Team Manitoba defeated Team Alberta 6-5 in a shootout to claim Gold for the first time at the WHL Cup.
After a hard-fought battle that went to a shootout, Team Manitoba was crowned champions of the WHL Cup for the first time. Everett Silvertips Brek Liske scored the winner, while Red Deer Rebels' goaltender Peyton Shore made 53 saves plus five more in the shootout to claim victory over Team Alberta. In regulation, Prince George Cougars defenceman Carson Carels led the way for Team Manitoba with two goals while Brandon Wheat Kings Jaxon Jacobson and Tri-City Americans Carter Kingerski each contributed with two assists in the win.
Team Alberta put forth a strong performance as they were led by Cougars' Patrick Sopiarz, who scored twice, including the game-tying goal with less than five minutes to go in the third. Other standouts included Wenatchee Wild's Caelan Joudrey, who finished the night with a goal and three assists, while Prince Albert Raiders' Ty Meunier had three assists.
Earlier in the day, Team Saskatchewan defeated Team BC 6-2 in the Bronze Medal Game. Lethbridge Hurricanes' Dayne Beuker and Moose Jaw Warriors Carson Deichert led the way with two goals each, while undrafted goaltender Jackson Dunn made 26 saves in the win. This was Team Saskatchewan's second consecutive Bronze Medal and third straight tournament, securing a medal.
As for Team BC, they left the tournament without a medal despite some strong performances from Medicine Hat Tigers Markus and Liam Ruck. Each hit double digits in points, with Liam leading the tournament in goals with seven. Both recorded a point in the Bronze Medal game, while undrafted goaltender Ashton Thornton made 29 shots in the loss.
Players from the tournament now head back to their non-WHL teams for the remainder of the season. They may still see action at the WHL this season but must first be signed by whatever organization holds their rights and can only play a limited amount of games. Based on the play at this tournament, it is safe to say this 2008 class has some talent, with some potentially having an impact at the WHL level as early as next season.