Memorial Cup - Tie Breaker  Shawinigan 6  Edmonton 1 

Curtis Lazar (27) had 20 goals this year for the Oil Kings 

The Shawinigan Cataractes will get another shot at their Quebec Major Junior Hockey League rivals - the Saint John Seadogs in the semi-final of the Memorial Cup.

The Cataractes overwhelmed the Edmonton Oil Kings in the tie breaker 6-1.  The best thing about the Oilers in the game is the fact that they keep their player numbers between 1-31.  There is something comforting about that.  The Oil Kings played like they spent their emotional energy in the seven game WHL final vs. Portland.

While Edmonton never played their best game in the tournament fans did get a chance to see one of hockey's rising stars in Curtis Lazar.  The rookie from Vernon, B.C. got a surprising amount of ice time for a 17 year old rookie - for good reason.  Lazar was the Oil Kings leading point producer in the Western   Hockey League playoffs (8 goals 11 assists for 19 points in 20 games).  Lazar scored 20 in the regular season.

Lazar tied for the Oil Kings team lead in the playoffs with 19 points

Lazar has been a high end prospect for several years.  He was the 2nd overall pick in the 2010 WHL bantam draft.  It was in the 2011 Canada Winter Games that he jumped onto the elite platform.  At that tournament he broke Steve Stamkos record for goals at the event with 12.  He also broke Sidney Crosby's record for points with 17 as he led Team BC to a gold medal.

Shawinigan used their speed to create lots of chances vs. Oil Kings

Lazar is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2013.  He has great hockey sense and handles the puck well at top speed.  He has good size for a 17 year-old and is difficult to knock off the puck.  He will be part of a very talented draft class of 2013 that will include Max Domi and Bo Horvat of the London Knights.







Sean Reid is doing the OHL proud at the Memorial Cup.  Referee's don't often get complimented but Reid deserves recognition.  He is an excellent communicator with both players and coaches.  He refereed the Edmonton - Shawinigan tie breaking game and did a fine job.

Interesting that the game was not a sellout with the home team playing. 4,800 attended the Saint John - Shawinigan round robin game and 4,200 attended the tie breaker vs. Edmonton.

OHL referee Sean Reid