Vancouver-- It took the full 7 games but the Vancouver Giants have defeated the St. Cloud Huskies to claim the first ever BRHL Juniors Memorial Cup, giving GM Rob Botham his second title win this year, and his third BRHL title (Season 5 BRHL 1) during his long run in the BRHL Empire!
The Giants lost game 6 by a score of 3-2 after the Huskies scored the winner, late in the third period on Dimitri Kugryshev's 10th goal of the playoffs. It was clearly a frustrating loss for Vancouver, who started off slowly but played a strong 2nd and 3rd period and looked good after Nicolas Deschamp scored early in the 3rd period.
"We were frustrated and felt we should of won this game, but these things happen, we will have to regroup and move on," said GM Rob Botham after the game.
Game 7 was certainly a far cry from the tight Game 6 battle as Vancouver dominated the Huskies! After a close 1st period that saw the teams head into the dressing room tied at 2, the Giants came out guns blazing and scorched St. Cloud State for 4 goals in the period including a pair by defenseman Ben Lindemulder. By the 3rd it was clear that the Huskies had given up as they registered only 4 shots on net, but the Giants refused to let up chasing back up Connor Knapp half way through the period after he had releaved starter Jordan Pearce in the 2nd.
"There is no way I can tell you how proud I am of these boys," said the Giants GM, "they knew they had let a chance to win game 6 slip and they weren't going to let that happen in game 7!"
"They put their foot on the Huskies throats and they didn't let them go, they showed an amazing killer instinct" he added.
Joel Broda was named the playoffs MVP, just edging out Chris Terry, a player GM Rob Botham has reportedly acquired according to league rumours. Broda not only led the playoffs in points with 29 but also in goals with 15.
__________________
Season 5 BRHL 1 Champion Season 1 BRHL Euro Champion Season 1 BRHL Juniors Champion
Man, great job. You're on fire. :) My Sioux will be back next season, I thought I could challenge this year, but my team was so inconsistent. I'll have a solid squad coming back though, Seguin, Skinner, Henrique... The Giants have a target on their backs now! :)