4 Teams in 4 Days – Journey to the MasterCard Memorial Cup

The Kootenay Ice widely considered the underdog of the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup is the only team in the tournament who are not in the CHL top ten rankings.

The Ice, based out of Cranbrook, BC, moved from Edmonton in 1998, and will be competing in the franchise’s third Memorial Cup.  Finishing fourth in 2000, and winning the tournament in 2002.

Kootenay finished the Western Hockey League playoffs with a record of 16-3, including a second round sweep of the number two ranked Saskatoon Blades and third round sweep over the Medicine Hat Tigers.

The back end is anchored by team captain Brayden McNabb who finished the playoffs with 27 points (3 G, 24 A) and +29 rating.

McNabb, who just signed a three year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres, was one point shy of the playoff leader Ryan Johansen (Portland), who finished with 28 points (13 G, 15 A).

The Ice had seven players finishing in the top 20 for points production, and if you include McNabb, four tied for second with 27 points.

Matt Fraser, Max Reinhart, and Cody Eakin all combined to score 43 of the 74 goals posted by the Kootenay Ice these playoffs.

Eakin, who was a member of team Canada at the 2011 U20 World Junior Championship, was acquired in an eight-for-one blockbuster trade with the Swift Current Broncos at the deadline in January.

However powerful, and potent this offensive may be.  Good teams flourish and thrive off of great goaltending.  Kootenay Ice goaltender Nathan Lieuwen has been no exception.

The 19 year old native of Abbotsford, BC has started in all 19 playoff games for the Ice posting a record of 16-3 including three shutouts and a 2.24 GAA.

Head Coach Kris Knoblauch and the Kootenay Ice have won 15 of their last 16 playoffs games, and will undoubtedly look to continue in much of the same fashion during the MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The round robin schedule for the Kootenay Ice:

Saturday May 21, 2011 at 7:00 pm – vs. Owen Sound Attack

Sunday May 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm – vs. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors

Tuesday May 24, 2011 at 7:00 pm – vs. Saint John Sea Dogs