Late Surge Not Enough, Giants Fall 6-4 in Kent

October 2, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Vancouver Giants News Release

Kent, WA – The Giants scored twice early in the third period but dropped a 6-4 decision Saturday night. The Seattle Thunderbirds had several players return from NHL camps in time to face the G-Men at the Accesso Showare Center for the home opener and Western Conference Champion banner ceremony.

1st Period:

SEA: Summer acquisition Kyle Crnkovic provided a screen and a tip for the T-Birds 0:46 into the game.

SEA: Gabe Ludwig capitalized on a fortuitous bounce off the linesman at the blue line and buried another one at the 1:24 mark.

VAN: Samuel Honzek scored his second goal in as many nights to respond for Vancouver ten minutes later with a deke five-hole.

SEA: Lucas Ciona forced a turnover and sniped home Seattle’s third with 5:54 remaining in the opening frame.

2nd Period:

SEA: Jared Davidson ripped a shot top corner for a 4-1 lead at the 13:16 of the second.

SEA: Oilers first-rounder Reid Schaefer banged home the game-winner six minutes later.

VAN: Ty Thorpe netted his first of the game on a rebound at the back door with 5:27 left in the period.

3rd Period:

VAN: Thorpe sniped hime his second of the game on a power play 3:26 into the third period.

VAN: Rookie defender Colton Roberts got one in through traffic three minutes later to bring the Giants within one.

SEA: Crnkovic sealed the game with his second, an empty netter, at 19:28 of the third period.

GAME SUMMARY

Final Score: Seattle 6 – Vancouver 4

Final Shots:

Seattle: 33

Vancouver: 26

Jesper Vikman: 27/32 saves for Vancouver

Thomas Milic: 22/26 saves for Seattle

Vancouver Power Play: 1/4

Seattle Power Play: 0/2

3 Stars:

1) Kyle Crnkovic (SEA)

2) Ty Thorpe (VAN)

3) Gabe Ludwig (SEA)

Next Game: The Giants host the Prince George Cougars at the Langley Events Centre next Friday night, puck drop if 7:30PM.

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