Image credit: Facebook/Kamloops Blazers

By Aaron Schulze

Thunderbirds 4 Blazers 2

Blazers eliminated by Thunderbirds in WHL playoffs again, set eyes towards Memorial Cup in Kamloops

May 9, 2023 | 7:41 AM

KAMLOOPS — For the second year in a row, the Kamloops Blazers were eliminated from the Western Hockey League (WHL) playoffs by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Conference Finals.

The Blazers dropped game six of the best-of-seven series 4-2 from Sandman Centre Monday (May 8) night.

Kamloops local Dylan Sydor opened the scoring for the Blazers late in the first period with a wrist shot from the right circle after a Blazers takeaway from along the boards.

The Thunderbirds responded early in the second with Jared Davidson firing off a quick shot from the left circle after a pass from the corner.

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Blazers goaltender Dylan Ernst stopped numerous Grade A among the 39 saves he made, but he couldn’t keep the floodgates from opening in the third period.

Sawyer Mynio, another Kamloops local, had his wrist shot from beyond the circle deflect and knuckle its way over Ernst’s blocker to make it 2-1 Thunderbirds. Moments later, Kyle Crnkovic finished off Davidson’s wraparound pass net front to make it 3-1.

The Blazers had a last gasp thanks to Matthew Seminoff finishing off a passing play from Daylan Kuefler and Ryan Hofer with under two minutes remaining, but the Thunderbirds added the empty net goal to secure the 4-2 game six win and 4-2 series win.

However, the Blazers’ 2022-23 season is unlike a normal campaign. Thanks to Kamloops hosting the 2023 Memorial Cup – the Canada Hockey League championship – the Blazers will serve as the “post” team and play the WHL champions, Ontario Hockey League champions and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) champions in a round robin tournament.

The Blazers are off until Friday, May 26 when they play the QMJHL champions at Sandman Centre.

Scoring Summary

First Period

1-0, Blazers, Dylan Sydor (4) from Shea Van Olm and Emmitt Finnie, 15:57

Second Period

1-1, Thunderbirds, Jared Davidson (10) from Gracyn Sawchyn and Nico Myatovic, 4:46

Third Period

2-1, Thunderbirds, Sawyer Mynio (1) unassisted, 5:33

3-1, Thunderbirds, Kyle Crnkovic (4) from Jared Davidson and Lucas Ciona, 10:00

3-2, Blazers, Matthew Seminoff (10) from Daylan Kuefler and Ryan Hofer (power play), 18;17

4-2, Thunderbirds, Reid Schaefer (6) unassisted (empty net), 19:21

Goaltending

Thomas Milic (W), Thunderbirds, 28 saves on 30 shots in 60 minutes played.

Dylan Ernst (L), Blazers, 39 saves on 42 shots in 58 minutes played.