The stage is set for the Memorial Cup final as the Quebec Remparts have found their opponent in the Seattle Thunderbirds, who defeated the Peterborough Petes 4-1 in the semifinal.
The Petes endured pressure from the Thunderbirds in the early stages of the semifinal, with Seattle displaying better control of the puck. However, Peterborough’s goaltender, Michael Simpson, put on a solid performance, while the Thunderbirds utilized their speed through the neutral zone to challenge the Petes’ defense.
Near the end of the first period, an incident occurred when Tucker Robertson attempted to hit a Seattle player behind the net. Unfortunately, his elbow accidentally hit teammate Avery Hayes in the chin. Although Hayes appeared dazed initially, he managed to leave the ice under his own power with the help of a trainer and returned for the second period.
The second period started with Seattle continuing to dominate the game. Despite hitting three posts and Simpson’s remarkable saves, it took the Thunderbirds until the 15-minute mark of the second period to score. Brad Lambert’s shot ricocheted off Simpson and trickled between his legs, granting Seattle the first goal of the semifinal.
Throughout the first two periods, the Thunderbirds maintained a one-goal lead, outshooting the Petes 31-16. Peterborough relied heavily on Simpson’s outstanding efforts to stay in the game.
The third period saw both teams exchanging scoring opportunities. Seattle took advantage of a defensive lapse by the Petes early on, with Colten Dach capitalizing on a pass from Kyle Crnkovic to extend the Thunderbirds’ lead. However, the Petes quickly responded, with Brennan Othmann setting up Owen Beck, who then fed the puck back to Othmann for a goal. The game turned into a chaotic back-and-forth affair, with both goaltenders making impressive saves.
About halfway through the third period, Seattle capitalized on the chaos, with Jared Davidson attempting to score and Kyle Crnkovic tapping the loose puck over the line. Although the Petes fought back and narrowed the gap, Nico Myatovic sealed the deal for the Thunderbirds with an empty-net goal.
Despite a valiant effort from Peterborough, Seattle proved to be a formidable opponent with their depth, speed, skill, and precision. The Quebec Remparts now await the Thunderbirds in the Memorial Cup final, having had the opportunity to rest and ensure their full health. The rest period benefits the Remparts’ goaltender, William Rousseau, who will enter the final well-rested and ready to give his all.
Quebec will rely on Rousseau’s performance, especially since they were outshot by Seattle in their previous meeting. A strong showing from him will put the Remparts in a favorable position, considering the offensive firepower throughout their lineup.
James Malatesta, a prospect for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has been exceptional throughout the Memorial Cup, leading Quebec’s offensive charge. His ability to score timely goals has been a key factor in their playoff run. Additionally, the Remparts’ captain, Theo Rochette, possesses exceptional playmaking skills that can trouble Seattle’s mobile defense. A standout performance from Rochette on the big stage could potentially open up professional opportunities for him.
Although Seattle entered the tournament as the favorite, their loss to Quebec in the round-robin forced them to take a longer route to the finals. Despite the top line of Brad Lambert, Dylan Guenther, and Reid Schaefer struggling in the tournament thus far, the semifinal saw signs of improvement. Seattle’s defense has been particularly impressive, showcasing their ability to make crisp breakout passes and exploit the offensive zone.
While the Thunderbirds’ secondary scoring has compensated for their top line’s difficulties, the Memorial Cup final promises to be a clash between two well-rounded and talented teams. Although Seattle boasts more NHL-drafted players, the Remparts possess a wealth of experience across their lineup. This highly anticipated matchup has the potential to become a memorable encounter that will be remembered for years to come, thanks to the exceptional talent on both sides.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) champions will face off against the Western Hockey League (WHL) champions for the ultimate CHL glory. This tournament is truly special, and we are in for a thrilling contest.
