PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – History was made as the Cape Breton West Islanders became the first team from Atlantic Canada to win the TELUS Cup. The Islanders captured gold at the 2017 TELUS Cup in dramatic fashion with a 5-4 overtime win over the Blizzard du Séminaire Saint-François in Sunday’s final of Canada’s 44th National Midget Championship at the CN Centre.
“I think that game was a great description of our team,” said Cape Breton West head coach Kyle MacDonald. “We were down pretty much all game, down two goals going into the third period and we kept pushing, they didn’t get on one another, they’re such a positive group and so great to work with. I’m so proud right now.”
The Blizzard du Séminaire Saint-François opened the scoring on a goal from Samuel Dickner before Islanders captain and tournament MVP, Jacob Hudson, tied the game just over two minutes later. The teams would again trade goals to tie the game 2-2 before the Blizzard would take a 4-2 lead after the opening period.
The Blizzard would hold their two-goal advantage into the third before goals from Stephen Fox and Logan Chisholm would tie the game, sending it to overtime. Chisholm ended the game at 5:39 of overtime sending the East Coast team to their first national title, despite being outshot by the Blizzard 47-28 in the game. Colten Ellis made 43 saves in the win.
“It was a tough start with a couple of weird goals went in,” said Ellis. “It wasn’t what we were looking for but we kept positive in the room, nobody was getting down on each other, and that’s one of the qualities we have; we stick together, battle through and came back.”
Earlier Sunday in the bronze-medal game, the Mississauga Rebels, who were making their first appearance at the TELUS Cup, finished in third place following a 4-1 win over the Regina Pat Canadians. Evan Benwell registered a goal and an assist in the win.
After a disappointing semifinal loss to Cape Breton West on Saturday, getting a win and a medal was important for the Rebels.
“Especially after we have a great year the way we did, it leaves a mark on the team and the boys that it was a successful year,” said Rebels head coach Michael O’Shea. “It’s tough for Regina, they are a very good hockey team and I feel for them, but really happy for our guys that we came away with something.”
The Regina Pat Canadians outshot Mississauga 41-33 in the game, with their lone goal being scored by Preston Brodziak.
The 2018 TELUS Cup will be held April 23-29, 2018, in Sudbury, Ont., with the 2008 TELUS Cup champion Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves of the Great North Midget League serving as the host team.
For more information on the TELUS Cup, visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow the tournament via social media at Facebook or Twitter.
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