WHL Seattle Thunderbirds

T-Birds Chase Down Rockets

Published on April 1, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Seattle Thunderbirds News Release


KENT, Wash, -Dylan Guenther scored twice and assisted on the game winner as the Seattle Thunderbirds came from behind to beat the Kelowna Rockets, 3-2, in the first game of their opening round playoff series at the accesso ShoWare Center. The second game of the best-of-seven matchup is back at the ShoWare Center Saturday at 6:05 p.m.

Guenther, who won a WHL Championship last spring with the Edmonton Oil Kings, factored in on all three Seattle goals. After the Thunderbirds fell behind, 2-0, midway through the second period, head coach Matt O'Dette said Guenther used that playoff experience to get Seattle in front.

"That experience is valuable," he commented. "Players with that experience know not to panic, to stay in the game and be ready for that next shift. That's what he did."

O'Dette said the same about the play of his goalie, Thomas Milic, who made some timely and game-saving stops in the third period. "Thomas made big saves to keep it close for us," said O'Dette of his netminder. "Gunner (Guenther) put the team on his back and took care of the offense."

Milic made his biggest save midway through the third period, after Seattle had taken a 3-2 lead. Kelowna was on the power play when Milic robbed Adam Kydd with a glove save at the back post.

"That was a nice play by them," remarked Milic after the game. "Guy in front faked a shot, slipped it back door. But that's a play I've seen before by other teams and even us, in practice. You just have to be ready for it and pull out a big save when you need it."

Seattle fell behind after Kelowna scored one in the opening period and added a power play goal at 7:20 of the second. Guenther scored with half a minute left in period two and again, just over three minutes into the third. He then assisted on Reid Schaefer's power play goal at 5:53 that stood as the game winner.

Meanwhile, O'Dette wasn't surprised by the fight the Rockets put up and knows his team will need to step up their game. "They're a very good team. They work hard and are well structured. They have some elite players, and they played a really good hockey game," he remarked. "We found a way. It wasn't the prettiest from our side but good resiliency to stay with it and pull it out in the third."

After the first two games in Kent, the series will shift to Prospera Place in Kelowna for games three and four. Game Three is set for Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Game Four is Wednesday with the same start time.

T-BIRDS EXTRAS

Kevin Korchinski finished the night with two assists.

This is the second straight year in which the Thunderbirds and Rockets have met in the opening round of the postseason. Last spring Seattle won the best-of-seven series, 4-

The Thunderbirds game winning goal was reviewed for offside, but there was no conclusive video evidence to overturn the goal, though it appeared the play was onside.

Check out the Seattle Thunderbirds Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2023


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