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

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

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

Western HOckey League Conference Finals Schedule & Preview

The top 4 seeds in the Western Hockey League playoffs are going to fight it out for the WHL Championship and the Memorial Cup as the 4 division Champions are the only left standings. The Calgary Hitmen (Central Division), The Brandon Wheat Kings (East Division), Vancouver Giants (BC Division), and the Tri-City Americans (U.S.A. Division) all have quality teams that have the ability to win the championship.

However, will the amount of talent and long series take a toll on the WHL Champion's ability to compete for the Memorial Cup next month in Brandon, Manitoba.

Note: If the Brandon Wheat Kings advance to the WHL Championship Series, the Western Conference Champions will automatically advance to the Memorial Cup due to the Wheat Kings hosting the tournament.

The Brandon Wheat Kings have one thing on their mind, REVENGE! After falling in a series sweep in last year's Eastern Conference Final, the Wheat Kings will have a bounty on the Hitmen as they look to knockout the Hitmen with players like Matt Calvert and Scott Glennie among a huge cast that has the speed, scoring ability and the size that can eventually ware down the Hitmen.

Brandon's scoring ability is massive, after a regular season where 8 players scored 20 or more goals. The Wheat Kings have been able to continue to spread the scoring threats as Brayden Schenn with 15 points (7G 8A), also Brent Raedeke, Matt Calvert, and Aaron Lewadniuk who has 5 or more goals so far in the playoffs. In Net, both Jacob De Serres is an impressive 7-1 in the playoffs with a 2.79 GAA in the playoffs as he looks to improve as the games start to get bigger and bigger as the road to the Memorial Cup continues.

Calgary will respond with players like Brandon Kozoun who's leading the league in assists with 13. If the Hitmen are going to need improve their special teams as the Wheat Kings have been very strong on the special teams and have the among the best in the entire major junior playoffs.

Can the Hitmen pull off another big series win over the Wheat Kings or will the Wheat Kings get their revenge.

The Western Conference will have the Tri-City Americans breathing easier as the Americans have avoided a possible big time showdown against the US Division Rival Portland Winterhawks. Many thought that with the U.S. Division being the strongest in the league, that we would have an all US Matchup for the Western Conference Final between the Americans & Winterhawks.

Now it's the Vancouver Giants lead by leading scorers Craig Cunningham and Brendan Gallagher who among the scoring leaders with 19 & 18 points. Including Cunningham who leads all players with 19 points (11G 8A). You also have Lance Bouma who's among the top assists getter's with 11 in 10 games played. For the Giants concerns, it may be in net as Mark Segan hasn't found a way to up his game after his 2.66 GAA during the regular season with a 3.59 GAA so far in 10 playoff games in the post-season against the Chilliwack Bruins & the Portland Winterhawks so far in the post-season.

Tri-City will be looking to Dergei Drozd & Brooks Macek who's speed and overall game has taken them to the Conference Final. The Americans are starting to get better as the playoffs go on. Despite playing the 8th seeded Chilliwack Bruins and 6th seeded Kelowna Rockets, this team is playoff updates as the have had some very tough matchups. The Experience of the Kelowna Rockets with players like Mark Guggenberger who have been able to challenge the Americans championship hopes.

Perhaps the Americans secrets weapon is goaltender Drew Owsley has improved his game throughout his junior career since he started last year with the Americans. During the regular season, the Americans goalie has improved his GAA from 2.94 last year where he played just 17 games (Mostly late in the Season), to a great 2.23 this year in the playoffs. After a few struggles against Chilliwack, he's starting to get into his grove as he hasn't been able to give up more then 3 goals and had a shutout against Kelowna in Game 3 of the Conference Semifinals.


Here's a look WHL Conference Finals Schedules. The Winners will compete for the WHL Championship.

