Michael Simpson – TAKING NOTE

Thunderbirds win terrific Game 4; can wrap up series on Friday . . . Petes, Remparts in control of their series . . . Vees win second straight BCHL title

The Wreck of the Edmonton Oilers (all apologies to Gordon Lightfoot) by Todd Devonshire- Thread

The legends are gone from the Great One on down
To the right wing they call Jari Kurri.
The faithful all said don’t give up just yet
When the Stanley Cup season looks gloomy. 1/14

— Todd Devonshire (@rinkburgers) May 17, 2023

PLAYOFF NOTES:

The Seattle Thunderbirds will have a chance to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions when they entertain the Winnipeg Ice in Game 5 of the final series in Kent, Wash., on Friday night. The Thunderbirds scored a 4-2 victory over the Ice on Wednesday night to assume a 3-1 series lead. . . . The Thunderbirds are in the final for the second straight season, having lost in six games to the Edmonton Oil Kings a year ago. . . . Seattle won its only WHL championship in 2016-17. . . .

Michael Simpson is phenomenal again in between the pipes halting 50 of 53 with 24 of 26 coming in the third period. 3rd career 50+ save performance in playoff career. First Petes goaltender in Internet Era to have multiple games of 50+ saves in one playoff tournament. https://t.co/OIvHJ0nloj

— Geoffrey Brandow (@GeoffreyBrandow) May 18, 2023

In the OHL, the host Peterborough Petes erased a 1-0 deficit with four straight goals en route to a 5-3 victory over the London Knights. . . . The Petes hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series with Game 5 in London on Friday night. . . . If Games 6 and/or 7 are needed, they’ll be played in Peterborough on Sunday and London on Monday. . . . Last night, F Easton Cowan (8) gave London a 1-0 lead at 1:19 of the first period. . . . The Petes took control with the next four goals, three in the second period. F J.R. Avon (9) scored twice in the second, with F Owen Beck (8) getting the other. D Donovan McCoy (2) made it 4-1 at 7:44 of the third period. . . . London got to within a goal on a pair of PP goals, from D Sam Dickinson (4), at 13:59, and F Denver Barkley (10), at 16:51. . . . F Avery Hayes (11) iced it for the Petes with an empty-netter at 17:24. . . . G Michael Simpson earned the victory with 50 saves, 24 of them in the third period. . . .

Zachary Bolduc has turned in points in each of last 6 after going 4 without and scores for third time in series. First player in team history, 2nd in franchise (Éric Dazé) to have multiple combined 60-goal seasons. Team is 35-6-1-0 this year when he scores. https://t.co/XqirXrVqq1

— Geoffrey Brandow (@GeoffreyBrandow) May 18, 2023

In the QMJHL, the visiting Quebec Remparts broke a 1-1 tie in the third period as they beat the Halifax Mooseheads, 2-1, to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship final. . . . The Remparts get their first opportunity at wrapping it up when the play Game 5 in Quebec City on Friday night. . . . If needed, a sixth game would be played in Halifax on Sunday with a seventh game in Quebec City on Monday. . . . Last night, F Zachary Bolduc (10) scored the game-winner at 13:11 of the third period. Remparts F Theo Rochette likely should have been assessed a slashing penalty in the defensive zone as he forced a turnover, skated up ice, split the defence and fed Bolduc on the left side. He rifled the winner past G Mathis Rousseau on the short side. . . . Rochette (4) had the Remparts’ other goal, at 2:54 of the first period, with Bolduc drawing an assist. . . . F Evan Boucher (8) scored for Halifax at 11:53 of the second period. . . .

Check out Geoffrey Brandow on Twitter (@GeoffreyBrandow) for even more information after each CHL game. . . .

The Memorial Cup is scheduled to arrive in Kamloops on May 25 with the first game — the QMJHL champion against the host Blazers — set for May 26. Of note: Smoke from various forest fires moved into Kamloops in a big way on Wednesday. Hopefully, it moves out long before tournament time arrives.

