The Chiefs were leading 1-0 with barely any time left in the game. In the biggest game of his life Brandon Sawyer was stopping every puck coming his way but after a brutal call by the refs to send the Panthers to the power play the Panthers would tie it. Sawyer and the Chiefs were crushed, they were so close to the title but now they would have to go into an extra period to try and prove that they were truly the best. Another penalty to the Chiefs that sent the Panthers onto the power play sealed the deal as Panthers’ player Jeff Dar would end it early in the extra frame to give the Panthers their first Challenge Cup and crushing the Chiefs faithful.


Sawyer congratulating Jonathan Kane after Game 7

“It was a tough pill to swallow, I just felt like breaking down and crying.” Said the rookie goaltender Brandon Sawyer. “The Panthers are an amazing team and they kept fighting until they got what they wanted.”

Now talks of Sawyer winning the Conn Smythe Trophy have left him breathless and excited. Sawyer was the Chiefs best player throughout the entire playoffs posting an 11-1-5 record with 5 out of his 6 losses coming in overtime after collapses by his team. With a GAA just over two and a 0.929SV%, Sawyer posted better numbers in the clutch games of the playoffs then he did in the regular season.

“It’s an honour to be mentioned in talks of MVP but I would rather have the Challenge Cup, to be honest.” Sawyer said. “I know I’m kind of the underdog to win it because my tam didn’t win, but after this season anything is possible.”


The Conn Smythe talks have heated up and Sawyer is in the mix of it.

Sawyer and the Chiefs returned to Minnesota the day after to a crowd of Chiefs fans chanting “GO CHIEFS GO” and emotions were high. A couple of the players went to the crowd and started signing autographs and meeting the fans, others like Sawyer stood on the stairs of the plane awestruck.

“It was awesome to see our fans doing this, we didn’t bring home the Cup but it felt like we did.” Said Sawyer. “We have some of the best fans in the league and they showed why we love playing in this town.”

Now with the season official over it’s time to relax for some SHL’ers, but not for those lucky enough to be chosen to represent their countries at the IHF Tournament. Sawyer was saddened that he wasn’t apart of Team Canada, but understood the decision.

“Both MacPherson and McBride are fantastic goaltenders and deserve to be there, I wish them good luck in the tournament and in the medal rounds.” Sawyer told reporters after the decision.

A day after Team Canada’s decision, Sawyer got a phone call from Team World’s GM Zach Miller informing him that he will be part of the team. Sawyer and Calgary Dragons goaltender Ryan Jesster will split time during the regulation round before the coach will make the decision on who will start in the medal round.


Sawyer on the phone with Team World GM Zach Miller

“Jesster is a SHL Legend and I’m excited to be playing with him and honoured that someone thinks I’m in the same league as him.” Sawyer told reporters. “Hopefully we both have great games and can help Team World to gold.”

The annual SHL Draft was held tonight and Sawyer’s Chiefs only had 2 picks but he thinks that they were the right ones. The Chiefs moved up twice in the draft to select Right Winger David Winter 3rd overall.

“Winter is a great locker room guy, and he was the number 1 pick on our list.” Sawyer said. “It was no surprise to see Doran up there selecting him. He will help out our primary goal scorers and give us great secondary scoring.”

In the next round the Chiefs selected Defenceman Gene Parmesan 16th overall with their next pick, a move that pleased Sawyer.

“Parmesan is another big D-man that will help out clear out my crease.” Sawyer laughed. “He is a great pick up for where we got him and he’s a great addition to our D-core.”


David Winter being drafted by the Chiefs

That was it for the Chiefs at the Draft and now they are looking forward to the Free Agency market were a couple of big named Free Agents have been linked to the Chiefs. Defencemen Jack Crasher has openly said he would love to come to Minnesota and re-join Sawyer on the Chiefs. Another name that has been mentioned is Josh Hockridge, another former Vancouver Nightmare.

“I know both of these guys after my year with Vancouver and both of them are great locker room guys who do their job amazingly.” Said Sawyer. “They would really help our team, and would be joining a team that are already hungry for the Challenge Cup after being so close.”

The Chiefs are looking forward to the next season after a true Cinderella story and will look to prove that this year wasn’t a fluke. With another year of experience under their belt it might just be a Cup or fail kind of year for them.

Wow, great read!

We will win it this season, with some improvements we got dis!

Great read!

You had an amazing year and I can't wait for next season.

Great read !

Evan Winter
Edmonton Blizzard
Player Page - Update Page

Two great former Firebirds there. I see Witzel and Boon know where to draft their players out of.


Good luck Winter and Permesan with your careers.

Originally posted by Fisher@Dec 31 2011, 03:19 PM
Two great former Firebirds there. I see Witzel and Boon know where to draft their players out of.


Good luck Winter and Permesan with your careers.

And sorry Sawyer, it was down between you and McBride. It was a hard decision. Keep up your playing though and you should make it next season.