WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds return home to cheering fans

KENT, Wash. -- Forty years of waiting ... and finally a championship!

The Seattle Thunderbirds defeated the Regina Pats 4-3 in overtime Sunday night to win the Western Hockey League championship in Regina, Saskatchewan.

And the celebration continued upon the team's arrival Monday night back in Kent.



It was a championship welcome -- and much-deserved -- for a team that now moves on to the Memorial Cup in Windsor, Ontario, starting Friday. The T-Birds will represent the Western Hockey League against three other leagues.

But Monday night, they had a chance to celebrate with their hometown fans who have supported them all the way.