The Kamloops Blazers (white) on the ice react to their teammate Olen Zellweger scoring the game winning goal with 23 seconds remaining (Image credit: Facebook/Kamloops Blazers).

By Aaron Schulze

Playoffs?! We're Talking About Playoffs?!

Blazers score late, punch playoff ticket in 4-3 win over Royals

Feb 6, 2023 | 7:02 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers saw their probability of clinching a 2023 Western Hockey League (WHL) playoff spot and still found a way to accomplish it in dramatic fashion Sunday (Feb. 5) night.

The math was simple: a regulation win over the Victoria Royals at Sandman Centre and they’re in. While the math was simple, the Blazers’ start was not.

The Blazers fell behind 3-1 early in the second period, surrendered two power play goals, and missed a penalty. However, a late power play goal from Caedan Bankier that just crossed the line gave the Blazers more life heading into the third period down 3-2.

In the final frame where they peppered Royals goaltender Braden Holt with 22 shots, it took nearly 17 minutes for the Blazers to find the equalizing goal. Bankier scored his second of the game by sneaking in a sharp angle shot from the left wing.

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Although, as mentioned above, the Blazers need a win in regulation for the hometown crowd of 4,920 to see them clinch a playoff spot, and time was running out.

With 23 seconds left in regulation, after taking a lap around the offensive zone and a give-and-go with Daylan Kuefler, Olen Zellweger wristed home the game winning goal. The Blazers secured the 4-3 win and a playoff berth.

The Memorial Cup host Blazers improved their record to 31-10-4-2 on the 2022-23 WHL season, good for 68 points in 47 games. They’ve won four games in a row and have a 22-point lead over the Prince George Cougars for first in the B.C. Division.

Next up for the Blazers is a Friday home game against the Saskatoon Blades. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. from Sandman Centre.

Scoring Summary

First Period

1-0, Royals, Riley Gannon (15) from Alex Thacker and Teague Patton (power play), 15:01

1-1, Blazers, Ryan Hofer (32) from Ashton Ferster, 16:39

2-1, Royals, Teydon Trembecky (7) from Reggie Newman and Justin Kipkie, 19:55

Second Period

3-1, Royals, Kalem Parker (6) from Alex Thacker and Teague Patton (power play), 0:52

3-2, Blazers, Caedan Bankier (24) from Matthew Seminoff (power play), 14:23

Third Period

3-3, Blazers, Caedan Bankier 2 (25) from Kyle Masters and Matthew Seminoff (power play), 16:40

4-3, Blazers, Olen Zellweger (16) from Daylan Kuefler and Matthew Seminoff, 19:37

Goaltending

Dylan Ernst (W), Blazers, 21 saves on 24 shots in 60 minutes played.

Braden Holt (L), Royals, 46 saves on 50 shots in 60 minutes played.

by Aaron Schulze

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Blazers score late, punch playoff ticket in 4-3 win over Royals

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