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Ivan Provorov is now familiar with both victory and defeat.
A year ago, his Brandon Wheat Kings were swept in the WHL Final. Winning three series four games to one meant nothing; they could never reach even just that 13th win.
The 2015-16 season, however, sees a different finish. This year, it's Brandon who are champions, taking the Final four games to one. The first three games all saw Brandon win by a score of 3-2, all in overtime; and while Seattle came back to take Game 4, that was all they could muster.
The Wheat Kings ultimately defeated the Thunderbirds 8-4 in Game 5. Provorov had just one assist in the win (though it's worth nothing no Brandon defenseman had any more than a single point): Brandon's second goal, on the powerplay, to take the lead in the first period.
Follow the puck...the captain, Erkamps restore Brandon's lead. 2-1 Wheat Kings. #WHLChampionship pic.twitter.com/yjx8g0xVd3
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 14, 2016
Provorov finishes his WHL playoffs with three goals and 13 points through 21 games: fourth in playoff defensemen scoring, just a point or two behind two of his teammates. Five of his points came on the powerplay, and he scored two shorthanded, as well.
Provorov is now Memorial Cup-bound. One of the players he'll meet opposite from him? Philippe Myers, whose Rouyn-Noranda Huskies defeated the Shawinigan Cataractes four games to one, too.
Like the Wheat Kings, they also won big in their deciding Game 5 after coming up short for the sweep. Myers finished his QMJHL playoffs with four goals and 16 points through 20 games: fifth in playoff defensive scoring, and second on his team.