T-Birds Elevate Banner; Win residence Opener – Seattle Thunderbirds

KENT, Wash. – The Seattle Thunderbirds constructed a four-goal lead then held on for a 6-4 win over the Vancouver Giants Saturday on the accesso ShoWare Middle. The sport was Seattle’s 2022-23 residence opener. Previous to the sport they raised their 2022 WHL Western Convention Championship banner, earned in final season’s playoffs. The T-birds are off till subsequent weekend once they play a pair of street video games in British Columbia.

Seattle (2-0-0-0) got here out flying to begin the sport and scored twice within the first ninety seconds.  Kyle Crnkovic opened the scoring simply 46-seconds in. Rookie defenseman Hyde Davidson picked up his first WHL level with an help on the opening purpose. That was adopted 38-seconds later when Gabe Ludwig knocked residence his first purpose since final January.

“Some nice components of the sport,” commented head coach Matt O’Dette. “However we positively pale as the sport went on.”

Vancouver (1-2-0-1) reduce the Thunderbirds lead in half with an unassisted 4-on-4 purpose from San Honzek simply previous the halfway level of interval one.  Seattle responded when Lucas Ciona tapped residence a cross crease cross from Jordan Gustafson somewhat over 4 minutes later.

The Thunderbirds had been in a position to prolong the lead with a pair of targets about six minutes aside in interval two.  Jared Davidson gave Seattle a 4-1 benefit at 6:44. Davidson, who didn’t get his first purpose final season till recreation ten however ended up with 42, was glad to get the primary one this season early.

“Final season I didn’t have that success instantly. Getting the primary one off my again is kinda enormous and retains the burden off my shoulders.”

Reid Schaefer gave the T-birds their largest lead of the night time at 5-1 when he potted his first at 12:07. The Giants obtained inside 5-2 when Ty Thorpe scored the primary of his two on the night time at 14:33.

Seattle nonetheless had a three-goal lead when the third interval started however Vancouver obtained an influence play purpose from Thorpe at 3:36 and an excellent power purpose from Colton Roberts at 6:49, making it a one-goal recreation.

“We didn’t have an important third interval, mentioned O’Dette. “It’s early. We’re simply getting our group again collectively.” The T-birds simply had 5 gamers return this week from NHL coaching camps. O’Dette did say they should re-establish enjoying with the lead and shutting out an opponent. “Studying win, engaged on a few of our habits and being higher subsequent time.”

The Thunderbirds had been in a position to cease the bleeding and Crnkovic’s empty internet purpose with 32-seconds left iced the win.

The Thunderbirds subsequent residence recreation is Tuesday, October eleventh at 7:05 p.m. once they host the Medication Hat Tigers.

T-BIRDS EXTRAS

All however one Thunderbird participant has returned from NHL coaching camp.  Defenseman Kevin Korchinski stays with the Chicago Blackhawks, who drafted Korchinski within the first spherical of this summer season’s NHL Entry Draft.  Mekai Sanders remains to be sidelined whereas he rehabs from a decrease physique damage suffered late final season.

Seattle has scored 9 targets by means of two video games. Eight completely different gamers have scored. 13 Seattle gamers had no less than some extent within the residence win.

Seattle is 0-for-5 by means of two video games with the facility play however O’Dette mentioned that may be a byproduct of getting guys away at NHL camps. “We’re simply getting our guys again. Similar to traces want time to get chemistry, so do energy play models. I’m not anxious about that in any respect.”

Full boxscore: WHL Network