5/14: Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (5-0, 4-1, 0-2)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=107

5/15: Calgary Hitmen 5 Moncton Wildcats 4 (0-1, 1-2, 4-1)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=108

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings 4 Moncton Wildcats 0 (1-0, 2-0, 1-0)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=109

5/17: Calgary Hitmen 2 Windsor Spitfires 6 (0-2, 2-1, 0-3)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=110

5/18: Moncton Wildcats 3 Windsor Spitfires 4 (OT) (1-1, 0-1, 2-1, 0-1)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=111

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Calgary Hitmen 7:00 PM

5/21: Semifinal: #2 Seed VS. #3 Seed 7:00 PM

5/23: Championship: Windsor Spitfires VS. SF Winner

Taylor Hall has game to win 6-2, Clinches Top Spot in Round Robin

Expected #1 Draft Pick Taylor Hall had a huge game for the Spitfires as he scored two goals and added two assists in the 6-2 win over the WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen. With the win, Windsor moves to 2-0-0 in the Round Robin and basically with in touching distance of beating Moncton and clinching a spot for Sunday's Championship Game.

Other players like Dale Mitchell, Cam Fowler and Kenny Ryan also added some critical points as the Spitfires used a 3 goal 3rd period to turn a 3-2 game where Calgary's Jimmy Bubnick who scored both goals for the Hitmen in this game.

Philipp Grubauer had another huge game for the Spitfires as he made 25 saves in the win, and for the entire tournament he's stopped 55 of 60 shots in the two games and with the dangerous offense. Grubauer hasn't been asked to feel like the best goalie in the world that so many players go under in big time playoff games. Calgary's net-minder Martin Jones stopped 31 of 36 shots in the game.

Windsor will go at it again tonight as the Spitfires will look to finish the round-robin with a perfect 3-for-3 and knockout the Moncton Wildcats tonight. While Calgary will take on Brandon on what could be a Semifinal Preview if the Tie Breaker Game is not needed.

From the Memorial Cup Website: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

From Brandon, Manitoba: Taylor Hall added two goals and added two assists to lead the Windsor Spitfires to a convincing 6-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen while also helping them clinch a berth in the MasterCard Memorial Cup Championship Game on Sunday.

Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Dale Mitchell gave the Spitfires the lead at 2:38 into the first frame. He directed a wrist-shot behind a screen Martin Jones. Just over a minute later, Taylor Hall registered his 3rd goal of the tournament with a hard slap shot from the top of the faceoff circle.

In the 2nd period, Justin Shugg put Windsor up three at 8:15 and the Spitfires seemed to be rolling towards another big win before Jimmy Bubnick recorded a marker at 14:56. Just over three minutes later, it was Bubnick again taking it to goaltender Philipp Grubauer. He made a nifty move, cut inside and flickered a wrist shot between the goaltender's pads.

Hall re-gave the Spitfires a two goal lead 12 seconds into the 3rd period by intercepting a soft pass in Calgary's zone and beat Jones five hole on a breakaway.

Kenny Ryan and Adam Wallace added goals late in the 3rd period to seal the win.

Philipp Grauber made 25 saves while Calgary Goalie Martin Jones made 31 saves on 37 shots in the loss that takes them to 1-1 in the Round Robin.

Taylor Hall earned first star honors while Jimmy Bubnick and Dale Mitchell were also recognized by getting the 2nd and 3rd stars of the game.

Game 5 of the MasterCard Memorial Cup will see the Spitfires looking to go 3-0 and clinch a Championship Game spot on Sunday. For Moncton, it's win or go home for the Wildcats as a win is needed to force a tie Breaker Game on Thursday Night. As always, you can watch it on Sportsnet and the NHL Network in the USA. It will also be streamed live on www.sportsnet.ca


Round Robin Records: Windsor is 2-0-0 Calgary is 1-1-0


Game Boxscore

Calgary Hitmen 2 Windsor Spitfires 6 (0-2, 2-1, 0-3)

0-1 WSR: Dale Mitchell (Wellwood) 2:38 1st

0-2 WSR: Taylor Hall (PP) (Fowler) 3:55 1st

0-3 WSR: Justin Shugg (Hall, Fowler) 8:15 2nd

1-3 CGY: Justin Bubnick (Foucault, Shattock) 11:43 2nd

2-3 CGY: Justin Bubnick (Schultz) 14:56 2nd

2-4 WSR: Taylor Hall (Unassisted) 0:12 3rd

2-5 WSR: Kenny Ryan (Nemisz, Kassian) 16:56 3rd

2-6 WSR: Adam Wallace (EN) (Johnston) 19:19 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: CGY 27 WSR 37

PP: CGY 0/2 WSR 1/3

PIM: CGY 11 Minutes on 4 Penalties WSR 9 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: CGY Martin Jones 31 SVS on 36 Shots WSR Philipp Grubauer 25 SVS on 27 Shots

ATT: 5201

3rd Star: Dale Mitchell (WSR)

2nd Star: Jimmy Bubnick (CGY)

1st Star: Taylor Hall (WSR)


