WHL

Thunderbirds clinch WHL title with win

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Saturday, May. 20, 2023

KENT, Wash. - The Seattle Thunderbirds beat the Winnipeg ICE 3-1 on Friday to claim the Western Hockey League title.

The game-winning goal came courtesy of Nico Myatovic, who bagged a penalty shot against ICE netminder Daniel Hauser.

Seattle also won the title back in 2017.

The Thunderbirds have now booked their place in the Memorial Cup.

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Winnipeg Ice eliminated from WHL playoffs following 4-1 defeat to the Thunderbirds

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Ice eliminated from WHL playoffs following 4-1 defeat to the Thunderbirds

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Saturday, May. 20, 2023

The Winnipeg Ice had their sights on extending their season and bringing the series back home.

Instead, the junior club was stoned by a red-hot goaltender in a season-ending defeat.

The Ice fell 3-1 to the Seattle Thunderbirds in Game 5 of the Western Hockey League championship in Kent, Wash. on Friday, ending their bid for a league title just three wins short.

The Thunderbirds won the best-of-seven series 4-1 to capture their second league title in franchise history and advanced to the Memorial Cup in Kamloops, B.C., which begins May 26.

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Saturday, May. 20, 2023

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS FILES

Ice net minder Daniel Hauser staged an outstanding performance in defeat, stopping 34 of 37 shots.

Season hangs in balance for Winnipeg Ice heading into Game 5 of WHL final

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Season hangs in balance for Winnipeg Ice heading into Game 5 of WHL final

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

The situation is simple for the Winnipeg Ice: the club is backed into a corner with zero margin for error.

The only way out? Win.

Oh, how the tables have turned on the junior club, competing in its first Western Hockey League championship since relocating to the Manitoba capital in 2019.

Life was good just a few games ago when the Eastern Conference champs dominated the first 40 minutes of the series opener to the tune of a three-goal lead, then hung on for dear life in the final period to secure a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds in Game 1 on home ice.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Vladislav Shilo and his Winnipeg Ice teammates have their backs against the wall as they enter Game 5 of the WHL final series down three games to one against the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Thunderbirds take 3-1 series lead in WHL finals

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Thunderbirds take 3-1 series lead in WHL finals

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

KENT, Wash. - Dylan Guenther scored his playoff-leading 16th goal as the Seattle Thunderbirds took a 4-2 win over the Winnipeg Ice and a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Western Hockey League championship on Wednesday.

Kevin Korchinski, Gracyn Sawchyn, with a goal and an assist, and Nico Myatovic, with an empty-net goal, provided the rest of the offence for Seattle.

Thomas Milic made 31 saves in the victory.

The Thunderbirds are in search of their second title in franchise history and redemption after last season's championship series loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

KENT, Wash. - Dylan Guenther scored his playoff-leading 16th goal as the Seattle Thunderbirds took a 4-2 win over the Winnipeg Ice and a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Western Hockey League championship on Wednesday.

Kevin Korchinski, Gracyn Sawchyn, with a goal and an assist, and Nico Myatovic, with an empty-net goal, provided the rest of the offence for Seattle.

Thomas Milic made 31 saves in the victory.

The Thunderbirds are in search of their second title in franchise history and redemption after last season's championship series loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Ice face elimination after falling 4-2 to Thunderbirds

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Ice face elimination after falling 4-2 to Thunderbirds

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

It was about as close to a must-win game as it gets, and the Winnipeg Ice came up just short.

The Ice hoped history would repeat itself from the team’s second-round series against the Moose Jaw Warriors, which saw the Ice suffer consecutive losses, the worst coming in an 8-4 defeat in Game 3, before rattling off three-straight wins to clinch the series.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

It was about as close to a must-win game as it gets, and the Winnipeg Ice came up just short.

The Ice hoped history would repeat itself from the team’s second-round series against the Moose Jaw Warriors, which saw the Ice suffer consecutive losses, the worst coming in an 8-4 defeat in Game 3, before rattling off three-straight wins to clinch the series.

Thunderbirds score early, often in 6-3 win over Ice

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Thunderbirds score early, often in 6-3 win over Ice

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

The damage came early enough to leave some hope, but the hole was too deep for the Winnipeg Ice to escape against the defensively-sound Seattle Thunderbirds.

