Broncos win first WHL title in 25 years
that’s the reason why we came out on top,” said the 19-yearold forward.
Gawdin was one of four players remaining from the opening day roster of the 2015-16 season when the Broncos missed the playoffs only two seasons ago.
“I think for myself personally I just tried not to miss them again. I know that feeling and it sucked. The feeling right now, it’s hard to describe, but it feels unbelievable. With this group of guys it just makes it that much more sweeter,” said the fifth-year Bronco.
After winning games three and four in Everett, the Broncos missed their first opportunity to clinch the series with a game five loss on the road, which set up the home-ice win in front of a raucous sold-out crowd at the Innovation Credit Union iplex.
“Unbelievable. You can hear the crowd right now. They’ve been with us all season and to win at home just makes it even more special for them on this day,” said Gawdin. “Probably the most fun I’ve had in a playoff series I think,” said Gawdin. “Like you can hear right now, it’s just nuts in here. That’s what you want. To win like this makes it even more sweeter.”
The Broncos will open the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup on Saturday afternoon against the QMJHL champion Acadie-bathurst Titan in Regina. They will battle the OHL champion Hamilton Bulldogs on Monday and then face the host Regina Pats on Wednesday.
“We definitely cherish this moment right now. But when it comes down to it we are going to the Mem Cup and we have to prepare and get ready for that because it’s not done yet,” said Elder. Everett’s Kevin Davis (bottom) tried to slow down Broncos’ forward Kaden Elder with a hipcheck early in game six of the 2018 Rogers WHL Championship Final on Sunday.