While the Ed Chynoweth Cup isn’t coming to Seattle this year, the Seattle Thunderbirds really gave it their all. We were able to watch the young men transform to a struggling team nearly half made from new players mid-season to a fully developed, cohesive team of hockey players worthy of the pros. While the Brandon Wheat Kings beat the Birds on Friday night with a score of 8-4, the Birds never stopped trying and really pushed to get this far in the championship.

During the first period, Brandon scored first when Quenneville made a goal assisted by Duke and McGauley. Seattle took the next point, tying the game when Uhrich made a goal. Schumacher and Schuldhaus had the assists. The tie didn’t last long, however, as Erkamps made a shot for Brandon next, with assists by Hawryluk and Provorov. Compared to the rest of the games this championship, this was one of the most active first periods we have seen. It also involved some players who haven’t been as active in scoring lately, which was fun to watch.

In the second period, Coulter scored, giving Brandon a wider lead. Hawryluk and Patrick had the assists. Seattle scored next with another shot from Uhrich, with assists from Tyszka and Barzal. Seattle tied the game up again when Smith made the next goal. Barzal and Bear had the assists this time. True made the next shot, giving Seattle the lead again. Assists were given by Leth and Smith. It did not last long, however, because Brandon tied the game back up only six minutes later when Hawryluk scored, assisted by Hawryluk.

They may have gone into the third period with just one goal, but that is where Brandon really took over, scoring another three to win the game by a much wider margin than they had previously done throughout the championship. Patrick scored during the third period, assisted by Wheaton and Clague. Hawryluk scored again, assisted by Patrick and Coulter. The final goal was made by Mattheos with an assist by Campbell. It was a nail-biter of a game up until the end.

The Birds really made this season one to enjoy. We will miss seeing them play until next season begins, but we will also enjoy watching several players join the professional league as well. What was your favorite play during the playoffs? Who became your favorite player to watch? Let us know in the comments.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia