Yesterday saw the CHL Memorial Cup semi-final between the WHL representatives, the Seattle Thunderbirds, and the OHL representatives, the Peterborough Petes.
The winning team would join the Quebec Remparts in the final.
On Thursday, the Petes pulled off a remarkable comeback against the Kamloops Blazers in their tie-breaking game to advance to the Memorial Cup semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Thunderbirds were off, and let’s just say it showed last night.
In this semi-final between two Montreal Canadiens prospects, Owen Beck and Jared Davidson, the Thunderbirds’ Owen Beck came out on top, 4-1.
The @SeattleTbirds have advanced to the final of the 2023 #MemorialCup presented by @KiaCanada! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/mJHgzq64Qy
– Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 3, 2023
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It was a thoroughly deserved victory for the Thunderbirds, who dominated throughout the game, as evidenced by the shots on goal (47-28 for Seattle).
Hats off to Petes goalie Michael Simpson, who turned aside 30 shots before finally conceding for the first time late in the second period.
#GoJetsGo prospect Brad Lambert breaks the deadlock in the #MemorialCup semi-final! pic.twitter.com/AyTE31yQkD
– Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 3, 2023
The Thunderbirds then quickly added to their lead in the third period thanks to Kirby Dach’s brother, Colton Dach.
What a pass from Kyle Crnkovic to find #Blackhawks prospect Colton Dach! 👀 #MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/zI8jwsOp2A
– Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 3, 2023
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The Petes hit back moments later, however, with a goal from Brennan Othmann on a pass from Owen Beck.
Finesse touch out front from #NYR prospect Brennan Othmann! #MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/7dMacM6YKm
– Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 3, 2023
Unfortunately for the Petes, the Thunderbirds then dealt them a blow midway through the third period, regaining a two-goal lead thanks to Kyle Crnkovic.
The @SeattleTbirds‘ Kyle Crnkovic has his fifth of the #MemorialCup! pic.twitter.com/DF8rrnOrEN
– Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 3, 2023
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The Thunderbirds finally sealed the game’s outcome with an empty-net goal.
CH prospect Jared Davidson had two assists in the game, on the third and fourth goals.
In short, Jared Davidson and the Seattle Thunderbirds eliminated Owen Beck and the Peterborough Petes to reach the first Memorial Cup final in their history.
Beck’s season is over, and it will be interesting to see if he plays with the CH next year. At least, according to Stéphane Leroux, he’s not ready for the NHL.
In any case, it’s clear that the comments made by Petes captain Shawn Spearing during the first intermission will have cringed the Thunderbirds.
“That guy’s just a loser, to be honest with ya”.
Shawn Spearing with an all-time answer for @juliatocheri 😂😂#MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/szCWGbsn09
– BarDown (@BarDown) June 3, 2023
In short, the Seattle Thunderbirds will face the Quebec Remparts this Sunday at 7pm in the Memorial Cup Grand Final.
Let’s just say it would be pretty weird to see the Thunderbirds, an American team, win the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) tournament.
Let’s hope the Remparts win.
En Rafale
– Too bad for the Petes.
For the #Petes, it was their 101st game of the season, and it was clear that the tank was out of gas.
In 10 appearances at the #CoupeMemorial this franchise has only won the Big Trophy once, in 1979.
– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) June 3, 2023
– The Remparts are one win away from their goal.
The Remparts were built to win the Memorial Cup. Now they’re just one win away.
How was this team built? I take you behind the scenes of building a championship team.https://t.co/7kUAG1f0sA
– Kevin Dubé (@KDubeJDQ) June 2, 2023
– Will Patrice Bergeron return for another season with the Bruins?
In the latest @BOSHockeyNow Bruins Daily:
-#NHLBruins doing their due diligence on how to keep Tyler Bertuzzi
-Will Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron return for another season?
-Gam1 of the #StanleyCupFinal is tonight!https://t.co/Uut522RwDf– MurphysLaw74 (@MurphysLaw74) June 3, 2023
– Already 37 years old for the tennis legend.
Rafael Nadal turns 37 today! https://t.co/JIlhmavuWr
– Geneviève Tardif (@tardifgen) June 3, 2023
– Read more.
Nathalie Séguin, head coach of the Canadian men’s tennis team, takes us into the little-known world of adapted sports. @rougeetor
Podium text✍️https://t.co/HtFguqBQZu
– Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) June 3, 2023