Sunday’s WHL Round-up
T-BIRDS EDGE GIANTS – Jim O’Brien scored two goals, including the go-ahead goal 12 minutes into the third period, to lift the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 3-2 win over the visiting Vancouver Giants in Western Hockey League action on Sunday, February 22nd.
Jeremy Boyer converted a third period penalty shot for the Thunderbirds (30-29-1-3), who pick up their third straight victory and move past Kamloops into sole possession of fifth place in the Western Conference. Rookie netminder Calvin Pickard turned aside 40 of 42 shots he faced to backstop the T-Birds to the victory.
Evander Kane – with his 40th of the season – and James Henry scored for the Giants (49-7-1-3), who drop to 3-2-1 in their last six games but remain in first place in the Western Conference. Jamie Tucker made 26 saves in the defeat.
ROCKETS 4, BRUINS 1
Tyler Myers potted the eventual winner with a shorthanded marker early in the third period as the visiting Kelowna Rockets went on to a 4-1 victory over the Chilliwack Bruins on Sunday.
Ryley Grantham, Tyson Barrie and Lucas Bloodoff also scored for the Rockets (38-20-1-3), who pick up their third road win in as many days and close to within one point of Spokane for third place in the Western Conference. Adam Brown made 29 saves to improve his record to 17-4-1 this season.
Scott MacDonald scored late in the third period for the Bruins (15-42-2-4), who suffer their 12th defeat in their last 13 games. Mark Friesen made 21 saves in a losing cause.
ICE 3, RAIDERS 2 O/T
Dominik Pacovsky scored his second goal of the game 3:51 into overtime to lift the visiting Kootenay Ice to a 3-2 win over the Prince Albert Raiders on Sunday.
Kevin King also scored while Brayden McNabb chipped in three assists for the Ice (29-25-2-6), who snap a two-game losing skid. Todd Mathews turned aside 41 of 43 shots he faced to earn his eighth victory of the season as a member of the Ice.
Rookie Ryan Harrison notched a goal and an assist and Ryan McDonald also counted for the Raiders (27-32-4-1), who suffer their second straight loss but move back into a tie with Edmonton for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Steven Stanford made 33 saves in the defeat.
PATS 4, WARRIORS 1
Mitch Czibere scored two goals to lead the visiting Regina Pats to a 4-1 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors on Sunday.
Jordan Eberle – with a goal and three assists – and Matt Robertson also scored for the Pats (25-31-1-5), who earn their second straight win over the Warriors, while Jordan Weal chipped in three helpers. Linden Rowat made 25 saves to pick up his 18th win of the season.
Jason Bast – with his 22nd goal of the season – scored the lone marker for the Warriors (17-42-1-2), who have lost 15 of their last 16 games on home ice. Jeff Bosch made 32 saves in the loss versus his former team.
AMERICANS 4, WINTER HAWKS 1
Mitch Fadden and Kruise Reddick each tallied a goal and an assist to lead the visiting Tri-City Americans to a 4-1 victory over the Portland Winter Hawks on Sunday.
Jordan Messier and Johnny Lazo also scored for the Americans (43-16-0-3), who stretch their winning streak to five games and move eight points up on Spokane for first place in the U.S. Division. Chet Pickard made 26 saves to claim his 32nd win of the season.
Radim Valchar – with his 17th of the season – scored the only goal for the Winter Hawks (15-41-2-2), who suffer their third straight setback. Kurtis Mucha made 36 saves in the loss.
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Photos courtesy of WHL Club Photographers: Bob Frid and Mick White
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