Anthony Mantha scores QMJHL title-clinching goal (with video)

By Michael Caples –

While Tomas Jurco was tearing it up for the Griffins last night, another Red Wings prospect was lighting it up in juniors once again.

Anthony Mantha, the Wings’ first-round pick last year, scored the game-winning goal for his Val-d’Or Foreurs squad in Game 7 of the QMJHL Finals yesterday.

The goal came with 52 seconds remaining, after Drakkar had erased a three-goal deficit during the third period.

Mantha also added two assists in the decisive Game 7, helping his squad claim the QMJHL spot in the upcoming MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament.

They will face the Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL champions), the Guelph Storm (OHL champions) and the London Knights (host team) in the prestigious CHL tournament.

Mantha finishes the QMJHL playoffs with 24 goals and 14 assists for 38 points in 24 games. Combine that with his regular-season totals of 53 goals and 67 assists for 120 points in 57 games, and you can see why the Red Wings are excited about one of their most-touted prospects. The Wings’ draftee was named the QMJHL regular-season MVP, as well.