The Ice were dominated in a 6-3 losing effort on the road against the Thunderbirds in Game 3 of the Western Hockey League championship on Tuesday.

The Thunderbirds lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 and sit firmly in the driver’s seat with Games 4 and 5 also taking place at their home in Kent, WA.

Carson Latimer, Zach Benson and Zack Ostapchuk scored for the Ice on a night they outshot the hosts 38-33. Meanwhile, five different players scored for the T-Birds, including Brad Lambert, the Winnipeg Jets’ first-round pick in 2022, who has bulged the twine three times in the last two contests.

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Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

The damage came early enough to leave some hope, but the hole was too deep for the Winnipeg Ice to escape against the defensively-sound Seattle Thunderbirds.

The Ice were dominated in a 6-3 losing effort on the road against the Thunderbirds in Game 3 of the Western Hockey League championship on Tuesday.

The Thunderbirds lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 and sit firmly in the driver’s seat with Games 4 and 5 also taking place at their home in Kent, WA.

Carson Latimer, Zach Benson and Zack Ostapchuk scored for the Ice on a night they outshot the hosts 38-33. Meanwhile, five different players scored for the T-Birds, including Brad Lambert, the Winnipeg Jets’ first-round pick in 2022, who has bulged the twine three times in the last two contests.

T-Birds cruise past ICE 6-3, lead final series 2-1

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

T-Birds cruise past ICE 6-3, lead final series 2-1

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Tuesday, 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.

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Tuesday, 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.

Jets’ prospect breaks Ice

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Jets’ prospect breaks Ice

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Saturday, May. 13, 2023

It was eight seconds to forget for the Winnipeg Ice.

And while the top-ranked Western Hockey League club left in high spirits, their efforts in Game 2 of the WHL championships series were stamped by controversy and mishaps in its biggest moment.

With the contest knotted at one apiece early in the final frame, an uncalled penalty and a defensive blunder that led to a go-ahead goal proved to be the undoing of the Ice in a 4-2 defeat to the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds in front of 5,691 at Canada Life Centre on Saturday.

The best-of-seven championship series is tied 1-1 as the series shifts to Seattle for Games 3, 4 and 5.

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Saturday, May. 13, 2023

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Ice centre Conor Geekie gets a shot from the edge of the crease but is stopped by Seattle Thunderbirds goalie Thomas Milic during Game 2 of the Western Hockey League Championship Series Saturday in Winnipeg. The Thunderbirds won 4-2 to even the series at 1-1.

T-Birds tie championship series with 4-2 road win

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

T-Birds tie championship series with 4-2 road win

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Saturday, May. 13, 2023

WINNIPEG - Brad Lambert scored twice and Dylan Guenther added three assists as the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds knocked off the Winnipeg ICE 4-2 on Saturday night to tie their best-of-seven Western Hockey League Championship Series at a game apiece.

Jeremy Hanzel and Reid Schaefer also scored for the Thunderbirds, who lost Friday's opener 3-2.

Zach Benson scored both goals for the ICE, who were outshot 39-30. The ICE led 1-0 after the first period 1-0, and the teams were tied 1-1 heading into the final frame.

Seattle went 0-for-3 on the power play, while Winnipeg was 0-for-5.

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Saturday, May. 13, 2023

WINNIPEG - Brad Lambert scored twice and Dylan Guenther added three assists as the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds knocked off the Winnipeg ICE 4-2 on Saturday night to tie their best-of-seven Western Hockey League Championship Series at a game apiece.

Jeremy Hanzel and Reid Schaefer also scored for the Thunderbirds, who lost Friday's opener 3-2.

Zach Benson scored both goals for the ICE, who were outshot 39-30. The ICE led 1-0 after the first period 1-0, and the teams were tied 1-1 heading into the final frame.

Seattle went 0-for-3 on the power play, while Winnipeg was 0-for-5.

Ice hold on for Game 1 triumph

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Ice hold on for Game 1 triumph

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Friday, May. 12, 2023

The Winnipeg Ice did just enough to stave off a shocking upset to open the franchise’s biggest series since relocating to the Manitoba capital.

What started with two periods featuring stretches of pure dominance from the top-ranked Ice ended in pandemonium as the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds roared back within one goal in the game’s waning moments.

