WHL playoffs: ICE, T-Birds cruise to playoff victories in conference finals
By The Canadian Press on April 29, 2023.
WINNIPEG – Connor McClennon scored three goals and added an assist as the Winnipeg ICE defeated the visiting Saskatoon Blades 6-2 on Saturday to grab a 2-0 lead in their Western Hockey League Eastern Conference final series. Zach Benson, Owen Pederson and Matthew Savoie (empty-netter) also scored for the ICE, who won Friday’s opener 3-0. Savoie also chipped in with two assists. Justin Lies and Jayden Wiens scored for the Blades, who trailed 2-0 after the first period and 4-0 heading into the third period. The ICE were 1-for-3 on the power play, while the Blades went 1-for-5. The ICE outshot the Blades 33-29. Game 3 is Tuesday in Saskatoon, Sask. Elsewhere in the WHL: — THUNDERBIRDS 5 BLAZERS 1 (Seattle leads best-of-seven series 1-0) SEATTLE, Wash. – Jared Davidson scored twice and added an assist as the Seattle Thunderbirds opened the Western Conference final with a 5-1 win over the visiting Kamloops Blazers. Nico Myatovic, Dylan Guenther and Gracyn Sawchyn also scored for the T-Birds, who outshot the Blazers 35-25. Olen Zellweger scored for the Blazers, who trailed 1-0 after the first period and 2-1 heading into the third. The Thunderbirds went 1-for-3 on the power play, while the Blazers were 0-for-2. Game 2 is Sunday at accesso ShoWare Center in Seattle. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2023. 16-15
