Windsor Spitfires Hammer Thunderbirds

Julius Nattinen and Graham Knott both scored twice and Michael DiPietro made 24 saves as the Windsor Spitfires hammered the Western Hockey League champion Seattle Thunderbirds 7-1 in game three of the 2017 Memorial Cup tournament at the WFCU Centre Sunday night.

The Spitfires struck for three goals by Knott, Nattinen and Logan Brown in a span of 38 seconds to take a 3-0 lead before the midway mark of the the first period to take control of the game. The Spits’ offensive outburst tied a Memorial Cup record for fastest three goals, set by the New Westminster Bruins against Trois-Rivières back in 1978.

Jeremy Addison and Jeremy Addison scored the other goals for the Spitfires (2-0) who with the victory extended their winning streak to ten games in the tournament following the team’s back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

With the win, the Spitfires also clinched a berth in the tournament’s semi-final game on Friday night.

Keegan Kolesar had the one goal for the Thunderbirds (0-2) whose starng netminder Carl Stankowski was pulled after allowing Windsor’s quick three goals on six shots He was replaced by Rylan Toth who made 18 stops in a relief effort.

The tournament continues Monday night when the Ontario Hockey League champion Erie Otters face-off against the Quebec Major Junior A Hockey League champion Saint John Sea Dogs.

The Spitfires return to action on Wednesday night when they play the Otters in a match between the two OHL teams in the tournament.

Memorial Cup schedule