The Ice built a 3-0 lead in the first 40 minutes of the game, but that was chopped down 28 seconds into the third period thanks to a deflection from Edmonton Oilers prospect Reid Schaefer. Then, with the goalie pulled, Chicago Blackhawks blue line prospect Kevin Korchinski beat Ice goaltender Daniel Hauser with one minute and 42 seconds remaining in the game.

The visitors continued a strong push, highlighted by a chance from forward Jared Davidson, who sent a shot wide of an open cage with under 10 seconds remaining.

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Friday, May. 12, 2023

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Ice defenceman Ben Zloty tries to contain Seattle Thunderbirds centre Dylan Guenther Friday night during third-period action.

WHL playoffs: Ice take 1-0 series lead in final

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

WHL playoffs: Ice take 1-0 series lead in final

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, May. 12, 2023

WINNIPEG - Carson Latimer scored the game-winning goal as the Winnipeg Ice beat the Seattle Thunderbirds 3-2 to take a 1-0 series lead in the Western Hockey League final.

Evan Friesen and Connor McClennon scored the other goals for Winnipeg, which took a 3-0 lead in the second period in front of a raucous crowd at Canada Life Centre, home of the NHL's Jets.

Reid Schaefer and Kevin Korchinski replied for Seattle to bring the deficit within one, but the Thunderbirds couldn't find the equalizer.

Ice goaltender Daniel Hauser made 27 saves to earn the win, while Thunderbirds netminder Thomas Milic stopped 25 of 28 shots in the loss.

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Friday, May. 12, 2023

WINNIPEG - Carson Latimer scored the game-winning goal as the Winnipeg Ice beat the Seattle Thunderbirds 3-2 to take a 1-0 series lead in the Western Hockey League final.

Evan Friesen and Connor McClennon scored the other goals for Winnipeg, which took a 3-0 lead in the second period in front of a raucous crowd at Canada Life Centre, home of the NHL's Jets.

Reid Schaefer and Kevin Korchinski replied for Seattle to bring the deficit within one, but the Thunderbirds couldn't find the equalizer.

Ice goaltender Daniel Hauser made 27 saves to earn the win, while Thunderbirds netminder Thomas Milic stopped 25 of 28 shots in the loss.

Ice, T-birds last teams standing

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Ice, T-birds last teams standing

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, May. 10, 2023

Premier talent will be on full display and the stakes will be at their highest when the Winnipeg Ice and Seattle Thunderbirds clash in the Western Hockey League championship series.

The Ice and Thunderbirds will duke it out in a best-of-seven series for junior hockey supremacy in Western Canada and the right to play in the Memorial Cup in Kamloops, B.C., later this month.

Game 1 goes Friday at 7 p.m. at Winnipeg’s downtown arena.

The venue change from Wayne Fleming Arena on the University of Manitoba campus was announced Monday after the Ice came to an agreement with True North Sports and Entertainment to play its home games during the series at the home of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose.

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Wednesday, May. 10, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Ice captain Carson Lambos (centre) says it’s going to be exciting facing the Seattle Thunderbirds at the home of the Winnipeg Jets for the first two games of the WHL final.

T-Birds edge Blazers 4-2, punch ticket to final

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

T-Birds edge Blazers 4-2, punch ticket to final

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - The Seattle Thunderbirds have punched their ticket to the Western Hockey League championship series.

Kyle Crnkovic's goal 10 minutes into the third period stood up as the winner as the T-Birds defeated the Kamloops Blazers 4-2 to win the best-of-seven Western Conference final in six games.

Jared Davidson, Sawyer Mynio and Reid Schaefer (empty-netter) also scored for the Thunderbirds, who outshot the Blazers 43-30 at the Sandman Centre, where this year's Memorial Cup will be held later this month.

Dylan Sydor and Matthew Seminoff scored for the Blazers, who will play in the Memorial Cup as the host team. In fact, they'll play the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions in the opening game on May 26.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - The Seattle Thunderbirds have punched their ticket to the Western Hockey League championship series.

Kyle Crnkovic's goal 10 minutes into the third period stood up as the winner as the T-Birds defeated the Kamloops Blazers 4-2 to win the best-of-seven Western Conference final in six games.

Jared Davidson, Sawyer Mynio and Reid Schaefer (empty-netter) also scored for the Thunderbirds, who outshot the Blazers 43-30 at the Sandman Centre, where this year's Memorial Cup will be held later this month.

