Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sea Dogs capture 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup championship

Press Release

MISSISSAUGA, Sunday, March 29, 2011 – Simon Després, Zack Phillips and Jonathan Huberdeau scored goals while Jacob DeSerres was spectacular, making 34 saves, to lead the Saint John Sea Dogs to a 3-1 win over the host Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors thus earning the right to hoist the MasterCard Memorial Cup as CHL champions.

The Sea Dogs opened the scoring at 2:24 with a shorthanded marker. All-star defenseman Simon Després, a Pittsburgh Penguins first round pick, sped around a Majors blue-liner and beat J.P. Anderson with a quick wrist shot.

Saint John benefited from two consecutive power-play chances, and they made no mistake with Zack Phillips jumping on a loose puck in the crease and pushing it between the legs of J.P. Anderson at 13:17.

Mississauga continued playing undisciplined hockey and was called for two additional penalties. But head coach Gerard Gallant’s troops were unable to take a three-goal lead heading into the first intermission.

The Majors almost got on the board early in the second period, but the attacker hit the cross-bar to keep the score 2-0 in favour of Saint John. Riley Brace finally got Mississauga on the board at 14:41. He directed a great pass from Justin Shugg past Jacob DeSerres.

The Majors put enormous pressure on the Saint John defence throughout the third period, but DeSerres made save after save to keep Mississauga at bay.

Jonathan Huberdeau, who was named the tournament MVP, put an end to the suspense by scoring his third goal of the tournament with just under four minutes to play.

Of note, the Sea Dogs become the first Maritimes-based team to lift the MasterCard Memorial Cup in CHL history. Saint John will try to defend its title at the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup which will be held in Shawinigan.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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