We are just over a month away from the 2nd Annual Don Dietrich Memorial Road Hockey Tournament! To sign up and get more information, visit the link in my bio or contact me. Deadline to register is May 29th. I can’t wait to gather once again to celebrate Don’s life! pic.twitter.com/mJYwDAPiUo

— Ashton Bell (@Abell17Bell) May 17, 2023

WEDNESDAY IN THE WHL PLAYOFFS:

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Gracyn Sawchyn gets on the board for the first time in the WHL Final with a goal and an assist, helping with Kevin Korchinski's marker near the death of the 1st. Takes over rookie postseason scoring lead sneaking past Alexander Suzdalev. 15th combined multipoint game of year. https://t.co/5R1iHcPyz0

— Geoffrey Brandow (@GeoffreyBrandow) May 18, 2023

Winnipeg (1) at Seattle (2) — F Dylan Guenther broke a 2-2 tie at 7:47 of the Seattle third period as the Seattle Thunderbirds beat the Winnipeg Ice, 4-2, in Kent, Wash. . . . The Thunderbirds, having won three straight games, lead the best-of-seven series, 3-1. . . . Game 5 is scheduled for Kent on Friday night. . . . If needed, Game 6 would be played in Winnipeg on Sunday with Game 7, if needed, there on Monday. . . . Guenther ended up with the game-winner in what was a terrific game. He one-timed a pass from F Reid Schaeber from the top of the right circle for his WHL-leading 16th goal. . . . F Nico Myatovic (3) iced it with an empty-netter at 19:52. . . . Ice F Carson Latimer (4) had opened the scoring at 16:25 of the first period, using his speed to get to a loose puck about 10 feet in front of G Thomas Milic from where he lifted it over him. Latimer has goals in three straight games. . . . D Kevin Korchinski (3) pulled Seattle even when he scored off a quick wrist shot from the top of the right circle with 16.3 seconds left in the first period. . . . Seattle F Gracyn Sawchyn (3) gave his side its first lead at 4:31 of the second period when he banged home a rebound off the end boards while on a PP. . . . F Evan Friesen (6) got the Ice into a 2-2 tie by tucking home a loose puck at 8:33. . . . The Ice felt it had a 3-2 lead at 10:54 when Latimer was able to beat Milic from in close by knocking in the puck out of midair. The call on the ice was a goal but it was disallowed after a lengthy video review, because, according to an entry on the online scoresheet, the puck was “directed in by a player’s glove.” . . . Both goaltenders, Milic and Winnipeg’s Daniel Hauser, were nothing short of superb. Milic finished with 31 saves, two fewer than Hauser. . . . Seattle was 1-for-5 on the PP; Winnipeg was 0-for-3.

The player of the game for Game 4 of the #WHLChampionship Series is #Seattle #Thunderbirds netminder Thomas Milic. Milic made 31 saves in his club's 4-2 win over the #Winnipeg #Ice. Thunderbirds lead series 3-1. #WHLPlayoffs. #WHL. #CHL. pic.twitter.com/EWLpXqCppy

— Darren Steinke (@StanksSports) May 18, 2023

I think this is just how we handle crisis now.

Climate disaster, COVID, whatever.. "Guess we're just living with that too now. Not like there was anything we could do about it." 🤦‍♂️

— Dave Shishkoff (@VeganCyclist) May 18, 2023

Psychic

JUNIOR JOTTINGS:

The Penticton Vees won their second straight BCHL championship on bchl Wednesday night, beating the host Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 4-1, to sweep the best-of-seven series. . . . The Vees went 16-1 in winning last season’s Fred Page Cup, and they replicated that this time around. . . . F Brett Moravec scored twice for the winners, giving him 10 goals. . . . The game was halted with 4:02 left in the first period following an injury to Penticton F Spencer Smith following a high hit. From St. Catharines, Ont., Smith is to turn 21 on Saturday. The first intermission was held at that point. . . . During that intermission, the BCHL tweeted: “Smith is alert and was helped off the ice. We hope for a speedy recovery.” . . . The Vees tweeted in the second intermission: “Spencer Smith is doing well at Port Alberni’s hospital. His spirits are high.”

Just got news that Ed Hearn underwent a successful kidney transplant. All the best to Ed, his wife Trish, his son Cody & Ed’s donor family. No one has undergone more & complained less than Ed. He's dedicated to helping people & thrilled he has a chance at a more productive life. pic.twitter.com/2YVEnEijaX

— Jay Horwitz (@Jay_HorwitzPR) May 17, 2023

The 2023 Kamloops Kidney Walk is scheduled for June 4, and Dorothy is taking part once again. She will celebrate 10 years as a kidney-transplant recipient in September, so the annual Kidney Walk is a big deal for her. In fact, she is participating for a 10th straight year. Yes, that means she is fund-raising, with all donations going to the Kidney Foundation. . . . If you are interested in helping, you are able to do so on her home page, which is right here.