Dylan Sydor and Matthew Seminoff scored for the Blazers, who will play in the Memorial Cup as the host team. In fact, they'll play the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions in the opening game on May 26.

Ice to play WHL final games at Canada Life Centre

— staff 2 minute read Preview

Ice to play WHL final games at Canada Life Centre

— staff 2 minute read Monday, May. 8, 2023

Sure, the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose have already been eliminated from their respective NHL and AHL playoffs. But that doesn’t mean hockey is finished at Canada Life Centre.

The Winnipeg Ice have worked out an agreement with True North to move their upcoming Western Hockey League championship series to the downtown rink.

Game 1 is set for this Friday at 7 p.m., while Game 2 goes Saturday at 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday at noon.

The Ice are four wins away from going to the Memorial Cup later this month. They will face the winner of the ongoing series between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kamloops Blazers. Seattle led the best-of-seven 3-2 heading into Monday night’s game in British Columbia. Game 7, if necessary, would go Tuesday in Washington.

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Monday, May. 8, 2023

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Ice goaltender Daniel Hauser keeps an eye on the puck as Saskatoon Blades defenceman Charlie Wright gets a shot on goal during a game in April.

Blazers avoid elimination by tipping T-Birds 4-2

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Blazers avoid elimination by tipping T-Birds 4-2

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Saturday, May. 6, 2023

SEATTLE - Matthew Seminoff and Ryan Hofer each scored twice and Dylan Ernst made 36 saves as the visiting Kamloops Blazers defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds 4-2 on Saturday night to stay alive in their Western Hockey League Western Conference final.

The Blazers, who entered the game trailing the best-of-seven series 3-1, allowed the first goal, but stormed back with four of their own and then held on for the victory to force a Game 6 back in Kamloops, B.C., on Monday night.

Jared Davidson and Reid Schaefer scored for the Thunderbirds, who outshot the Blazers 38-30.

Seattle went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Kamloops was 0-for-2.

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Saturday, May. 6, 2023

SEATTLE - Matthew Seminoff and Ryan Hofer each scored twice and Dylan Ernst made 36 saves as the visiting Kamloops Blazers defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds 4-2 on Saturday night to stay alive in their Western Hockey League Western Conference final.

The Blazers, who entered the game trailing the best-of-seven series 3-1, allowed the first goal, but stormed back with four of their own and then held on for the victory to force a Game 6 back in Kamloops, B.C., on Monday night.

Jared Davidson and Reid Schaefer scored for the Thunderbirds, who outshot the Blazers 38-30.

Seattle went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Kamloops was 0-for-2.

Thunderbirds beat Blazers 8-4 in WHL playoffs

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Thunderbirds beat Blazers 8-4 in WHL playoffs

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, May. 5, 2023

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - Forward Dylan Guenther scored a hat trick and added an assist, and the Seattle Thunderbirds beat the Kamloops Blazers 8-4 in the Western Hockey League playoffs.

The Thunderbirds now lead the best-of-seven Western Conference final series 3-1.

Kevin Korchinski, Kyle Crnkovic, Jared Davidson, Bryce Pickford and Reid Schaefer also scored for Seattle. Guenther leads the WHL playoffs with 14 goals.

Olen Zellweger scored twice, and Matthew Seminoff and Dylan Sydor each had one for Kamloops.

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Friday, May. 5, 2023

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - Forward Dylan Guenther scored a hat trick and added an assist, and the Seattle Thunderbirds beat the Kamloops Blazers 8-4 in the Western Hockey League playoffs.

The Thunderbirds now lead the best-of-seven Western Conference final series 3-1.

Kevin Korchinski, Kyle Crnkovic, Jared Davidson, Bryce Pickford and Reid Schaefer also scored for Seattle. Guenther leads the WHL playoffs with 14 goals.

Olen Zellweger scored twice, and Matthew Seminoff and Dylan Sydor each had one for Kamloops.

Ice sweep Blades to book spot in WHL final

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Ice sweep Blades to book spot in WHL final

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

SASKATOON - Briley Wood scored the game-winning goal at 6:19 of the third period and the Winnipeg Ice edged the Saskatoon Blades 3-2 on Wednesday for a spot in the Western Hockey League championship.

Connor McClennon scored twice for Winnipeg, which swept the Eastern Conference final series. Matthew Savoie dished out two assists, both on McClennon's markers.

Daniel Hauser made 16 saves in the win.