Eastern Conference Final


#1 Calgary Hitmen VS. #2 Brandon Wheat Kings

Calgary Hitmen Road to the Memorial Cup

Regular Season Record: 52-17-3 107 PTS, 269 GF 177 GA

East QFS 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

East SFS 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 OTW


Calgary Scoring Leaders
Brandon Kozun 13 GP 18 PTS (5G 13A, +3)
Tyler Shattock 13 GP 15 PTS (5G 10A, +7)
Joel Broda 13 GP 10 PTS (8G 2A, +2)


Calgary Goaltending
Martin Jones 13 GP 8-5 2.69 GAA .897 SV%


Brandon Wheat Kings Road to the Memorial Cup

Regular Season Record: 50-18-4 104 PTS, 321 GF 204 GA

East QFS VS. Swift Current: Game 1 5-2 W, Game 2 5-3 W, Game 3 5-2 W, Game 4 3-2 OTW

East SFS VS. Saskatoon: Game 1 6-2 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


Brandon Scoring Leaders
Brayden Schenn 10 GP 15 PTS (7G 8A, +1)
Colby Robak 10 GP 12 PTS (3G 9A, +4)
Aaron Lewadniuk 10 GP 11 PTS (6G 5A, +3)

Brandon Goaltending
Jacob De Serres 8 GP 7-1 2.79 GAA .909 SV%
Andrew Hayes 2 GP 1-1 3.03 GAA .898 SV%


All Calgary Hitmen Home Games are @ Pengrowth Saddledome

All Brandon Wheat Kings Home Games are @ Westman Place

Game 1, 4/16: @ Calgary 8:00 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Calgary 8:00 PM

Game 3, 4/20: @ Brandon 7:00 PM

Game 4, 4/21: @ Brandon 7:00 PM

Game 5, 4/23: @ Calgary 8:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/25: @ Brandon 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Calgary 8:00 PM*

*If Necessary


Western Conference Finals


#1 Tri-City Americans VS. #2 Vancouver Giants

Tri-City Americans Road to the Memorial Cup

Regular Season Record: 47-22-3 97 PTS, 272 GF 193 GA

West QFS VS. Chilliwack: Game 1 4-2 W, Game 2 8-1 W, Game 3 1-5 L, Game 4 4-3 OTW, Game 5 3-4 OTL, Game 6 4-1 W

West SFS VS. Kelowna: Game 1 5-3 W, Game 2 2-3 L, Game 3 2-0 W, Game 4 3-2 W, Game 5 4-3 W


Tri-City Scoring Leaders
Brendan Shinnimin 11 GP 13 PTS (6G 7A, +3)
Brooks Macek 11 GP 13 PTS (4G 9A, +12)
Sergei Drozd 11 GP 12 PTS (7G 5A, +10)

Tri-City Goaltending
Drew Owsley 11 GP 8-3 2.23 GAA .930 SV%
Alexander Pechurskiy 2 GP 0-0 2.93 GAA .920 SV%


Vancouver Giants Road to the Memorial Cup

Regular Season Record: 41-25-6 88 PTS, 267 GF 211 GA

West QFS VS. Kamloops: Game 1 4-3 OTW, Game 2 6-3 W, Game 3 5-4 OTW, Game 4 5-4 W

West SFS VS. Portland: Game 1 9-6 W, Game 2 7-4 W, Game 2 7-4 W, Game 3 2-3 L, Game 4 5-3 W, Game 5 4-5 L, Game 6 3-1 W


Vancouver Scoring Leaders
Craig Cunningham 10 GP 19 PTS (11G 8A, +10)
Brendan Gallagher 10 GP 18 PTS (9G 9A, +13)
Lance Bouma 10 GP 14 PTS (3G 11A, +6)

Vancouver Goaltending
Mark Segal 10 GP 8-2 3.59 GAA .891 SV%


All Tri-City Americans Home Games are @ Toyota Center

All Vancouver Giants Home Games are @ Pacific Coliseum

Game 1, 4/16: @ Tri-City 9:05 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Tri-City 9:35 PM

Game 3, 4/20: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM

Game 4, 4/22: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM

Game 5, 4/24: @ Tri-City 3:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/26: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Tri-City 9:05 PM*

*If Necessary