The Acadie-Bathurst Titan win the 100th Memorial Cup

This year’s Memorial Cup champion proves you don’t have to be a bigger market to succeed in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).

The Acadie-Bathurst Titan capped off a dream season by winning the franchise’s first ever Memorial Cup on Sunday.

GAME OVER!

WITH A 3-0 WIN OVER THE @WHLPats, THE @ABTitan WINS THE 100TH #MemorialCup!! #MMC100 #OurTime pic.twitter.com/UdCv12dRZS

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 28, 2018

The Titan beat the host Regina Pats 3-0 in the tournament final on the back of 28 saves from goalie Evan Fitzpatrick.

Adam Holwell and Samuel Asselin both scored big goals in the win, while Ethan Crossman added the game-sealing empty netter.

Despite the loss, Pats captain Sam Steel, an Anaheim Ducks first round pick, was named tournament MVP after posting 13 points in just five games.

On behalf of all @WHLPats fans, it’s been been an absolute pleasure to watch Sam Steel the last four years. A first class individual and player. Oh, and a #MCMemorialCup MVP. pic.twitter.com/J33X7tUnLO

— Brandon Basler (@BaslerRM) May 28, 2018

Acadie-Bathurst is the first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) team since 2013 (Halifax) to capture the Memorial Cup.

Bathurst, N.B., home of the Titan, also becomes the smallest city to win the CHL’s ultimate prize since Flin Flon, Man. (pop. 10,234) claimed the trophy in 1957.

Acadie Bathurst Titan win the 100th MasterCard Memorial Cup

With a population just under 12,000, Bathurst, New Brunswick is the smallest city to win the Memorial Cup since Flin Flon, Manitoba in 1957 (pop. 10,234) #mmc100 pic.twitter.com/234ZAWOYSM

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 28, 2018

The Titan will look to defend their title a lot closer to home next year, as the Memorial Cup heads to Halifax, N.S. for 2019 before returning west in 2020.

Kelowna, Kamloops and Victoria have all announced their intentions to bid on the 2020 tournament.

Thumbnail photo courtesy of Getty Images.