Post by nshlpr on Jun 28, 2015 2:27:50 GMT -5
OAKLAND SEALS ARE 2015 AsHL CHAMPIONS
Saturday June 27, 2015
OAKLAND, CA - After a dominant regular season, the dynamic offense of the Oakland Seals went full steam ahead into the playoffs, eliminating Denver, Kansas City, Louisville and now Chilliwack to be crowned 2015 AsHL Champions.
The AsHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings bested Chilliwack 3-1 on home ice in Game 6 on Saturday as AsHL regular season scoring leader T.J. Hensick had a goal and an assist for the green and gold.
"It's often easy to get put into the spotlight in moments like this," Hensick, the 29 year-old AsHL veteran said. "None of this is possible without every guy on this team playing their role and buying in to what Bryan Trottier and the rest of the coaches are putting in place. We've had strong numbers, but our fair share of adjustments we've had to make this season as well. It's satisfying to be on top now when all is said and done."
Oakland boasted the AsHL's best offense this past season, with both Hensick and Beau Bennett registering at least 130 points each.
Offense however, wasn't the only positive for Oakland as goaltenders Niklas Svedberg and Martin Jones teamed up to carry the club to victory. Jones took over to start Game 3 of the series after the Seals suffered a 4-2 loss in Game 2. The WHL graduate would go 3-1 the rest of the way, providing some timely saves for Oakland.
The AsHL title is Oakland's second in league history after winning back in 2011, a team Hensick was also a part of. "It's a different group this time around," he said. "There's is a similarity though in the mix of veterans and young guys that we have on the team. It's been a great mix."
Hockey is alive and well in Southern California as the Seals win the AsHL crown on the same night that the Anaheim Ducks hoist the Stanley Cup as NsHL Champions.
Brothers Mark and Nathan Kopsack are both Champions, wrapping up another great season of NsHL/AsHL action.
AsHL Champions
2010 - Regina Rebels (COL) (GM Rob Lee)
2011 - Oakland Seals (LA) (GM Nathan Kopsack)
2012 - Prince Edward Island Frostbite (PHX) (GM Joshua Raines)
2013 - Chilliwack Bruins (CAR) (GM Ron Jones)
2014 - Seattle Thunderbirds (VAN) (GM Mike Henderson)
2015 - Oakland Seals (LA) (GM Nathan Kopsack)