Hitmen reach WHL Final for 2nd consecutive year

Jaynen Rissling - one goal, two assists

1st WHL goal

"My first reaction was it was about time. Playoff or regular season, I think I’ll take anything. Being that it was in playoffs, it was kind of a tight game and just kind of made the momentum shift our way even more."

Talk about winning the Eastern Conference title

"I can’t describe it. It’s amazing in your first year to come in just learning stuff. This is just a bonus. Hopefully we can keep on going and make it to the Mem Cup."

Martin Jones - 20 saves in victory

"That was probably the first time all series where we really put our foot down for 60 minutes. We got some bounces tonight and we were able to close it out. It was nice. As a team throughout the series we played better defensively and limited their odd-man rushes and chances. It’s easy for me when we play like that and we just got to make sure we keep building as we move forward here. For whatever reason, we always seem to not give up too many shots at home, which is nice. Guys are giving up their bodies and laying down. There was a couple chances there in the second and I was able to make some saves. Those are momentum turning points in the game. It was nice to get those today."

Brandon Kozun - two goals

About losing the final in six games to Kelowna Rockets last season

"That experience is definitely going to help us in the finals. It’s definitely left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth. We want to come out and hopefully get some momentum."

About Rissling

"He played awesome. You’ve got to give him credit. A young kid stepping up for us, you need that in playoffs."

About Jones

"What can you say about Jonesy, he’s been doing it all year. I think he’s the best goalie in the league and obviously he’s proven it."

Mike Williamson - Hitmen Head Coach

"I was really happy with our preparation. Our guys came to the rink this morning and were very focused. They were sharp. It was one of the better skates we’ve had in the last few weeks and I think that carried over to the game. Both teams had talked about 60 minutes together and needing to do that and I thought that was the closest we came."

Top players being top players

"Jonesy was exceptional from the start of the series right through the end. It was great to see Kozy and Jones step up."

Kelly McCrimmon - Brandon GM/Head Coach

"I thought that through the first four games that we really had momentum at a lot of times and were never deterred. I thought tonight, we didn’t play well enough once we fell behind."

Talk about the penalties your team took

"It was out of character. We’ve been the most-disciplined team in the Western Hockey League for three consecutive years. It certainly added to our problems."