In only their first season of existence, the Bellingham Blazers hockey team won the NORPAC Cascade Cup, beating West Sound 3-1 in a decisive Game 5 of the championship series on Sunday, March 17, at Bremerton.

The Warriors scored first, after the Blazers (22-17-1) were charged with two penalties in the first five minutes, but Cody Rich tied the game for Bellingham 30 seconds into the second period on an assist from Dawson Quint.

Bryce Kenning gave the Blazers their first lead of the game 111/2 minutes later on an unassisted goal, and Adam Papayoanou's backhanded shot gave Bellingham a little insurance five minutes into the third period off assists from Kyler Moore and Mason Wade.

Cody Foster made 40 saves in the victory for Bellingham, which now heads to the national tournament April 4-8 in Rochester, Minn.

"What a way to finish the season," Mark Collins said in a press release. "We are so proud of the players. ... We played our game tonight, that's for sure."