The Seattle Thunderbirds are off to Windsor.
The Thunderbirds got revenge for losing in the finals last season by winning their first Ed Chynoweth Cup on Sunday night.
See you in Windsor at the 2017 @MCMemorialCup, @SeattleTBirds fans!
— #WHLChampionship (@TheWHL) May 15, 2017
INFO & TIX | https://t.co/yoDTzW819J pic.twitter.com/uUMqxd9kVv
Alex True played the role of hero, scoring in overtime to give the Thunderbirds the 4-3 win in game six and the 4-2 win in the series.
Co-captain and Islanders prospect, Matt Barzal, was awarded WHL playoff MVP and he told reporters after the game that he couldn’t be prouder of this group of guys.
“Had a tough go last year losing in the finals and to come back this year, it’s all worth it,” said Barzal. “These guys work so hard all year. it’s great to see everybody lift the cup and get rewarded.”
Congrats to @Barzal_97, 2017 #WHLPlayoffs MVP 🏆 pic.twitter.com/BzZNtYPXCX
— #WHLChampionship (@TheWHL) May 15, 2017
It was looking like a game seven back in Seattle might be a possibility when the Pats scored a pair of quick third period goals to take a 3-1 lead.
The Thunderbirds showed no quit though, scoring a pair of their own in the final six minutes to force extra time.
True would eventually score the championship-winning goal just over a dozen minutes into overtime, sending Seattle to the Memorial Cup in Windsor.
.@TheTrueAlex97 is your OT hero! @SeattleTbirds win their first #WHLChampionship in franchise history! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MVjtUxXyF3
— #WHLChampionship (@TheWHL) May 15, 2017
That Memorial Cup will kick off on Friday night with the host Windsor Spitfires taking on the QMJHL winning Saint John Sea Dogs.
Seattle’s first game will be Saturday afternoon against the other American team in the tournament, the OHL winning Erie Otters.
