Nine Up, Nine Down for T-Birds
October 29, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Seattle Thunderbirds News Release
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Jared Davidson scored twice and added an assist as the Seattle Thunderbirds bested the Prince George Cougars, 5-4, Friday at the CN Centre. Jordan Gustafson chipped in with two goal as well as Seattle ran their record to a perfect 9-0. The same two teams face each other again Saturday, also at the CN Centre.
Thunderbirds head coach Matt O’Dette said his team is still working on improving as they navigate through the first month of the season. “We played pretty well. There are still some things we’d like to do better, but overall happy with the win.”
Seattle trailed 1-0 after the first period but came back with a three goal second period to take a 3-2 lead. Lucas Ciona tied the game with his seventh goal of the season just 55-seconds into the period, assisted by Davidson and Bryce Pickford. It was Ciona’s sixth goal in his last four games. “It’s just nice to get those goals going in. They’re not always going to go in, but when they’re coming it feels good.”
The Thunderbirds took their first lead when Davidson scored unassisted at 12:08. The goal came right after a Seattle penalty kill. “It’s a huge momentum game we play, so getting that goal right after a big kill was important for us.”
Prince George tied it at 2-2 at 17:22 but Gustafson scored just two minutes later to give the T-Birds the lead for good. Then just under four minutes into the third period Gustafson struck again, assisted by Gracyn Sawchyn and Jeremy Hanzel.
Davidson’s second of the night, midway through the third period would stand up as the game winner. He and his linemates, Ciona and Kyle Crnkovic finished the game with six points (3g, 3a). “I think we’re gelling together now. We’re learning how each other plays and it’s working out for us well right now.”
The Cougars would get a couple of late goals, including a power play marker with one second left but it was too little too late.
Seattle played the game with three rookie defensemen in the lineup and O’Dette thought they all played well, especially Niko Tsakumis. “He was really poised, made really smart plays with the puck. A really nice game for him and a nice step forward.”
After Saturday’s game both teams will trek south and face each other a third straight time, Tuesday at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
T-BIRDS EXTRAS
This was the first game this season the Thunderbirds were held off the scoreboard in the first period. Seattle is still averaging six goals per game.
The win snapped a four-game road losing streak in Prince George dating back to 2018.
Seattle was awarded just one power play in the game and went 0-for-1.
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