Seminoff scores a hat trick in return to the States, Blazers win 5-1 over Thunderbirds

Nov 21, 2021 | 7:28 AM

KAMLOOPS — For the first time since March 10, 2020, the Kamloops Blazers visited a Western Hockey League (WHL) team from the United States.

Having won a B.C. Division Pod Season championship in a shortened 2021 season and starting the 2021-22 season first in the B.C. Division while playing most of their games against teams in the province, the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday (Nov. 20) would be another test to see where the Blazers stand against the rest of the Western Conference.

The short answer: it’s like the Blazers never left the province.

Matthew Seminoff completed a hat trick halfway through the second period, all three goals assisted by Logan Stankoven, as the Blazers cruised to a 5-1 win in Seattle. Dylan Garand made 29 saves in the win, but unfortunately had his shutout bid spoiled with 1:35 remaining in the game.

The Blazers improved their record to 14-2-0, good for 28 points in 16 games and second in the WHL Western Conference, only behind the Everett Silvertips by one point.