Shawinigan's Loik Poudrier is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Saint John on May 25, 2012. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jacques Boissinot

Shawinigan Cataractes Win 2012 Memorial Cup

The Shawinigan Cataractes did it the hard way.

Undrafted Anton Zlobin scored twice including the overtime-winner as the Cataractes beat London Knights 2-1 to lift their first-ever Memorial Cup.

But that tells only half of the story for the tournament hosts.

Beaten in seven games by Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL quarter-finals and then forced into a tie-break just to reach the semifinals, Eric Veilleux's team beat three league champions in four days to become the Canadian Hockey League champions.

Zlobin hugely enhanced his chances of getting drafted with five goals and four assists in six games to give him a return of 19 points in 17 post-season contests.

But the real stars of the tournament for the Cataractes were Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Michael Chaput and Phoenix Coyotes' Brandon Gormley, taken in the first round, 13th overall, in 2010.

Chaput led the tournament in scoring with five goals and seven assists for 12 points, while going 59% in the face-off circle. Gormley stood out all tournment on the Cataractes blueline and added three goals and six assists.

Florida Panthers pick Jonathan Huberdeau had another strong tournament with the Saint John Sea Dogs, recording five goals and two assists for seven points in three games, taking his Memorial Cup career record to eight goals and five assists in eight games.

Huberdeau will surely forego his final year of junior eligibility next season and suit up with the Panthers, potential lockout aside, obviously.

The tournament was a showcase of future NHL talent with 32 prospects on display:

Videos from the Memorial Cup

Vincent Arseneau vs Grant West May 23, 2012
Vincent Arseneau vs Brett Cook May 20, 2012
Mitchell Moroz vs Dillon Donnelly May 18, 2012