Thunderbirds fail to get off the ground in 5-2 loss to Winterhawks
By Charles Hamaker
Kent, WA – In another chapter of the rivalry between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Portland Winterhawks, it was Portland who took the victory and continued their impressive season. The Winterhawks found scored just under five minutes into the contest, and despite the Thunderbirds tying things up six minutes later, Portland pushed on and left Seattle with a win. The Winterhawks were able to beat stellar Thunderbirds goaltender Thomas Milic four times, tacking on an empty net goal to put the game to rest. The top teams in the Western Conference of the WHL, the win moves Portland into the top spot with 69 points on the season.
Portland’s Luca Cagnoni and Kyle Chyzowski celebrate a goal (Photo by Liz Wolter)
Getting punched from the jump
The Winterhawks came out of the gate hot, looking for a great start to an away hockey game. They did just that, maintaining possession in the Seattle zone despite nearly losing the puck as a Winterhawks skater tripped entering the high slot. Lucas Cagnoni fell, sliding into the boards but managing to push the puck back to teammate Kyle Chyzowski. Since he had fallen, Cagnoni was left all alone netfront, received a pass inside from Chyzowski, and all Cagnoni had to do was turn and flick the puck past Milic with a backhand.
Cagnoni wasn’t done there, scoring Portland’s second goal of the night, a long snipe past Milic with as Seattle had screened their own goaltender. Portland was able to build onto their lead, as Chaz Lucius took advantage of a Seattle line change and beat Milic with a Thunderbird on his back. The Winterhawks were able to add two more goals to their lead before the game was over, stomping out any hope of a comeback attempt.
Winterhawks goaltender Dante Giannuzzi was able to shutdown any hope of a comeback attempt for Seattle (Photo by Liz Wolter)
Sawchyn remains hot
Seattle forward Gracyn Sawchyn was arguably the best player wearing a Thunderbirds uniform Saturday, recording a goal and an assist in the tough loss. Sawchyn was able to respond to Portland’s game opening goal, sniping a short-side stinger past Winterhawks goaltender Dante Giannuzzi’s shoulder. It was a great response to Portland for the first-year Thunderbird, but unfortunately wasn’t able to help Seattle reach victory. Sawchyn was involved in both of the Thunderbirds goals, getting the primary assist on Nolan Allan’s goal in the second period. With a backhand pass, Sawchyn was able to find his teammate Allan on the other side of the ice. Left all alone, Allan was able to slam a one-timer past Giannuzzi.
Seattle’s Gracyn Sawchyn looks on, and later celebrates his goal (Photos by Liz Wolter)
The Seattle-Portland rivalry remains strong
Losing to Portland in any sport is a frustrating occurrence for any Seattle team and its fans. Whether that be the Sounders and Timbers, the Reign and Thorns, and Thunderbirds and Winterhawks. This year's rivalry games are perhaps a bit more interesting considering that the two teams are battling it out for the top spot in the Western Conference. Perhaps I was a bit optimistic when it came to the Thunderbirds after their last home victory, as it was displayed tonight that even this great Seattle team has its holes. Thankfully there is plenty of time left in the regular season for Seattle to sort out it’s issues and figure out what they need to address before they load up for a playoff run.
Seattle celebrates Nolan Allan’s goal (Photo by Liz Wolter)
What’s next?
Seattle will remain home for their next contest in three days, when they welcome the Swift Current Broncos to town. The Broncos and Thunderbirds will battle on Tuesday, January 31st with a 7:05PM PST puck drop. Swift Current, currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, enter the game having gone 4-4-1-1 in their last ten contests. The Thunderbirds will look to rebound against Mathew Ward and the Broncos.