Henrique powers Spitfires into finals

By Aaron Bell

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Adam Henrique said that the Windsor Spitfires are just fine with doing things the hard way.

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The Spitfires are looking to become the first team in the history of the MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament to win the national championship after playing in a tie-breaker game.

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They became just the second tie-breaker team to ever win the semi-final with their overtime win over the QMJHL champion Drummondville Voltigeurs on Friday. They will face the WHL champion Kelowna Rockets in the championship game on Sunday (4:00 p.m. Eastern on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS).

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“We like doing things the hard way,” Henrique said. “We were kind of laughing about that in the dressing room. We’d love to be the first team in history to do that. It’s a great tournament and we were just looking to get to the finals. Now we’re looking to take the trophy back to Windsor.”

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Henrique is a big part of why the Spitfires are playing in the championship game after starting the tournament with a pair of losses. He scored the winner in overtime on Friday to clinch their berth in the final.

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“That might be the most important goal I’ve ever scored,” Henrique said. “It was a huge goal for us. In the room, we were just saying to stay calm and stay positive. We played in overtime lots throughout the playoffs so we were ready for it. We knew we had to come out strong in overtime and get on them right away.”

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The win didn’t come without some drama. The Spitfires outshot the Voltigeurs 22-3 in the third period and overtime but Drummondville goaltender Marco Cousineau was sensational in a first star effort.

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“I jumped on the rebound and just buried it in the net,” Henrique said. “I got a stick on it somehow. I was lucky enough to get the rebound right out front. It’s tough to explain but it was a big sigh of relief that it went in. Our backs have been against the wall the last couple of games. Everybody is excited and we’re going to be ready for the finals.”

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The Spitfires didn’t face elimination at all during their OHL championship run but have played three straight games in the Memorial Cup with a win or go home outcome. Henrique said that he’s proud of the gutsy effort they have put forward.

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“We’ve been getting better every game throughout the tournament,” Henrique said. “I think tonight was one of our best efforts. We capitalized on our chances. They say this is the toughest trophy to win in hockey. It’s been a battle throughout the playoffs. Everybody has been playing great for us and stepping up at the right time.”

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Photo: Aaron Bell/CHL