REGINA - For the first time in franchise history, the Seattle Thunderbirds are Western Hockey League champions.
Alexander True banged home a rebound at 12:36 of overtime Sunday, and the Thunderbirds beat the Regina Pats 4-3 to capture the WHL title in six games.
Before a 26th sellout of the year of 6484 in the Brandt Centre, the Pats struck first in this elimination game. Sam Steel rifled home a powerplay goal from the slot at 7:18 of the opening period, and the Pats carried that 1-0 lead into the second.
It wasn't a great start for the Pats however, as they didn't register a shot on goal until the 4:00 mark and were outshot 10-3 in the opening 20 minutes.
The calm Thunderbirds kept up the punishing pace they employed all series and tied the game at 8:55 of the second on a goal by Sami Moilainen. It was 1-1 after 40 minutes.
The third period was intense, but the Pats broke free with goals from Josh Mahura and Austin Wagner midway through the frame just 1:22 apart for a 3-1 lead advantage.
The roof went off the Brandt Centre and visions of a Game 7 on Monday were dancing in our heads.
But not so fast.
With 5:22 remaining, the Thunderbirds' Ryan Gropp roofed a shot over the shoulder of Pats goalie Tyler Brown and then Keegan Kolesar tied the game 3-3 on the powerplay with just 2:54 to go.
On they went to overtime - where the TBirds outshot the Pats 8-4 - and True ended it just moments after Regina forward Nick Henry was robbed at the other end on an opportunity that could've won the Pats the match and forced a Game 7.
But it wasn't to be as the Thunderbirds skated off with the Ed Chynoweth Cup.
Seattle outshot the Pats 43-31 in the contest and both teams were 1/4 on the powerplay.
The Thunderbirds will now move on to the 2017 Memorial Cup in Windsor, ON while the Regina Pats saw their remarkable record-setting season come to a devastating end on home ice.
Thanks for the great season Pats!
RP
@rodpedersen
0 Response to "VIGR RECAP: PATS SEASON ENDS"
Post a Comment