T-Birds Wrap up Preseason
KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Seattle Thunderbirds concluded their preseason schedule with a pair of wins this weekend at the Toyota Center. The T-Birds now turn their attention to the regular season which starts next weekend in Wenatchee against the division rival Wild.
With a 4-2 win Friday over Wenatchee and a 3-1 win over the Portland Winterhawks Saturday, the T-Birds wrapped up the preseason schedule with a 5-1 record. “It was a really positive weekend,” said head coach Matt O’Dette of his team’s two wins in Kennewick. “Lots of progress with how we’re playing within our systems. Our identity is starting to take shape.”
O’Dette not only praised his players for digesting a lot of information in a short time but also singled out the work of his coaching staff. “Carter (Cochrane), Taylor (Makin) and Brett (Cameron) have done a great job getting the players ready for each game.”
Part of preseason is getting each player enough ice time and putting players in different situations. “Between playing different positions and trying guys out on special teams, I think we got a good understanding of the group,” explained Cochrane. “It was nice to build some confidence as well, with finding different ways to win.”
The Thunderbirds used a balanced attack during their six preseason contests but were led by a pair of newcomers as both Knox Burton (3g, 3a) and Luke Melnik (1g, 5a) finished with six points.
The T-Birds fiftieth season opener is in Wenatchee next Saturday at the Town Toyota Center. The Thunderbirds will host the Prince George Cougars in their home opener at the accesso ShoWare Center September 26th at 6:05 p.m.