McClennon and Savoie have produced at a high rate for the Ice through 14 post-season games. Savoie is tied for the league lead with 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) and McClennon is fourth with 21 (13 goals, eight assists).

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Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

SASKATOON - Briley Wood scored the game-winning goal at 6:19 of the third period and the Winnipeg Ice edged the Saskatoon Blades 3-2 on Wednesday for a spot in the Western Hockey League championship.

Connor McClennon scored twice for Winnipeg, which swept the Eastern Conference final series. Matthew Savoie dished out two assists, both on McClennon's markers.

Daniel Hauser made 16 saves in the win.

McClennon and Savoie have produced at a high rate for the Ice through 14 post-season games. Savoie is tied for the league lead with 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) and McClennon is fourth with 21 (13 goals, eight assists).

Ice punch ticket to WHL final with sweep of Blades

Joshua Frey-Sam 3 minute read Preview

Ice punch ticket to WHL final with sweep of Blades

Joshua Frey-Sam 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

In the end, it’s the Winnipeg Ice who stand on top of the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference.

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Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

Steve Hiscock / Saskatoon Blades

Winnipeg Ice forward Conner McClennon had a pair of goals Wednesday night against Saskatoon Blades goalkeeper Austin Elliot.

ICE one win away from eliminating Blades

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

ICE one win away from eliminating Blades

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

SASKATOON - The visiting Winnipeg ICE scored three unanswered goals in the first period and then coasted to a 5-1 win over the Saskatoon Blades on Tuesday night to grab a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Hockey League Eastern Conference final series.

Matthew Savoie, Zach Benson, Evan Friesen, Connor McClennon and Owen Pederson scored for the ICE, who outshot the Blades34-18. Ben Zloty chipped in with three assists and Savoie added a pair.

Justin Lies scored for the Blades, who lost the first two games in the Manitoba capital, 3-0 and 6-2.

The ICE went 2-for-6 on the power play, while the Blades were 0-for-2.

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Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

SASKATOON - The visiting Winnipeg ICE scored three unanswered goals in the first period and then coasted to a 5-1 win over the Saskatoon Blades on Tuesday night to grab a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Hockey League Eastern Conference final series.

Matthew Savoie, Zach Benson, Evan Friesen, Connor McClennon and Owen Pederson scored for the ICE, who outshot the Blades34-18. Ben Zloty chipped in with three assists and Savoie added a pair.

Justin Lies scored for the Blades, who lost the first two games in the Manitoba capital, 3-0 and 6-2.

The ICE went 2-for-6 on the power play, while the Blades were 0-for-2.

Ice take stranglehold in series against Blades

Joshua Frey-Sam 3 minute read Preview

Ice take stranglehold in series against Blades

Joshua Frey-Sam 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

It was as dominant a performance as the Winnipeg Ice could’ve asked for in a pivotal situation. Now the top-ranked Western Hockey League club finds itself on the brink of making team history.

The Ice rode a strong effort in the first period to a 5-1 triumph over the Saskatoon Blades in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday in Saskatchewan.

Winnipeg has a 3-0 stranglehold on the best-of-seven series and can punch its ticket to the WHL championship Wednesdsay night for the first time since the franchise relocated to the Manitoba capital in 2019. The puck drops on Game 4 in Saskatoon at 8 p.m.

Matthew Savoie led the offensive output with three points (one goal, two assists) while Zach Benson, Evan Friesen, Connor McClennon and Owen Pederson rounded out an attack that has scored four or more goals in nine of 13 contests this post-season. Winnipeg has outscored Saskatoon 14-3 thus far in the series. Goaltender Daniel Hauser enjoyed one of the quieter nights he’s seen this season, stopping 13 of 14 shots.

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Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

Steve Hiscock / Saskatoon Blades

Ice goalie Daniel Hauser tends the crease as Carson Lambos defends and Blades forward Justin Lies creates a screen in front of the Winnipeg net.

Experience key to Ice playoff run

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Experience key to Ice playoff run

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Monday, May. 1, 2023

What a difference a year makes.

This time last year, the Winnipeg Ice watched their season slip away as the juggernaut Edmonton Oil Kings ran away with a 4-1 series win in the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference final en route to eventually winning the junior league crown.

The Ice are in the conference final again, but this time hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Saskatoon Blades and can take a stranglehold Tuesday night on the road. Game 3 is slated for 8 p.m. (CT), with Game 4 set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. (CT).

