WHL Finals Preview

The WHL Finals are set to kick off Friday with a spot in the Memorial Cup tournament on the line. It's a classic battle of the most physical team versus a strong offense. Yes, it is the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Brandon Wheat Kings, two teams that couldn't be any more different, from style of play to team locations. And the bus ride between the cities will be a long one that crosses the border.

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Brandon Wheat Kings

The Thunderbirds had little trouble blazing their way through the Western Conference, needing just one game above the minimum to get here. They're physical, have an offense led by the likes of Matt Barzal and Ryan Gropp, and a goalie in Landon Bow that has proven to be a game changer. The Wheat Kings are a dynamic offensive unit led by Nolan Patrick and John Quennville, and have bounced back from their fair share of adversity throughout the playoffs. Jordan Paiprny has been up and down, but his ups are a lot higher than you think. It looks rather even, but how the Wheat Kings deal with the Thunderbirds' physical play will determine a winner in what should be an evenly contested series.

Prediction: Wheat Kings in 7