Jamie Benn, after missing three and a half games, returned to the ice for the Kelowna Rockets in game six of the WHL Finals. His return provided a big boost for the team, who had lost the last two games with Benn out. The Rockets won 3-2, clinching the WHL Championship.
Benn had two assists, including the primary assist on the game-winning goal in overtime. While he has become known for his scoring prowess in the playoffs (33 points in 19 games), Benn's leadership and physical play were what really set the tone for the team.
Mark Stepneski at Andrew's Dallas Stars Page has the story:
Benn, who missed the last three games of the series after getting hit hard into the endboards in Game 2 of the series, provided an emotional boost for the team early in the second period with Calgary leading 1-0.
After Calgary defenseman Michael Stone leveled Kelowna forward Mikael Backlund with a big open ice hit, Benn went after Stone and picked up a double minor.
"It was a turning point for us when Jamie jumped in," Kelowna coach Ryan Huska said on AM 1150 (Kelowna). "We killed off that penalty and took over from that point on."
"Jamie was all around the net again," Huska said of Benn's play Saturday night. "He was on the scoresheet with two big assists. We missed him those games he was gone. I am not going to sit up here and say we didn't because I think he is the best power forward in the league right now."
The Rockets will now move on to the Memorial Cup, starting on Friday.