#Kraken hero-fan Nadia Popovici saving another life by donating kidney 👏https://t.co/hkdZ0OXQGV

— Offside (@OffsideDH) May 16, 2023

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If you are interested in being a living kidney donor, more information is available here:

Living Kidney Donor Program

St. Paul’s Hospital

6A Providence Building

1081 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

Tel: 604-806-9027

Toll free: 1-877-922-9822

Fax: 604-806-9873

Email: donornurse@providencehealth.bc.ca

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Vancouver General Hospital Living Donor Program – Kidney

Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre

Level 5, 2775 Laurel Street

Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

604-875-5182 or 1-855-875-5182

kidneydonornurse@vch.ca

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Or, for more information, visit right here.

Spider

Lambert, Guenther spark Seattle victory . . . Series heads for Washington state . . . QMJHL, OHL finals all even, too

Every year on this date, Joanne Boogaard publishes an obituary for Derek in the Regina paper. It’s really a letter to her son, updated with news and personal touches. 💔 pic.twitter.com/zuMTNluYAr

— John Branch (@JohnBranchNYT) May 13, 2023

Thinking of Joanne Boogaard and other mothers in her situation on days like this. Be safe!

WHL PLAYOFF NOTES:

Darren Steinke, the travellin’ blogger from Saskatoon, made the trek to Winnipeg for the first two games of the WHL’s championship final between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Winnipeg Ice. Here’s his Game 1 report. . . .

Blog repost: #Ice hold off #Seattle #Thunderbirds in Game 1 of #WHL final – Latimer ultimately gets winner for #Winnipeg. #WHLChampionship. #WHLPlayoffs. #CHL. https://t.co/9OWjA2h19w pic.twitter.com/l3aTaaaV11

— Darren Steinke (@StanksSports) May 13, 2023

On Saturday night, the three visiting teams each won and now all three CHL championship finals are even at 1-1. . . . In Winnipeg, the Seattle Thunderbirds beat the Ice, 4-2. The series will resume in Kent, Wash., on Tuesday night. . . . In the QMJHL, the Halifax Mooseheads beat the host Quebec Remparts, 6-3 in front of a second straight sellout crowd. They will get back at it in Halifax on Tuesday night. . . . In the OHL, the Peterborough Petes beat the Knights, 5-3, in London. That series is all even as they head for Peterborough and a Monday night game. . . .

Remember that TSN has said it will televise Games 3-7 in each of the championship series, so check your TV listings.

SATURDAY IN THE WHL PLAYOFFS:

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Dylan Guenther, who was injured in Game 3 of last year's Final, records three assists to match most in a T-Birds outfit.

Reid Schaefer pulls back to a point per game pace in this year's playoffs after a goal and an assist. Scores 8 seconds after Brad Lambert initially ties. https://t.co/34ubRNY9LX

— Geoffrey Brandow (@GeoffreyBrandow) May 14, 2023

Seattle (2) at Winnipeg (1) — F Brad Lambert, who began this season with the Seattle AHL’s Manitoba Moose, scored twice to lead the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Ice in Game 2. . . . The series is tied, 1-1, with the teams heading to Kent, Wash., for games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. . . . The Ice won the opener, 3-2, on Friday night. . . . Lambert, a 19-year-old native of Lahti, Finland, was a first-round selection by the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL’s 2022 draft. He began this season with the Moose, then left to play for Finland at the 2023 World Junior Championship. After the tournament, the Jets assigned him to Seattle, which had acquired his rights from the Saskatoon Blades. . . . Lambert put up 17 goals and 21 assists in 26 regular-season games with Seattle. In the playoffs, he has 23 points, including 18 assists, in 14 games. . . . F Zach Benson, who turned 18 on Friday, gave the Ice a 1-0 lead at 4:11 of the first period. . . . D Jeremy Hanzel (3) got Seattle even at 1:24 of the second period. . . . The remainder of the scoring occurred in the third period. . . . Lambert (4) gave Seattle the lead at 5:02 and F Reid Schaefer (8) made it 3-1 just eight seconds later. Schaefer has goals in five straight games. . . . Benson (6) got his guys back to within a goal at 8:27, but Lambert (5) added insurance at 17:14. . . . Seattle got three assists from F Dylan Guenther, who now has 25 points, including 11 assists, in 16 playoff games. . . . Seattle was 0-for-3 on the PP; Winnipeg was 0-for-5. . . . Seattle held a 39-31 edge in shots, although Winnipeg led 14-8 in the third period when the Thunderbirds scored three times. . . . G Thomas Milic stopped 29 shots for Seattle, six fewer than Winnipeg’s Daniel Hauser. . . . Seattle remains without F Jordan Gustafson, while Winnipeg is without D Wyatt Wilson. . . . The announced attendance in the Canada Life Centre, home of the Jets, was 5,691. . . . Kelly Moore of Winnipeg radio station CJOB has a game story with some quotes right here.