Tournament Stats Leaders

Scoring Leaders

1. Taylor Hall (WSR) 5 PTS (4G 1A)

2. Jimmy Bubnick (CGY) 4 PTS (2G 2A)

3. Dale Mitchell (WSR) 4 PTS (2G 2A)

4. Toni Rajala (BRN) 4 PTS (2G 2A)

9 Players with 3 Points


Goaltending

1. Jacob De Serres (BRN) 1-1 2.40 GAA .922 SV%

2. Philipp Grubauer (WSR) 2-0 2.50 GAA .917 SV%

3. Martin Jones (CGY) 1-1 4.53 GAA .878 SV%

4. Nicola Riopel (MON) 0-2 4.54 GAA .862 SV%


Tournament Standings after Day 4

1. Windsor 2-0-0 4 PTS 15-5

2. Brandon 1-1-0 2 PTS 7-9

3. Calgary 1-1-0 2 PTS 7-10

4. Moncton 0-2-0 0 PTS 4-9


Tournament Schedule

5/14: Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=107

5/15: Calgary Hitmen 5 Moncton Wildcats 4
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=108

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings 4 Moncton Wildcats 0
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=109

5/17: Calgary Hitmen 2 Windsor Spitfires 6

5/18: Moncton Wildcats VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Calgary Hitmen 7:00 PM

5/20: Tie Breaker (If Necessary) 7:00 PM

5/21: Semifinal: #2 Seed VS. #3 Seed 7:00 PM

5/23: Championship: #1 Seed VS. SF Winner 6:00 PM

Jacob De Serres shutout gives Brandon first win of the Memorial Cup, 4-0

Jacob De Serres had 31 saves in addition to Toni Rajala's 2 goals gave the Wheat Kings a 4-0 win over the QMJHL Champions Moncton Wildcats to go up to 1-1 in the tournament while Moncton goes down to 2-0.

For Brandon, this is a huge moment towards at the very least getting a spot in the Semifinal which will be on May 21 while Moncton needs a win and some help to force Thursday's Tie Braker Game. A Moncton loss on Tuesday against Windsor would eliminate them from the Tournament.

This puts Brandon at 1-1 in 3rd place with their final round robin game on Wednesday against the WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen. Next up is tonight as the Calgary Hitmen VS. Windsor Spitfires. With both teams at 1-0, the winner tonight takes a huge step towards finishing 1st in the Round Robin and getting into the Championship Game automatically on May 23.

In addition to Rajala's 2 goals. Brandon Forwards Brayden Schenn and Brent Raedeke also scored for the Wheat Kings while Moncton goalie Nicola Riopel stopped 34 of 38 shots in net for the Wildcats. He's been playing well, but letting Calgary comeback on Sunday will haunt them in this tournament if they don't at least get to the Semifinals in this year's tournament.


From the Memorial Cup Website: http://www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/

From Brandon, Manitoba: Wheat Kings goaltender Jacob De Serres was brilliant, making 31 saves to earn the shutout win and gave the home team a 4-0 win over the Moncton Wildcats on Sunday Afternoon at Westman Place. Both teams played it tight in the first half of the opening frame with limited scoring opportunities coming about.

The first goal came off the stick of Toni Rajala who received a great pass in the slot from Aaron Lewadniuck on a two-on-one and then proceeded to beat Nicola Riopel with a gorgeous back hand shot at 10:14. No other goals were scored in the first period and the Wheat Kings retreated to their dressing room with a one-goal lead.

Toni Rajala did additional damage in the 2nd period burying his second goal of the day at 8:17. Then, with Randy Cameron in the penalty box for high sticking, Brayden Schenn recorded his first goal of the 2010 Memorial Cup to put them up 3-0.

Head coach Danny Flynn immediately called a timeout to get his team settled down, but the Wildcats were unable to solve De Serres.

At the start of the 3rd period, Brad Radeke put the game out of reach by recording his first goal of the Memorial Cup. Toni Rajala was named the Games first Star. Goaltender Jacob De Serres was honored with games 2nd star while Shayne Wiebe collected the third star.

Former Wheat King and Current Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo participated in the ceremonial opening faceoff.

Game 4 of the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet tomorrow at 7:00 PM CDT as the Calgary Hitmen take on the Windsor Spitfires. The winner will clinch a spot in the Semifinals and will take over first place in the Round Robin. The Game can also be seen on http://www.sportsnet.ca/ and the NHL Network in the USA.


Memorial Cup Quickhits

• The Start Time for the Championship Game has been changed from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM to make it easier for fans all over North America to see it.
• Look for the first stats update tomorrow as each team would have played 2 games. So far, Toni Rajala leads with 4 points (2G 2A)
• To follow the Memorial Cup, log on to http://www.sportsnet.ca/ to see the games on Live Stream. Also on the NHL Network here in the USA if you have it.

Game Boxscore

Brandon Wheat Kings 4 Moncton Wildcats 0 (1-0, 2-0, 1-0)

1-0 BRN: Toni Rajala (Lewadniuk, Urbom) 10:14 1st

2-0 BRN: Toni Rajala (Melnychuk, Fehr) 8:17 2nd

3-0 BRN: Brayden Schenn (PP) (Wiebe, Calvert) 12:19 2nd

4-0 BRN: Brent Raedeke (Wiebe, Bestland) 2:24 3rd

Game Stats

SOG: BRN 38 MON 31

PP: BRN 1/3 MON 0/4

PIM: BRN 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties MON 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: BRN Jacob De Serres 31 SVS on 31 Shots MON Nicola Riopel 34 SVS on 38 Shots

ATT: 5215

3rd Star: Shayne Wiebe (BRN)

2nd Star: Jacob De Serres (BRN)

1st Star: Toni Rajala (BRN)

