The Windsor Spitfires are celebrating their third Memorial Cup championship in nine years.
The team capped an improbable run with a 4-3 win over the Erie Otters in front of 6,519 at the W-F-C-U Centre Sunday night.
Aaron Luchuk scored the Cup-winning goal 5:07 into the third period.
Jeremy Bracco had a goal and two assists, and Michael DiPietro made 32 saves and was named the tournament's top goalie.
Spitfires President Bob Boughner says he's extremely proud of the team.
"This one has a really special place in my heart because we were able to do it in front of our fans and our hometown. I thought just hosting the tournament was going to be such an honour to represent the CHL. Now, to win it is amazing, especially with what this team has gone through," says Boughner.
He credits the coaches and players for putting a plan together and executing it after losing to London in the first round of the O-H-L playoffs.
"That was an amazing plan they put together. They seemed to have the guys peaking at the right time. They looked like they created a lot of chemistry through that adversity and long layoff. It was just amazing to see them come out in Game 1 and play the way they did," says Boughner.
He says the fans played a big role in the team's win.
"Even the pre-game festivities and the tailgaiters. I was walking through the lobby and seen the line. I've never seen that before because I was always behind the bench getting ready. To see that was cool for me. The excitement and the people in the stands was like the old days," says Boughner.
The Spitfires become the third team in the tournament era to win three Memorial Cup championships.