WHL playoffs: T-Birds cruise past ICE 6-3, lead final series 2-1
By The Canadian Press on May 16, 2023.
SEATTLE – The Seattle Thunderbirds jumped on the visiting Winnipeg ICE early and often as they chalked up a 6-3 win and grabbed a 2-1 lead in the Western Hockey League Championship Series on Tuesday night. Jeremy Hanzel led Seattle’s attack with two goals and an assist. Kyle Crnkovic, Brad Lambert, Jared Davidson and Dylan Guenther netted singles for the T-Birds, who scored 25 seconds into the game. Colton Dach chipped in with two assists. Carson Latimer, Zach Benson and Zack Ostapchuk scored for the ICE, who trailed 4-1 after the first period and 6-2 entering the third period. The ICE won the best-of-seven series opener in Winnipeg 3-2, but the Thunderbirds bounced back in Game 2 with a 4-2 road win. The Thunderbirds went 2-for-3 with the power play on Tuesday, while the ICE were 1-for-4. The ICE outshot the T-Birds 38-33. Game 4 is Wednesday in Seattle. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2023. 9-8