Tournament Standings as of Day 3

1. Windsor 1-0-0 2 PTS 9-3

2. Calgary 1-0-0 2 PTS 5-4

3. Brandon 1-1-0 2 PTS 7-9

4. Moncton 0-2-0 0 PTS 4-9

Tournament Schedule

5/14: Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (5-0, 4-1, 0-2)

www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=107

5/15: Calgary Hitmen 5 Moncton Wildcats 4 (0-1, 1-2, 4-1)

www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=108

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings 4 Moncton Wildcats 0 (1-0, 2-0, 1-0)

www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=109

5/17: Calgary Hitmen VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/18: Moncton Wildcats VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Calgary Hitmen 7:00 PM

5/20: Tie Breaker (If Necessary) 7:00 PM

5/21: Semifinal: #2 Seed VS. #3 Seed 7:00 PM

5/23: Championship: #1 Seed VS. SF Winner 6:00 PM

Calgary has 4 goal 3rd period to stun Moncton

With Calgary's Brandon Kozoun unable to play because of an injury. Things were looking good for the Moncton Wildcats as they were in control in their Memorial Cup Opener as the Wildcats used 2 goals from Alex Saulnier plus what was another great performance by Nicola Riopel to stop 22 saves in this game. Also goals by Devon Macausland and David Savard also scored for Moncton.

Even without Kozuon, the Hitmen were on the comeback trail in the 3rd period. An early goal Joel Broda made it 3-2. Then after Moncton made it 4-2 with Saulnier's 2nd of the game, the Hitmen turned it up on all cilinders as the Hitmen scored 3 times in just over 4 minutes in the 3rd with goals from Nyren, Foucault and Shattock to comeback to win 5-4 and take their first win from this year's tournament.

Today's game is a key game as Brandon & Moncton will battle and both teams need this win as the loser will go to 0-2 and it will be a serve climb for the Memorial Cup Title for the loser of today's game.


From the Memorial Cup Website: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

From Brandon, Manitoba: The Calgary Hitmen offense exploded with 3 goals in the final 6 minutes of play to surprise the Moncton Wildcats 5-4 Saturday Afternoon at the Westman Place.

As soon as the puck dropped, the Wildcats put pressure on Calgary's defense with big hits on Jayven Rissling and Zak Stebner.

Moncton was the first team to get on the board at 9:53. Devon Macausland in the slot, but the puck was redirected into the net by a Hitmen Defensemen.

Fans had to wait till the 2nd period to see the game's next marker. Defensemen David Savard put the Wildcats up 2-0 with a beautiful wrist-shot that fooled goalie Martin Jones just before the mid-way point. Moncton added a third goal at the 14:11 mark courtesy of Alex Saulnier before Tyler Fiddler cut the lead with his first goal of the tournament.

In the opening minutes of the 3rd period, Ian Schutlz centered a pass when Joel Broda buried behind Riopel. But the Wildcats soon countered as Alex Saulnier registered his second goal of the game nine seconds into a power play to make it 4-2.

The floodgates soon opened up in the last six minutes as Giffen Nyren, Kris Foucault and Tyler Shattock recorded three unanswered markers to give Calgary the win.

Joel Broda was named the Games first Star. Alex Saulnier recorded second star Honors while Tyler Shattock got the 3rd star of the game.

Game 3 of the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet and RDS tomorrow at 2:00 PM at the Brandon Wheat Kings battle the Moncton Wildcats. The game can also been seen live on www.sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network on the USA.


Tournament Records: Calgary is 1-0-0 Moncton is 0-1-0


Game Boxscore

Calgary Hitmen 5 Moncton Wildcats 4 (0-1, 1-2, 4-1)

0-1 MON: Devon Macausland (Unassisted) 9:53 1st

0-2 MON: David Savard (Gormley, Cameron) 7:42 2nd

0-3 MON: Alex Saulnier (Pettersson, Stephens) 14:11 2nd

1-3 CGY: Tyler Fiddler (Cowan) 18:52 2nd

2-3 CGY Joel Broda (Schultz, Stebner) 3:08 3rd

2-4 MON: Alex Saulnier (PP) (Stephens, Savard) 8:48 3rd

3-4 CGY: Giffen Nyren (PP) (Broda, Stone) 14:15 3rd

4-4 CGY Kris Foucault (Bubnick, Shattock) 16:29 3rd

5-4 CGY Tyler Shattock (Bubnick) 18:42 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: CGY 27 MON 38

PP: CGY 1/3 MON 1/3

PIM: CGY 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties MON 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: CGY Martin Jones 34 SVS on 38 Shots MON Nicola Riopel 22 SVS on 27 Shots

ATT: 5123

3rd Star: Tyler Shattock (CGY)

2nd Star: Alex Saulnier (MON)

1st Star: Joel Broda (CGY)


Tournament Standings after Day 2

1. Windsor 1-0-0 2 PTS 9-3

2. Calgary 1-0-0 2 PTS 5-4

3. Moncton 0-1-0 0 PTS 4-5

4. Brandon 0-1-0 0 PTS 3-9


Tournament Schedule

5/14: Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (5-0, 4-1, 0-2)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=107

5/15: Calgary Hitmen 5 Moncton Wildcats 4 (0-1, 1-2, 4-1)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=108

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM

5/17: Calgary Hitmen VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/18: Moncton Wildcats VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Calgary Hitmen 7:00 PM

5/20: Tie Breaker (If Necessary) 7:00 PM

5/21: Semifinal: #2 Seed VS. #3 Seed 7:00 PM

5/23: Championship: #1 Seed VS. SF Winner

Windsor crushes Brandon in Memorial Cup Opener 9-3

Windsor is looking primed and willing that a 2nd straight Memorial Cup Title is in their reach after a 9 goal outburst in this year's Tournament Opener. All the usual weapons were on hand for the Spitfires with Taylor Hall, Adam Henrique and Scott Timmins each scoring twice in the victory.

Goals also came from Kenny Ryan, Zack Kassian and Dale Mitchell as well. In addition to the win as well saw Philipp Gruaber who's having a monster playoff run with 30 saves in the game to keep the Wheat Kings far and away from impressing the huge crowd of nearly 5400 quiet and stunned in the opener.

The only time that Brandon was able to comeback and fire some of their own was in garbage time Matt Calvert, Jay Fehr and Aaron Lewadniuk who scored late in the 2nd and the 3rd.

Goaltending wise it was a very rough day for the Wheat Kings as the goaltending duo split the time and nothing could help them out. Jacob De Serres gave up 4 goals on shots while Andrew Hayes gave up 5 in the first period which included 4 in the first 5 minutes.

Up next for Windsor is the Calgary Hitmen on Monday Night while the Brandon Wheat Kings will need to comeback for Sunday's Game against the Moncton Wildcats.


From the Memorial Cup Website: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

From Brandon, Manitoba: The Windsor Spitfires scored four unanswered goals in the first five minutes of play to open the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup, defeating the Brandon Wheat Kings 9-3 in front of a crowd of 5381 at the Westman Place inside the Keystone Center.

Although the Wheat Kings made their presence felt in the opening minute of the game with several bone crunching hits, the Spitfires put the game out of reach early as Kenny Ryan, Scott Timmins, Adam Henrique and Taylor Hall all recorded markers within the first 5 minutes of play. Taylor Hall scored his second goal of the night at 18:23, putting Windsor up 5-0 after the first twenty minutes.

Wheat Kings Head Coach Kelly Mccrimmon gave the nod to back up goaltender Jacob De Serres in the 2nd period. But that changed little to disrupt the Spitfires who registered their sixth goal of the game at 1:15 courtesy of Adam Henrique.

Scott Timmins and Dale Mitchell added markers before the Wheat Kings finally got on the board thanks to winger Adam Lewadniuk. Unfortunately for the hometown Wheaties, Zach Kassian scored a late one to put the Spitfires up 9-1 late in the 2nd period.

Goal Scorers in the third period included Matt Calvert and Jay Fehr.

Philipp Gruaber made 30 saves to earn the win goal for the Spitfires.

Adam Henrique was named the game's first star, with Spitfires defensemen Mark Cundari named the games 2nd star, and Hall was named the Third Star of the Game.

The Wheat Kings commemorative jersey in honor of the Canadian Military. The jerseys are currently available for bid at www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

Game 2 of the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers SportsNet and RDS tomorrow at 2:00 PM CT as the WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen will play the QMJHL Champion Moncton Wildcats

The Game can also been seen live on www.sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network on the USA.


Round Robin Record: Windsor is 1-0-0 Brandon is 0-0-1

Game Boxscore

Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (5-0, 4-1, 0-2)

1-0 WSR: Kenny Ryan (Kassian, Nemisz) 2:01 1st

2-0 WSR: Scott Timmins (Mitchell) 3:25 1st

3-0 WSR: Adam Henrique (Cundari) 4:27 1st

4-0 WSR: Taylor Hall (Cundari, Henrique) 4:45 1st

5-0 WSR: Taylor Hall (PP) (Fowler, Shugg) 18:23 1st

6-0 WSR: Adam Henrique (Shugg) 1:15 2nd

7-0 WSR: Scott Timmins (Wellwood, Cantin) 14:49 2nd

7-1 BRN: Aaron Lewadniuk (Rajala) 14:57 2nd

8-1 WSR: Zach Kassian (PP) (Nemisz, Mitchell) 16:21 2nd

9-1 WSR: Greg Nemisz (Mitchell)

9-2 BRN: Matt Calvert (Schenn, Glennie) 0:35 3rd

9-3 BRN: Jay Fehr (Lewadniuk, Rajala) 13:28 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: WSR 44 BRN 33

PP: WSR 2/5 BRN 0/3

PIM: WSR 13 Minutes on 5 Penalties BRN 17 Minutes on 7 Penalties

Goalies: WSR Philipp Grubauer 30 SVS on 33 Shots BRN Jacob De Serres 16 SVS on 20 Shots Andrew Hayes 18 SVS on 23 Shots

ATT: 5381

3rd Star: Taylor Hall (WSR)

2nd Star: Mark Cundari (WSR)

1st Star: Adam Henrique (WSR)


Tournament Round Robin Standings after Day 1

1. Windsor 1-0-0 2 PTS 9-3

2. Calgary 0-0-0 0 PTS 0-0

3. Moncton 0-0-0 0 PTS 0-0

4. Brandon 0-0-1 0 PTS 3-9


Tournament Schedule

5/14: Windsor Spitfires 9 Brandon Wheat Kings 3 (5-0, 4-1, 0-2)
www.leaguestat.com/chl/memcup/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=107

5/15: Calgary Hitmen VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM

5/17: Calgary Hitmen VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/18: Moncton Wildcats VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Calgary Hitmen 7:00 PM

5/20: Tie Breaker (If Necessary) 7:00 PM

5/21: Semifinal: #2 Seed VS. #3 Seed 7:00 PM

5/23: Championship: #1 Seed VS. SF Winner 2:00 PM

Tonight's Schedule

With none of the major league playoffs all off last night, plus the start of the Memorial Cup Tonight. It means two things, first is that the season is almost over. Also we are starting to get ready for the Conference Finals in both the NHL & AHL plus the start of the Memorial Cup as the Brandon Wheat Kings will take on the Windsor Spitfires tonight from the Westman Place in Brandon, Manitoba.

This kicks off the Round Robin part of the tournament that will go to May 19 (only 1 Game per day in this Event). Then on Saturday will be the tournament debut of the two other teams as the Calgary Hitmen will play the Moncton Wildcats on Saturday Afternoon.

Also in the NHL, it's the final game of the 2nd Round as the Flyers will look to make some history as only the 3rd team in NHL History to comeback from a 3-0 series deficit as the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 NY Islanders are the only other NHL Teams to do so. The winner of this game will host the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday Night. Regardless of the Matchup, it's officially going to be an underdog Conference Final as it's going to be a 6th or 7th seed against the 8th seeded Montreal Canadiens.

The AHL will start their Western Conference Finals tonight in Hamilton, Ontario as the Hamilton Bulldogs take on the expansion Texas Stars in Game 1 tonight. Texas is the first expansion team since the 2003 Binghamton Senators to make the Conference Finals in their first year. If they were to win this series and make the Calder Cup Final against either the Hershey Bears or the Manchester Monarchs for the Calder Cup Championship this season.

Then Windsor taking on Brandon in the opening day of the Memorial Cup as it should be a battle of top 6 forwards. For the Spitfires, you know the names of Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler. However, another name that could be interesting to see is Adam Henrique who scored 20 goals in the post season, Scott Timmins (11 Goals), plus Dale Mitchell & Zach Kassian with 7 goals each in the playoffs will be others to watch as well.

Brandon may have one of the top forward groups in the entire major juniors (WHL, OHL, QMJHL). A great combo of size, speed and scoring ability will make them very dangerous. Especially when players like Matt Calvert, Scott Glennie and Brayden Schenn are on the ice.

Every game gets bigger and better as we get all the way to the Stanley Cup in Mid June as the season as hockey fans are getting close to the end of the season.


NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Conf. SF Game 7: Philadelphia Flyers VS. Boston Bruins 6:00 PM on Versus

Series Tied 3-3, the winner will host the Montreal Canadians in the Conference Finals.


Stories on tonight's Game.

BOS VS. PHI Ready set for Game 7: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529072

PHI Looks to Make History: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529083

Who has the Edge? www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529141


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Conf. Finals Game 1: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM CT/7:30 PM ET


Stories on tonight's Game.

Bulldogs, Stars ready for West Final: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-stars-ready-for-west-finals-p142640

Look for the Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs Preview.

Bulldogs Palushaj productive: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-palushaj-productive-clairvoyant-p142650


2010 Memorial Cup

4/15, RR Game 1: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

4/16, RR Game 2: Calgary Hitmen VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM


Stories from this Tournament

Brandon to wear Special Jerseys for opener: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1475&y=2010

Brandon ready to defend the Home Ice: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1480&y=2010

Rogers Sportsnet to have Internet Broadcast of Games: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1479&y=2010

Memorial Cup Notebook: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/14/king_memorial_notebook/

Brandon Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_brandon/

Calgary Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_calgary

Windsor Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_windsor

Moncton Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_moncton

5/11 Stanley Cup Update and Tonight's Schedule

Just one game in action last night as the Chicago Blackhawks routed the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 with the help of a 3 goal 2nd period thanks to a trio of unlikely goal scorers with Troy Browuer scoring his first of the playoffs this season. Also Kris Versteeg and David Bolland who eached scored their 3rd goal of the playoffs to make it 3-0 Blackhawks just before the end of the 2nd period.

Vancouver who after winning Game 5 in Chicago were looking to win again and force a Game 7. But it was 2 goals in just 36 seconds that started the rout and it was the beginning of the end of the 2nd period. Vancouver was hoping to keep up the SOG after out-shooting the Blackhawks 13-12 in the first period. But the Canucks were shocked after the first 2 goals.

If it thought it couldn't get any worse, then another unlikely goal-scorer in Dave Bolland scored with less then 30 seconds left to make it 3-0 on the PK. Despite just a couple of penalty minutes in the game, the special teams couldn't be a factor in the game.

In the 3rd, the Canucks were looking to get back in the 3rd period when Shane O'Brien scored just 3 minutes into the 3rd period to make it 3-1 on a wrist shot from Alex Burrows to give Vancouver some hope. However, Patrick Kane put the Blackhawks up to 3 with a wrist shot to give the Blackhawks a 4-1 lead. Then just 25 seconds it was Dustin Byfuglien that scored his 4th of the playoffs to put the game at the 5-1 final score.

The Western Conference Finals are now set as the top 2 seeds between the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks with the series expected to start up probably sometime this weekend for the Western Conference Title.

The last 4 is all set in the American Hockey League and the Conference Final gets underway tonight between the Hershey Bears & Manchester Monarchs. Hershey has been off since April 29 when the Bears sweeped the Albany River Rats in 4 games straight that just 6 days. Manchester had to beat Worcester in a rough-and-tumble 6 game series. Will rust hurt the Bears hopes of a 2nd straight Calder Cup Title.