A wealth of experience and talent has carried the team to this point, indeed. The team has also better adapted to playoff hockey by taking advantage of key moments when they happen, said head coach James Patrick.

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Monday, May. 1, 2023

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Ice goaltender Daniel Hauser keeps an eye on the puck Saturday as Saskatoon Blades defenceman Charlie Wright takes a shot on goal.

T-Birds beat Blazers 4-3 in OT, lead series 2-0

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

T-Birds beat Blazers 4-3 in OT, lead series 2-0

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Sunday, Apr. 30, 2023

SEATTLE - Jeremy Hanzel scored at 6:21 of overtime as the Seattle Thunderbirds rallied from a 3-1 deficit to edge the visiting Kamloops Blazers 4-3 in the second game of the Western Hockey League's Western Conference final.

The Thunderbirds grabbed a 2-0 lead in the best-of series. They won 5-1 in the series-opener on Saturday.

Lucas Ciona, Colton Dach and Brad Lambert also scored for the T-Birds, who were outshot 42-39.

Caedan Bankier, Olen Zellweger and Matthew Seminoff scored for the Blazers, who led 1-0 after the first period and 3-2 heading into the third. Logan Stankoven chipped in with three assists.

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Sunday, Apr. 30, 2023

SEATTLE - Jeremy Hanzel scored at 6:21 of overtime as the Seattle Thunderbirds rallied from a 3-1 deficit to edge the visiting Kamloops Blazers 4-3 in the second game of the Western Hockey League's Western Conference final.

The Thunderbirds grabbed a 2-0 lead in the best-of series. They won 5-1 in the series-opener on Saturday.

Lucas Ciona, Colton Dach and Brad Lambert also scored for the T-Birds, who were outshot 42-39.

Caedan Bankier, Olen Zellweger and Matthew Seminoff scored for the Blazers, who led 1-0 after the first period and 3-2 heading into the third. Logan Stankoven chipped in with three assists.

ICE, T-Birds cruise to playoff victories

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

ICE, T-Birds cruise to playoff victories

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Apr. 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.

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Saturday, Apr. 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.

ICE bump off Blades 3-0 in East final opener

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

ICE bump off Blades 3-0 in East final opener

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg ICE scored two unanswered goals in the first period and received flawless goaltending from Daniel Hauser as they defeated the visiting Saskatoon Blades 3-0 in the opening game of the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference final on Friday night.

Ben Zloty, Zack Ostapchuk and Carson Lambos scored for the ICE, who led 2-0 after the first period and 3-0 heading into the third.

The Blades, coming off a tough seven-game series with the Red Deer Rebels in which they dropped the first three games before pulling off the "reverse sweep," were outshot 26-16.

The Blades went 0-for-4 on the power play, while the ICE went 0-for-1.

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Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg ICE scored two unanswered goals in the first period and received flawless goaltending from Daniel Hauser as they defeated the visiting Saskatoon Blades 3-0 in the opening game of the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference final on Friday night.

Ben Zloty, Zack Ostapchuk and Carson Lambos scored for the ICE, who led 2-0 after the first period and 3-0 heading into the third.

The Blades, coming off a tough seven-game series with the Red Deer Rebels in which they dropped the first three games before pulling off the "reverse sweep," were outshot 26-16.

The Blades went 0-for-4 on the power play, while the ICE went 0-for-1.

Ice to face Blades Friday

Joshua Frey-Sam 1 minute read Preview

Ice to face Blades Friday

Joshua Frey-Sam 1 minute read Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

The Winnipeg Ice will face the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference Final, beginning Friday in the Manitoba capital.

The Blades defeated the Red Deer Rebels 5-2 in a winner-take-all Game 7 Tuesday night to book a date with the Ice.

Winnipeg knocked off the Medicine Hat Tigers and Moose Jaw Warriors to reach the conference final.

Here is schedule for the best-of-seven series:

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Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

The Winnipeg Ice will face the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference Final, beginning Friday in the Manitoba capital.

The Blades defeated the Red Deer Rebels 5-2 in a winner-take-all Game 7 Tuesday night to book a date with the Ice.

Winnipeg knocked off the Medicine Hat Tigers and Moose Jaw Warriors to reach the conference final.

Here is schedule for the best-of-seven series:

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