The player of the game for Game 2 of the #WHLChampionship Series is #Seattle #Thunderbirds star RW Dylan Guenther. Guenther had three assists and was a plus-three in the plus-minus department in the Thunderbirds 4-2 victory over the #Winnipeg #Ice. #WHLPlayoffs. #WHL. #CHL. pic.twitter.com/PLQPrPOSXb

— Darren Steinke (@StanksSports) May 14, 2023

We went shopping yesterday! So the wife said bring a mask just in case! Sooooo I did! 😀 pic.twitter.com/yGbJkbQCr7

— sebastien chabauty (@01HockeyMan01) May 13, 2023

JUNIOR JOTTINGS:

Zachary L'Heureux and Josh Lawrence both lock up a goal and 2 assists in the victory. L'Heureux, in last game as a 19-year-old, earns 3rd bout of 1G, 2A this postseason. Lawrence takes over playoff scoring lead (28) with first multipoint performance in almost a month. https://t.co/ZdWolR2wp9

— Geoffrey Brandow (@GeoffreyBrandow) May 14, 2023

F Alexandre Doucet scored twice and added two assists to lead the visiting Halifax Mooseheads to a 6-3 victory over the Quebec Remparts before 18,259 fans on Saturday night. . . . The QMJHL’s championship final is tied, 1-1, with the next two games in Halifax on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Game 5 is to be played in Quebec City on Friday. . . . The Remparts led 2-0 late in the first period, but Doucet scored at 19:49 and Halifax added four straight second-period goals to take control. . . . Doucet’s second goal, his 12th, was into an empty net. . . .

Most Saves in #OHLChampionship Series in Reg. Finish (Internet Era):
51 – Michael Simpson, Peterborough (5/13/23)
48 – Gene Chiarello, London (5/11/99)
47 – Mike Murphy, Belleville (5/12/08)
45 – Mathias Niederberger, Barrie (5/13/13)
45 – Parker Van Buskirk, Belleville (5/4/08) https://t.co/bix0oPNxba

— Geoffrey Brandow (@GeoffreyBrandow) May 14, 2023

In the OHL, the visiting Peterborough Petes beat the London Knights, 5-3, to even the championship series, 1-1. . . . The Knights took a 3-2 lead into the third period, but gave up the game’s last three goals. . . . F Tucker Robertson had two goals and two assists for the Petes, who got 51 stops from G Michael Simpson, who just happens to be from London. . . . The Knights had won their previous nine home playoff games. . . . Announced attendance was 9,046. . . . London had won, 3-0, on Friday night. . . . They’ll play the next two games in Peterborough, on Monday and Wednesday nights, before returning to London for Game 5 on Friday. . . .

In the BCHL, the host Penticton Vees erased a 2-1 second-period deficit en route to beating the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 4-3, in Game 2 of the championship series. . . . The Vees hold a 2-0 lead in the series as it heads to Alberni Valley and games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. . . . F Josh Nadeau had a goal and two assists for Penticton. . . . The announced attendance was 3,148.

Woody

Prior to the release of the NFL’s regular-season schedule, Bob Molinaro of the Hampton Roads Virginian-Pilot hit the nail on the head with this:

“Up next: In its ongoing quest to eclipse all other sports news and conversation, the NFL will grab headlines again . . . with the release of its regular-season schedule. As always, media will treat it like the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.”

Thanks to an old friend and former NHL scout for pushing Dorothy past the $4,000 mark as she fund-raises for the Kidney Foundation. . . . The 2023 Kamloops Kidney Walk is scheduled for June 4, and Dorothy is taking part once again. She will celebrate 10 years as a kidney-transplant recipient in September, so the annual Kidney Walk is a big deal for her. In fact, she is participating for a 10th straight year and is closing in on a personal-best. . . . If you are interested in helping, you are able to do so on her home page, which is right here.

During his kidney donation journey, Doug got to know our nurses. “The real heroes in my book are those people who have dedicated their lives to helping not just me & my son, but every person in need of a transplant of any kind.” #NationalNursingWeek #IKnowANurse pic.twitter.com/m67HiHsDUv

— Transplant Manitoba (@TransplantMB) May 12, 2023

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