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

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