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Seattle downs Regina to win WHL Championship

May 15, 2017 | 8:58 AM

REGINA – The Seattle Thunderbirds knocked off the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League to advance to the Memorial Cup.

Alexander True scored the winner 12;36 into overtime as Seattle edged the Regina Pats 4-3 on Sunday, winning their best-of-seven Western Hockey League final in six games.

True’s goal capped a Thunderbirds rally that saw them score three unanswered goals to erase a 3-1 deficit.

Sami Moilanen, Ryan Gropp and Keegan Kolesar, with the tying goal 17;06 into the third period, also scored for Seattle.

Sam Steel, Josh Mahura and Austin Wagner supplied the offence for the Pats.

Thunderbirds goaltender Carl Stankowski made 28 saves. Regina’s Tyler Brown stopped 39 shots.

The Thunderbirds, Erie Otters (OHL), Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) and Windsor Spitfires (Host) make up the field for this year’s Mastercard Memorial Cup.

Tournament Schedule:

Friday, May 19
Saint John vs. Windsor, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 20
Erie vs. Seattle, 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 21
Windsor vs. Seattle, 7 p.m.

Monday, May 22
Erie vs. Saint John, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23
Seattle vs. Saint John, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 24
Windsor vs. Erie, 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 25
Tiebreaker (if required)

Third vs. Fourth Places, 7 p.m.
Friday, May 26

Semifinal
Second vs. Third Places, 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 28
Championship
First Place vs. Semifinal Winner, 7 p.m.

(The Canadian Press)