KENT, WA — Jordan Gustafson scored a hat-trick and the Seattle Thunderbirds skated previous the Prince George Cougars, 8-1, on Tuesday on the ShoWare Middle. Six totally different Seattle gamers earned a number of factors because the Thunderbirds improved their report to 20-4-1-1. Seattle completes their three-game dwelling run on Friday with their closing dwelling recreation earlier than the Christmas break. They host Everett Silvertips. Playtime: 7:05 p.m
Seattle led 4-0 after one interval, led by a Gustavsson hat-trick. “It is positively been some time,” Gustafsson mentioned of scoring three targets in a spell. “Perhaps it dates again to the apprentice, or one thing. It is a good factor to do.”
Gustafsson’s first aim got here at 3:18 when he rebounded off a Niko Mijatović shot. Lucas Siona will get his second help. Bryce Pickford made it 2-0 at 10:22 when he sliced via the Cougars protection and snipped one below the crossbar. “I noticed that there have been two guys large, and one within the center. I knew I had sufficient velocity to beat the 2 guys and I simply attacked the third man and beat the goalkeeper.” Gracin Sachin obtained the one help.
WHL freshman Pickford has ten factors (3g, 7a) in his final 5 video games. He says he is grow to be extra assured enjoying at this stage after seeing some postseason time with Seattle final spring. “Sure, completely. I really feel extra snug. Particularly after final yr and arising right here for the playoffs, getting in ten video games or so. Getting these video games within the playoffs helped me get into this season.”
Gustafsson scored his second aim at 12:50, ending a move with Siona. Mijatović additionally obtained an help. Gustafsson accomplished his hat-trick, scoring his third aim at 15:32, assisted by Mijatović and Pickford. He mentioned that scoring early was one of many crew’s targets earlier than the sport. “That was one of many keys for us going into the sport, to ensure we get the primary aim and get off to a very good begin. We needed to get that completed for Audi (coach Matt Udet) and the teaching workers.”
The Thunderbirds scored two extra targets within the second interval. Mijatović scored at 7:51. Siona caught his third help with Sawyer Mineo. Seattle chased Prince George beginning goaltender Tai Younger when Kyle Crnkovic buried a Pickford rebound at 12:15. The aim prolonged Cranković’s factors streak to 11 matches. It is his twelfth level a recreation this season.
The Cougars lastly obtained on the board with an influence play aim within the closing minute of the second half. The Thunderbirds got here again with two extra targets within the third to finish the offense. Crnkovic’s second of the evening got here at 11:04. Simon Lovcen, enjoying in his first recreation within the WHL, had one help and Jared Davidson had the second. A 5-on-3 energy play aim from Sam Popowich accomplished the scoring. Gustafsson and Tej Iginla have been credited with the assistants.
Gustafsson mentioned that with 5 gamers lacking the final 4 matches, everybody has progressed. “When you’ve gotten plenty of your greatest gamers, it is only a larger probability for different gamers to leap in and make an affect. We had plenty of children who made a huge impact tonight. We now have a very deep squad, and we have now plenty of religion in all people.”
Scott Ratzlaff made 22 saves for his ninth profession win.
After Friday’s dwelling recreation, Seattle ends the week with a visit to Everett Saturday at 6:05 p.m. The ultimate shall be earlier than Christmas. Seattle returns from its vacation break on December 27The tenth Once they host the Spokane Chiefs within the Battle of the Sound at Seattle’s Local weather Pledge Enviornment.
T-BIRDS EXTRAS
Seattle accomplished the four-game common season sequence in opposition to Prince George with a 3-1-0-0 report.
The Thunderbirds are ranked #1 within the newest Kia CHL Prime Ten Ballot.
4 Thunderbirds, Kevin Korczynski, Nolan Allan, Reid Schaefer, and Thomas Milich have been named to Canada’s roster for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships. The match begins on December twenty sixthThe tenth It runs till January 5The tenth. The host cities are Moncton, New Brunswick, Halifax, and Nova Scotia.
Three Thunderbirds, Nico Myatovic, Scott Ratzlaff, and Gracyn Sawchyn are chosen to take part within the CHL/NHL Prime Prospects Sport Jan. 25The tenth in Langley, British Columbia
sq. rating: WHL Network
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