The Western Hockey League champions saw their season come to an end Wednesday night in Red Deer.

Adam Musil scored with 5:05 remaining in regulation and Evan Polei potted the winner 3:50 into overtime as the host Rebels rallied for a 2-1 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings.

"We played the game we had to play," said Brandon assistant coach Darren Ritchie shortly after their Memorial Cup run came to an end. "We kept it close. We had the lead, what we wanted to have, and played good. Just a quick breakdown and they tie it up and then unfortunately in overtime they score to win."

"It's very disappointing. We've had a great year. We were looking forward to coming here and to go out after Wednesday is very disappointing. It's tough right now."

Tim McGauley had the lone goal for the Wheat Kings who finished the round robin with an 0 and 3 record.

"I don't think we ever found our game," Ritchie said. "I don't think we ever gave ourselves a chance. We never played our game, our style. We were chasing the games everytime we played except for last night. It was maybe the closest to the way we want. We never gave ourselves the chance to play the right way."

Brandon goaltender Jordan Papirny stopped 30 shots and was outstanding in the round robin finale.

"Paps was excellent," said Ritchie. "He made some really good saves early on. He stopped two breakaways and that's what we expect from Paps - to give us an opportunity to win - and he did."

The Rebels, who lost out to the Wheat Kings in the WHL's Eastern Conference final, will face the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champion Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the semifinal on Friday.

That winner will then meet the Ontario Hockey League champion London Knights in the Memorial Cup final on Sunday.


photo credit: Rob Wallator/CHL Images