The Seattle Thunderbirds are well on their way toward winning the Western Conference Championship. On Friday night at Prospera Place, the T-Birds soared past the Kelowna Rockets during the first championship game, ending in a victory of 2-1. Landon Bow celebrated yet another victory, saving all but one shot with a rate of 23 of 24 shots blocked. Bow’s playoff record now stands at an impressive 9-1. The next game will be on Saturday at 7:05 at the same location.

No scoring occurred during the first period of the game. It took a while before anyone scored—almost 40 minutes. There was a holding penalty between Sea and Smith. The Birds put points on the board during the second period when Matthew Barzal scored a power play assisted by Ethan Bear. Scott Eansor put another goal up on the board next. Donovan Neuls and Jared Hauf had the assists. Penalties were had between Thurkauf and Kel for high sticking. A penalty was given between Barzal and Sea for unsportsmanlike conduct. A roughing penalty was given to Johnson and Kel, and there was also goaltender interference between Baillie and Kel.

While the Rockets were able to score during the third period, they remained behind and ultimately were not able to put any other points on the board during the rest of the game. Penalties included double minor roughing between Holowko and Sea, unsportsmanlike conduct between Lind and Kel, major-checking to the head and game misconduct between Southham and Kel  and slashing between Kolesar and Sea.

Referees for the event included Brett Iverson and Fraser Lawrence.  The game was a tough one during which both sides exhibited skill and finesse, and with only one point in between them we know that the next game could really go either way. Unfortunately fans from both sides displayed some ugly attitudes at one point in the game and should remember that fans should show good sportsmanship, too.

Fans may not be able to attend the games in Kelowna but they can definitely buy tickets to attend Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Championship in Seattle at the ShoWare Center. Game 3 will be on Tuesday, April 26, and Game 4 will occur on Wednesday, April 27. Both games will start at 7:05 PM. The third game will continue the T-Birds’ 2-for-Tuesday deal so you can get two tickets for the price of one for that game only.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia