The Thunderbirds are taking flight the other direction and heading back to Seattle after losing all three of their games at the 2017 Memorial Cup.
The team needed a win against the Saint John Sea Dogs to compete in the playoffs, but couldn’t even find an open cage in the entire contest.
Despite out-shooting the winners of the Quebec Major Junior League (QMJHL) 31-28, the WHL champions lost by a score of 7-0.
Great support from T-Birds fans during handshake line with Sea Dogs. #MCMemorialCup pic.twitter.com/214Ih036HK
— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) May 24, 2017
Saint John’s Joe Veleno and Bokondji Imama each recorded three points, earning the Second and Third Stars of the night.
Goaltender Carl Stankowski started the game for Seattle, but was replaced by back-up Rylan Toth in the middle frame after giving up four goals (on 14 shots), including three in a span of 53 seconds.
Sea Dogs’ netminder, and game’s First Star Callum Booth stopped all 31 shots for his team’s first win of the tournament.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Saint John will advance to the semi-final on Friday against the Erie Otters.
The winner will advance to Sunday’s championship game against the Windsor Spitfires.
The host Spitfires went 3-0 in the round robin after Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Erie.
The Thunderbirds were outscored 18-3 in their first Memorial Cup appearance in franchise history.
HIGHLIGHTS:
#MCMemorialCup Game 5:@SJSeaDogs (7) vs @SeattleTbirds (0)
SNB – @cjboothy 31 saves, @jveleno91 2G 1A
VIDEO: https://t.co/WqF4AJ9U6S pic.twitter.com/TL2OQmam00— CanadianHockeyLeague (@CHLHockey) May 24, 2017