Kamloops Blazers at Tri-City Americans 11/18 | WHL Highlights 2025-26
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
The Kamloops Blazers headed down to Kennewick for a battle against the Tri-City Americans.
The first period opened up with a bang. Just 47 seconds into the frame, Nathan Behm and JP Hurlbert went to work and Hurlbert blasted home a one-timer to make it 1-0. Tri-City answered with a quick rush from Connor Dale, but Logan Edmonstone stood tall to preserve the lead. Kamloops would gain a powerplay, where both Hurlbert and Behm had prime scoring chances, but were shutdown by goaltender Ryan Grout.
The Americans found the equalizer when a loose puck sprung Cruz Pavao on a breakaway, and he tucked it past Edmonstone. The Blazers responded right back, Behm and Hurlbert teamed up again, with Hurlbert finishing off the play to make it 2-1. Dale would then break out on a breakaway but Edmonstone once again shut the door. However, Tri-City would level the game late in the frame on an unconventional point shot from Gavin Garland that found its way through traffic to tie the game.
The second frame opened with a slower pace, as both teams traded chances without finding the back of the net. Behm nearly connected with Hurlbert on a hat-trick bid, but the pass was deflected just wide. The Blazers continued to battle, with a chance coming from Isa Guram that went just wide. Edmonstone would stay sharp, turning aside chances from both Gavin Garland and Savin Virk.
The Blazers then created one of their best opportunities of the period on a two-on-one rush with Madden Tymchak and Logan Lanti, but Lanti’s shot was denied by Grout. Kamloops would apply pressure on the powerplay late in the second, as chances came from Kayd Ruedig and Josh Evaschesen but couldn’t find the go ahead goal.
Kamloops got the third period off to a quick start as Tommy Lafreniere scored a shorthanded goal on a feed from Cooper Moore to make it 3-2. Tri-City responded quickly, with Cruz Pavao netting his second of the night to even the score.
The Blazers pushed back with sustained pressure as Moore and Owen Cooper both generated high-danger chances before Kamloops regained the lead. Isa Guram jumped on a loose puck in front and snapped it home to make it 4–3. The Americans wouldn’t go away. With 3:55 remaining, Cash Koch wired one past Edmonstone to tie the game once again. Tri-City continued to attack late, but Edmonstone came up with a massive save to send the contest to overtime.
Kamloops would seal the deal in overtime as Nathan Behm rifled home a breakaway goal to cap off a three point night.
The Blazers will host the Portland Winterhawks on Friday before taking on the Wenatchee Wild on Saturday.
