ABRAM-VILLAGE, P.E.I. — The Western Red Wings won the franchise’s third straight Island Junior Hockey League playoff championship Sunday afternoon.
The Red Wings doubled arch-rival Kensington Vipers 8-4 to win the best-of-seven final series in five games. The Red Wings posted a league-best 30-4-2 (won-lost-overtime losses) regular-season record, followed by an 8-0-1 playoff resumé for an overall mark of 38-4-3.
The season will continue for both teams as Kensington hosts the 2019 Don Johnson Memorial Cup Atlantic junior B hockey championship tournament from April 23 to 28. The Vipers are the host team while the Red Wings are the P.E.I. representative.
Morrissey paces offence
Before a big crowd at the Evangeline Recreation Centre in Abram-Village, Alex Morrissey’s hat trick paced the Red Wings, who overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits. Morrissey was named the most valuable player of the playoffs.
Chandler Wood (1-1), Isaac Knox (1-1), Spencer Groom (1-1), Dawson McCormack and Lucas Beaulieu also dented the twine for the Red Wings. Chasse Gallant (2), Silas Handrahan (2), Calvin McRae (2), Colby MacArthur (2), Brydon Smith and Connor Morrissey chipped in with assists.
Dylan Wheatley (1-1), Jonathan Arsenault, Ryan Richards and Landon Clow replied for the Vipers. Parker Ronahan (2), Garrett Murray, Dixon MacLeod and Nick Trainor were credited with helpers.
The Vipers took a 3-2 advantage into the first intermission, but the Red Wings led 6-4 at the end of 40 minutes.
Luke Oliver earned the goaltending win in relief of starter Bronson Banks. Caleb Coyle and Cameron Visser shared the goaltending duties for Kensington.
Referees Nolan Cornish and Nick Hann called just one minor and one double minor for spearing against the Red Wings. The Vipers played a penalty-free game.
