Team WHL Downs Russians
November 27, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release
Team WHL, with Kelowna Rockets players Brandon McMillan and Tyson Barrie in action, defeated Team Russia 4-2 Thursday night at Prospera Place, completing a six game sweep of the Subway Super Series.
McMillan was named Team WHL's player of the game as the WHL outshot the Russians 39-18, dominating Team Russia for large stretches of play in front of 5,753 fans. Both nations were using the series as an evaluation tool with the World Junior tournament now a month away.
The Russians opened the scoring before second period goals by Saskatoon's Stefan Elliott, Linden Vey of Medicine Hat and McMillan gave the WHL all the scoring it would need.
A scrappy Team Russia made the game 3-2 in the third period before a late goal by Red Deer's Williee Coetzee cemented the win and the series sweep.
The highlight of the night was a standing ovation the packed house at Prospera Place gave retired fire chief Gerry Zimmermann when he was announced as the honorary captain of Team WHL. An emotional Zimmermann was given a Team WHL jersey by Rockets president Bruce Hamilton. Fans rose to their feet as Zimmermann was announced.
"All he kept saying to me was he couldn't believe this was happening," said Hamilton. "He's a humble, gracious guy. I thought it was a fitting tribute. He's a good message to everybody: He's a fighter that doesn't give up."
The WHL regular season kicks back into full swing Friday night with a full slate of games. The Rockets will head to Chilliwack and play the Bruins before hosting the Kootenay Ice on Saturday night at Prospera Place.
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Western Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2009
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- Sale Of Private Suites Set To Begin - Brandon Wheat Kings
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- Give The Gift Of The Memorial Cup - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Team WHL Completes Russian Sweep - WHL
- Canes Go East In Search Of A Streak Breaker - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Team WHL Downs Russians - Kelowna Rockets
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