The Windsor Spitfires are Memorial Cup champions for the third time in franchise history.
Jeremy Bracco capped a three-point effort by setting up Aaron Luchuk's winner early in the third period as the Spitfires beat the Erie Otters 4-3 on Sunday for the Canadian Hockey League championship. Windsor also won in 2009 and 2010.
Windsor Spitfires team picture after winning the 2017 Memorial Cup (by AM800's Peter Langille)
Bracco, Logan Stanley and Graham Knott also scored for the host Spitfires. Michael DiPietro made 32 saves for the win.
Dylan Strome, Warren Foegele and TJ Fergus scored for the Otters, the Ontario Hockey League champions.
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."
"The fans played a big role in the team's win," says Boughner. "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."
The boys hoist the cup! pic.twitter.com/H6NMXV0LGq
— Windsor Spitfires (@SpitsHockey) May 29, 2017