It appeared Josh Anderson and Swift Current were moving on to the WHL Eastern Conference Finals after game six but Moose Jaw forced the issue by tying the game late and ultimately prevailing 3-2 in overtime to force a game seven. Swift Current would get their revenge with an impressive 6-0 win in that following game to send them to face Lethbridge in round three. Anderson chipped in an assist in the series for a total of two points this post season but is being relied on heavily defensively.

Conor Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie had their own game seven to get through in order to advance to the third round and face Kitchener in the OHL Western Conference Finals. They were handily up 7-2 when Owen Sound, who refused to succumb to fate the entire series, fought back and made it 9-7 before running out of time. Timmins tallied a goal and five points in the series for 11 total points through the post season.

Brandon unfortunately ended their season in round two of the WHL playoffs in game five at Lethbridge in a 2-0 defeat. Ty Lewis concludes his impressive season with 13 points including six goals in 11 playoff games. Lewis had enough magic left for a three point night, as seen below on a nifty rebound goal, in an attempted come back in game four but the Wheat Kings were just running out of gas. This likely means the playing season is over for Lewis and he will look to make his professional debut this fall.

Travis Barron got his first taste of professional action in a two game set with San Antonio, here is the shift by shift compilation thanks to Rudo3 of his second game where he registered two primary assists on a pair of Andrew Agozzino goals. Barron was then assigned to the Colorado Eagles for their final ECHL playoff run.

Speaking of the Eagles…Nicolas Meloche, JC Beaudin and Julien Nantel have also joined Barron in Loveland for the post season. In game one of the first round the Eagles played divisional opponent Wichita in what was a lopsided game on the shot clock 39-14 in favor of the Eagles but needed overtime to break a 1-1 tie. Beaudin sealed the victory for the Eagles to take it home 2-1 when he converted on this shorthanded breakaway as seen below.

Game two saw the same result but with more goals in the Eagles favor as they took game two 5-2 and now head back home for the next three games if needed in hopes to close out the series. Everyone got involved on the scoresheet but the best goal was a late third period insurance marker with shades of a little Husky magic from Beaudin to Nantel as seen below. Beaudin is tied with the team lead in points with three through two games and has played a big role in the Eagles success thus far. He takes a great portion of faceoffs and has eight shots on goal through those two games as well.

Barron has had a smaller role but is also making an impact, he drew the last two penalties for the Eagles which allowed them to seal the victory just with his speed and tenacity. Hopefully this is just the start of a great run and exerience for these young prospects.

AJ Greer left San Antonio with one final goal as seen below on one of his signature rebound plays. Greer finishes with eight goals and 13 points in 35 games on the season, which sounds low but keep in mind Meloche led the Avalanche prospect portion of the Rampage roster with 17 points. Greer was bounded around quite a bit getting that valuable NHL experience but also dealt with a few minor injuries and a rotating cast of linemates in his time in the AHL. This all sets the stage for critical early season for Greer as he heads into next year.

GOAL! A.J. Greer scores at 11:44 in the 1st! ASST: Taylor Richart, Klim Kostin pic.twitter.com/gSGzWd3pd9 — San Antonio Rampage (@sarampage) April 14, 2018

Adam Werner had a busy final week starting three games to conclude the Rampage season. While he still clearly looked to be adjusting to North American hockey, Werner saved his best start for last. He made 37 saves plus stopped all five shooters in the Rampage’s final game, a 3-2 shootout win over Texas. His final record of 2-1 with 3.35 goals against and .880 save percentage doesn’t tell the whole story of him coming in cold for his first appearance and then playing behind a defense of mostly try-outs down the stretch. The way he stood tall in his last game is certainly encouraging for the future.

Nate Clurman concluded his season with his third USHL team Sioux City, who did not make the postseason. It was the best stop of the three teams for him this season as he scored seven points in 19 games to go along with his one goal and five assists previously. Will be interesting to see how he transitions to Notre Dame in the fall.

For Your Viewing Pleasure:

The 2018 IIHF Under-18 Championship gets underway on Thursday, April 19th. Below is the broadcast schedule for viewing in the US on NHL Network. Much more coverage to come on the results and draft related performances in this final draft year event.

NHL Network is televising a good portion of the U18 Men's World Championship live in the U.S. Great chance to get a look at top 2018 and 2019 NHL Draft eligible players. Here's the broadcast schedule via USA Hockey. pic.twitter.com/goHq8ilOWS — Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) April 17, 2018

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