By Patrick King — Sportsnet.ca
KITCHENER, Ont. — It was a Spokane sweep in the final of the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup. The Chiefs never let up after taking the lead early in the second period, making it nearly impossible for the Kitchener Rangers to create offensively. Goaltender Dustin Tokarski led the defensive charge in the Chiefs’ championship win.
1. Dustin Tokarski – Spokane Chiefs
The tournament MVP was big when it counted. Tokarski was fantastic in the third period of the championship game, making several big stops with players in tight. The Chiefs needed Tokarski to stand on his head and he was phenomenal in the game. With all he has accomplished after being cut from two junior teams, it was nice to see him step up and possibly raise his stock for the National Hockey League draft next month.
2. Ondrej Roman – Spokane Chiefs
The Chiefs’ second line shone through in the final game with Roman leading the charge. Roman made a nifty backdoor pass while going behind the net to set up Judd Blackwater’s goal. Roman’s assist got things started for the Chiefs on Sunday where they never looked back.
3. Trevor Glass – Spokane Chiefs
Glass made his second Memorial Cup final count, scoring the insurance goal in the second period to make the game 3-1 in his team’s favour. Glass was a key piece of the defence which kept the Rangers’ top line of Justin Azevedo, Nick Spaling and Matt Halischuk at bay.
4. Drayson Bowman – Spokane Chiefs
Bowman had a memorable tournament for the Chiefs. After leading his team in points and scoring several big goals in the tournament, Bowman scored the biggest goal in the second period, lifting his team to the Memorial Cup championship. The only question mark about his future is how long it will be until the Carolina Hurricanes have him in their lineup.
5. David Rutherford – Spokane Chiefs
The Chiefs were led by their unsung heroes Sunday and Rutherford was about as big as they came. The overage forward who played in his last junior game was solid offensively and strong in shutting the Rangers offence down. Rutherford made a nifty play cutting from behind the net, nearly scoring on the wrap-around. He should get some interest as a free agent this summer.