In the East tonight, both series are in action as the Canadians will look to pull off another major upset as Game 7 is tonight in Pittsburgh. In the Boston VS. Philadelphia Series, after the Bruins won Games 4 and 5 to force a Game 6 tonight in Philadelphia.

In the Juniors, we are just 2 days away from the start of the Memorial Cup as the OHL Champions Windsor Spitfires will take on the Memorial Cup Host Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday Night from the Westman Place in Brandon, Manitoba.

Then in Green Bay Wisconsin, it all comes down tonight as the Green Bay Gamblers have comeback to win Games 3 & 4 on the road in North Dakota to force tonight's game 5 where the winner skates the Clark Cup. One big thing in this game is that Fargo Force Captian Chase Grant is injured and is out of the lineup tonight.

Chicago Blackhawks 5 Vancouver Canucks 1 (0-0, 3-0, 2-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030246

Chicago VS. Vancouver Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030246


The Western Conference Finals is now set as the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks will battle it out for the Western Conference Title and a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Expect the series to start later this week or this weekend.


Tonight's Schedule (All Start Times are CDT)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Game 7: Montreal Canadians VS. Pittsburgh Penguins 6:00 PM

Game 6: Boston Bruins VS. Philadelphia Flyers 7:00 PM


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Game 1: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 6:00 PM


USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

Game 5: Fargo Force VS. Green Bay Gamblers 7:05 PM


Memorial Cup Tournament

5/14: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

2010 Memorial Cup Schedule and Preview

With the Moncton Wildcats clinching the QMJHL Championship in 6 games over the St. John Seadogs last night. The field for this year's CHL Memorial Cup is now set as the Windsor Spitfires will be looking to defend the title that they won last year in Rimouski, QC.

As always, they will have a strong contenders to deal with as the Calgary Hitmen were able to get over the hump after losing last year's WHL Championship to the Kelowna Rockets.

The Moncton Wildcats got to the Memorial Cup with players like Gabriel Bourque with a playoff leading 19 goals.

A strong goaltending performance by Nicola Riopel that was able to stop the Seadogs power forwards like Micheal Kirkpatrick, Stanislav Galiev and Nichols Petersen as the Seadogs only lossed once against P.E.I., and twice against Victoriaville in the Semifinals. The Seadogs also pulled off a sweep against Gatineau in the Quarterfinals.

Windsor as the defending Memorial Cup Champions goes in as favorites with players like Adam Henrique who's been the rising star for the Spitfires along with players like Hall & Fowler. Henrique tied for the playoff scoring lead with Kitchener's Jeff Skinner with 20 goals and would easily be the leading player on just about any other team in the Major Juniors.

The big question for the Spitfires could be secondary scoring, after Henrique and Hall, players like Scott Timmins with 11 goals, plus Dale Mitchell and Zach Kassian with 7 each. Goaltending wise, expect Philipp Grubauer as he started in 18 playoff games by going 16-2 with a 2.69 GAA. Windsor may be the comeback kids, but this tournament is much depper and much more talented then when they came-back last year. A slow start could doom the Spitfires hopes of a 2nd straight Memorial Cup Title.

The Brandon Wheat Kings are looking to make 3 WHL Host Teams in a row to win the Memorial Cup. Kelowna in 2004 and Vancouver in 2007 each won the Memorial Cup when they host it. Brandon has a great combo of size and speed on where they can go up against anybody. An abundance of forwards like Scott Glennie, Matt Calvert and Brayden Schenn who are all NHL Ready in the next year or two. In all, the Wheat Kings had 8 players that scored 20 or more goals during the regular season.

A trade of Jacob De Serres helped booster the Wheat Kings goaltender position back in October. He's helped trade the net with Wheat Kings veteran Andrew Hayes in the rest of the regular season. When the playoffs started though, Jacob De Serres has played a majority of time in net during the playoffs as the Wheat Kings sweep Swift Current Broncos and beat the Saskatoon Blades in 6 games.

This was before the Calgary Hitmen beat them in 5 games in the Eastern Conference Finals. This may be a part of the strategy to help the Wheat Kings get some rest and help them prepare them for the Memorial Cup at home.

Finally the Calgary Hitmen got to the Memorial Cup by beating the Tri-City Americans in 5 games. Look for Brandon Kozun lead the playoffs with 30 points (Including 22 assists). The concern for the Hitmen is that they have some great set-up men. But can players like Joel Broda and Cody Slyvester get enough help scoring goals in a short format where anything can happen.

Martin Jones is very durable as he has played nearly every minute of the playoffs while posting a 2.36 GAA during the Hitmen's post-season run. Can he keep it up for the Memorial Cup to bring the Hitmen their first Memorial Cup in Team History in their 2nd attempt. Back in 1999, the Hitmen got to the Memorial Cup Final before losing to the Ottawa 67s.


Memorial Cup Format: The 4 teams will play a Round-Robin with the 1st Place Team gaining an automatic spot in the Championship.

After the Round Robin, the 2nd Place Team gets into the Semifinals while the 3rd & 4th place team may play a Tie-Breaker if they is a tie for 3rd place. If not, then the 3rd place team automatically gets into the Semifinals. The Semifinal Winner will move on to the Championship Team against the Top Seed.

