A dream final season of junior hockey will conclude for Glenn Gawdin at the biggest showcase tournament of them all.
The Richmond native has captained the Swift Current Broncos to their first Western Hockey League championship in 25 years after a 3-0 game six home ice win over the Everett Silvertips on Sunday night. The Broncos now advance to the 100th edition of the Memorial Cup championship, starting on Friday in Regina.
The 21-year-old Calgary Flames prospect has enjoyed a spectacular campaign, finshing second in league scoring with 125 points in 67 games, including 56 goals. The production continued in the post-season with 32 points in 24 games to lead Swift Current and earn the WHL Playoffs MVP Award.
He notched seven points in the final series, including a hat trick performance in a 3-2 game three overtime win in Everett that gave the Broncos control of the series for good.
“Been waiting five years for this moment. How I am feeling right now is tough to put into words but it’s worth the wait,” smiled Gawdin during the on ice post-game celebration. “Just to win with such a good group of guys makes it that much sweeter. Every night we came to work for one another and each other. I think that showed.”
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without my teammates and linemates. Everyone in that room made me better. Everybody pushed me to be better and I hope I did the same for them. Success isn’t personal, it’s a team award.”
The road to the championship was certainly a tough one for a Broncos team that finished with the league’s second best regular season record at 48-17-5-2 thanks to the powerhouse Eastern Division.
They needed seven games to eliminate Memorial Cup hosts Regina Pats (40-25-6-1) in the opening round and also went the distance to take out regular season champion Moose Jaw Warriors (52-15-2-3). A six game series win followed in the Eastern Conference final against Lethbridge before getting past Everett.
“The adversity we had to fight through, all the ups and downs and I think that showed. We had some tough series but got stronger as the playoffs went on and now we are on top,” Gawdin added.
Swift Current will open play Saturday at the Memorial Cup against Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champion Acadie-Bathurst Titan. The Broncos will take on Ontario Hockey League champion Hamilton Bulldogs on May 21 and Regina on May 23. The playoff round starts May 24 and the final is May 27. All games will be televised on Rogers Sportsnet.
