The Portland Winterhawks traveled north to Kent, WA as they faced the Seattle Thunderbirds in their first matchup of the season. Lets just say the I5 rivalry is alive and kicking.
Box Score
Portland (5) Seattle (6)
SOG: POR (26) – SEA (38)
PP: POR (3/6) – SEA (0/1)
Saves: POR: Štěbeták (20/26) – SEA: Hatzlaff (33/38)
The Winterhawks stumbled into Seattle after a long road trip in Canda with tired legs and a need for some rest. Despite playing challenging games in Prince George and Kelowna, the Winterhawks looked to grab a win over their rivals along the I5 corridor. In the opening minutes, the Thunderbirds scored the early goal from Nathan Pilling. That goal must have jump started the Winterhawks offense, as Portland would storm back in the first period scoring three unanswered goals by Yaremko, Buttazzoni, and Duguay finishing the 1st period up 3-1.
In the second period the scoring continued as Seattle fought back off goals from Pilling, Lovsin, and Kazden. Portland’s lone goal came from Jugnauth with the score at the end of the 2nd period at 4-3 in favor of Portland. Both teams fought tough battles with things getting a little chippy throughout the game. Despite Portland putting goals in the net, Seattle had an answer throughout.
In the third period things didn’t slow down for either team with physical play becoming the dominant factor. Portland was able to extend their lead off Yaremko’s second of the game, but that lead would be erased by goals from Pekar, and the game winner from Mathies.
Despite late attacking attempts from Portalnd, they were unable to net the tieing goal and left Seattle with the tough loss.