In addition to the Memorial Cup, to find more info on this year's tournament. Check out "The Pipeline Show" Memorial Cup Preview show tonight as they will talk with the head coaches of the Memorial Cup Teams. You can listen to the Pipeline Show which is from 8-10 PM on line. If you miss the show live, check out the Media Archive.

Click on "Media Archive", then click on Season 5.5 which from Jan to August of 2010. Then click on the May 11 episode and next weeks episode on May 18 as the tournament goes on. Then find the features you want to listen to as well.


The Pipeline Show Website: www.thepipelineshow.com

Pipeline Show Blog: http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.com

Key Players at the Memorial Cup: http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.com/2010/05/top-5-tuesday-key-players-at-memorial.html

I will also be posting game wrap ups and the Boxscores for the different games. During the Round-Robin, also look for updated standings to determine the matchups for the Tie Breaker, Semifinal and then the Championship game on 5/23.

Here's a look at how the 4 teams reached the Memorial Cup Tournament which begins on Friday.


Brandon Wheat Kings (Tournament Hosts)

Regular Season Record: 50-18-4 104 PTS, 321 GF 204 GA, Finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference

Conference Quarterfinals VS. Swift Current: Game 1 5-2 W, Game 2 5-3 W, Game 3 5-2 W, Game 4 3-2 OTW

Conference Semifinals VS. Saskatoon: Game 1 6-5 W, Game 2 4-1 W, Game 3 4-5 L, Game 4 3-4 L, Game 5 3-2 W, Game 6 5-4 W

Conference Finals VS. Calgary: Game 1 4-2 W, Game 2 2-3 OTL, Game 3 3-6 L, Game 4 3-4 L, Game 5 1-6 L


Brandon Wheat Kings Scoring Leaders
Brayden Schenn 15 GP 19 PTS (8G 11A)
Matt Calvert 15 GP 16 PTS (9G 7A)
Aaron Lewadniuk 15 GP 14 PTS (6G 8A)


Brandon Wheat Kings Goaltending
Jacob De Serres 12 GP 8-4 3.17 GAA .897 SV%
Andrew Hayes 3 GP 1-2 3.37 GAA .880 SV%

Full Brandon Wheat Kings Stats: http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters&season_id=

Brandon Wheat Kings Website: www.wheatkings.com


Calgary Hitmen (WHL Champions)

Regular Season Record: 52-17-3 107 PTS, 269 GF 177 GA, Finished 1st in the East

Conference Quarterfinals VS. Moose Jaw: Game 1 2-4 L, Game 2 1-4 L, Game 3 7-3 W, Game 4 3-4 L, Game 5 5-2 W, Game 6 7-3 W, Game 7 6-2 W

Conference Semifinals VS. Medicine Hat: Game 1 5-2 W, Game 2 4-0 W, Game 3 3-4 OTL, Game 4 4-1 W, Game 5 2-5 L, Game 6 3-2 W

Conference Finals VS. Brandon: Game 1 2-4 L, Game 2 3-2 OTW, Game 3 6-3 W, Game 4 4-3 W, Game 5 6-1 W

WHL Championship VS. Tri-City: Game 1 7-0 W, Game 2 4-1 W, Game 3 4-1 W, Game 4 2-4 L, Game 5 4-1 W


Calgary Hitmen Scoring Leaders
Brandon Kozun 23 GP 30 PTS (8G 22A, +11)
Michael Stone 23 GP 20 PTS (5G 15A, +16)
Misha Fisenko 23 GP 19 PTS (8G 11A, +2)

Calgary Hitmen Goaltending
Martin Jones 23 GP 16-7 2.36 GAA .915 SV%

Full Calgary Hitmen Playoff Stats: http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters&season_id=235

Calgary Hitmen Website: www.hitmenhockey.com/index.asp


Windsor Spitfires (OHL Champions)

Regular Season Record: 50-12-6 106 PTS, 331 GF 203 GA, Finished 1st in the West

Conference Quarterfinals VS. Erie: Game 1 6-2 W, Game 2 3-1 W, Game 3 7-6 W, Game 4 5-1 W

Conference Semifinals VS. Plymouth: Game 1 5-1 W, Game 2 5-3 W, Game 3 5-0 W, Game 4 3-2 OTW

Conference Finals VS. Kitchener: Game 1 6-7 OTL, Game 2 2-5 L, Game 3 3-5 L, Game 4 7-5 W, Game 5 3-0 W, Game 6 6-4 W, Game 7 4-1

OHL Championship VS. Barrie: Game 1 4-3 OTW, Game 2 5-3 W, Game 3 5-2 W, Game 4 6-2 W


Windsor Spitfires Scoring Leaders
Taylor Hall 19 GP 35 PTS (17G 18A, +17)
Ryan Ellis 19 GP 33 PTS (3G 30A, +13)
Adam Henrique 19 GP 25 PTS (20G 5A, +13)

Windsor Spitfires Goaltending
Marvic Parks 10 GP 7-3 2.29 GAA .926 SV%
Peter Di Savo 7 GP 5-2 3.26 GAA .893 SV%

Full Ontario Hockey League Stats: www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters&season_id=41

Windsor Spitfires Website: www.windsorspitfires.com


Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL Champions)

Regular Season Record: 48-14-6 102 PTS, 276 GF 164 GA, Finished 2nd in the Atlantic Division, 5th Overall

Divisional Round VS. Cape Breton: Game 1 6-3 W, Game 2 6-0 W, Game 3 3-2 OTW, Game 4 1-4 L, Game 5 4-0 W

Quarterfinals VS. Rouyn-Nornda: Game 1 6-1 W, Game 2 4-3 OTW, Game 3 7-2 W, Game 4 4-5 OTL, Game 5 3-1 W

Semifinals VS. Drummondville: Game 1 5-3 W, Game 2 5-2 W, Game 3 1-2 OTL, Game 4 4-0 W, Game 5 4-2 W

QMJHL Championship VS. St. John: Game 1 5-1 W, Game 2 9-3 W, Game 3 4-6 L, Game 4 2-3 OTL, Game 5 5-1 W, Game 6 7-4 W


Moncton Wildcats Scoring Leaders
Kelsey Tessier 21 GP 30 PTS (14G 16A, +17)
Gabriel Bourque 21 GP 29 PTS (19G 10A, +19)
Mark Barberio 21 GP 22 PTS (5G 17A, +10)

Moncton Wildcats Goaltending
Nicola Riopel 21 GP 16-4 2.14 GAA .930 SV%
Shane Owen 5 GP 0-1 1.42 GAA .938 SV%


Full Moncton Wildcats Stats: www.lhjmq.qc.ca/lang_en/index.php?page=11194745&typ=pyf&an=0910&v=2&report=PlayersRecordsPerTeam&filter_id=Mon&subfilter_id=

Moncton Wildcats Website: www.moncton-wildcats.com/en-ca/home


Here's the Tournament Schedule which begins on Friday. Just 1 game per day during the Round-Robin which will go from 5/14 to 5/19. The Tie Breaker if needed will be on May 20. Then the Semifinals is on May 21 with the Title Game on 5/23.

5/14: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

5/15: Calgary Hitmen VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM

5/16: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM

5/17: Calgary Hitmen VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/18: Moncton Wildcats VS. Windsor Spitfires 7:00 PM

5/19: Brandon Wheat Kings VS. Calgary Hitmen 7:00 PM

5/20: Tie Breaker (If Necessary) 7:00 PM

5/21: Semifinal: 2nd Seed VS. 3rd Seed 7:00 PM

5/23: Championship: #1 Seed VS. SF Winner 2:00 PM

Memorial Cup Tournament Website: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com

Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Scoreboard

Thanks for your patience, but the last couple of days have been very tiring as my grandmother was having health problems again and had a Colonosocopy yesterday morning and had to help her out with stuff for the rest of the day afterwards.

Here's the scores with the links to boxscores and Game Stories from Saturday to Monday as we are starting to get an idea who may be playing in the Conference Finals in both leagues coming up later this week and this weekend.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

5/8

Montreal Canadians 1 Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (0-1, 0-1, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030215

Montreal VS. Pittsburgh Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030215


Detroit Red Wings 1 San Jose Sharks 2 (0-0, 1-1, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030235

Detroit VS. San Jose Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030235


5/9

Vancouver Canucks 4 Chicago Blackhawks 1 (2-0, 1-0, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030245

Vancouver VS. Chicago Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030245


5/10

Pittsburgh Penguins 3 Montreal Canadians 4 (1-1, 1-2, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030216

Pittsburgh VS. Montreal Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030216


Philadelphia Flyers 4 Boston Bruins 0 (1-0, 2-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030225

Philadelphia VS. Boston Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030225


Here's a look at how the Conference Semifinals Stand


Eastern Conference

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins VS. #8 Montreal Canadians: Series Tied 3-3, Game 7 is on Wednesday Night.

#6 Boston Bruins VS. #7 Philadelphia Flyers: Boston Leads Series 3-2, Game 6 is on Wednesday Night.


Western Conference

#1 San Jose Sharks VS. #5 Detroit Red Wings: San Jose Wins Series 4-1

#2 Chicago Blackahawks VS. #3 Vancouver Canucks: Chicago Leads Series 3-2, Game 6 is Tonight.


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs


5/8

Hamilton Bulldogs 5 Abbotsford Heat 2 (0-1, 1-1, 4-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007301

Hamilton VS. Abbotsford Game Story: http://theahl.com/five-in-a-row-gives-bulldogs-game-5-p142585


5/9

Texas Stars 0 Chicago Wolves 2 (0-1, 0-0, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007295

Texas VS. Chicago Game Story: www.texasstarshockey.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=297


5/10

Abbotsford Heat 0 Hamilton Bulldogs 4 (0-1, 0-0, 0-3)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007302

Abbotsford VS. Hamilton Game Story: http://theahl.com/-dogs-blank-heat-advance-to-western-finals-p142606


Here's a look at how the Divisional Finals are going plus the schedule for the Eastern Conference as the Hershey Bears & Manchester Monarchs will start their series tomorrow night.


Eastern Conference

Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs: Game 1 is on Wednesday Night in Hershey, Penn.


Western Conference

North Division: The Hamilton Bulldogs win the Series 4-2 and advances to the Western Conference Finals.

West Division: Game 7 of the West Division Finals will be tonight in Chicago.


Tonight's Playoff Schedule


NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Chicago Blackhawks VS. Vancouver Canucks Game 6, 8:30 PM


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game 7, 7:00 PM


Junior Championships


Major Junior Memorial Cup

5/14: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM


USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

5/12: Fargo Force VS. Green Bay Gamblers Game 5, 7:05 PM