It was announced today that Rob Sumner was relieved of his duties as Head Coach of the Thunderbirds. I spoke to General Manager Russ Farwell about his decision to let Sumner go as well as other issues that face the team this off-season.

Mike Caccioppoli: What went into the decision to let Sumner go?

Russ Farwell: Well I think we probably need to re-group (after two rough seasons) and head in a new direction and give someone else a chance. I don't have any comment on who might take over, we just started this process.

MC: Rob had been with you for a long time and you guys were close so it had to be a difficult decision.

RF: Yes it was, it was a difficult decision but I just didn't think we'd get a fresh start next season as is. I felt we didn't have much of a choice. Odds weren't in our favor to persevere next season with the status quo.

MC: Some will say this was the right decision and others will say that Rob was used as a scapegoat especially if you look at the string of poor drafts.

RF: Well I think that's often the case. It's never entirely the Head Coach's fault. I don't think it is here. We had a number of returning guys and a number of new guys, I didn't think we got the most out of this team. I'm not blaming Rob entirely for how things went, I think he gave us his best effort. I just felt for our team going forward that this was the way we needed to go. I think some of those comments are valid. I just think sometimes a fresh approach is the best way to go. That's what we decided to do.

MC: What is the process now of finding a new coach?

RF: You see who is available and that won't happen for a while. You have to wait until the AHL and NHL playoffs are over. We won't have a decision until probably the summer. Unless someone really pops up and decides he wants to coach here I think we'll be going through interviews until the summer.

MC: Lately we've seen teams go for guys with AHL or NHL experience. Is that what you are looking for?

RF: Not just because of that but if you look at the coaches in our division we are looking at an experienced coach. We need to keep pace. We are just going to wait and see what's available.

MC: What's the situation with the Assistant Coaches?

RF: Turner (Stevenson) has been in a unique situation. He's been doing this year to year. I haven't spoken to him yet but if he wants to be a candidate for Head Coach he certainly would be. We'd let the person that's hired go forward with who the assistants would be. I'm not sure if Jim McTaggart would want to stay on with a different coach or not.

MC: So Turner would be considered for the Head Coaching job?

RF: Yes, like I said I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet but if he was interested he'd be considered.

MC: If Turner was indeed interested would he be just another candidate or the front runner?

RF: Well if we started this process tomorrow he would be the front runner but we still have a long process to go through. We still have to find who might be available before a decision. I like Turner, he's a quality guy but I don't want to predict anything at this point. If he wants to be considered he would be.

MC: When you talk about change are you looking for a guy that will bring a change in coaching style, or a disciplinarian? What are you looking for specifically?

RF: I don't have any specific style in mind. You would consider all of those things. Some coaches are disciplinarians, some can be that way but aren't fiery. I'm not looking for a specific style I'm just looking for the best coach.

MC: Let's talk a bit about the guys on the ice. Are you looking to make any big changes in personnel?

RF: Well that's hard to comment about. We're always trying to get better. I like the character of our guys. Some of them are poised to take a big step. If we can improve offensively we would do that. We are watching Button's situation, hopefully he will be able to come back. Boston told us at one time that there was a good chance he'd be back. That has to be followed up. In fairness to him he needs to have the chance to win a job with them. Defense is an area where we would need an older guy especially if Button is not available.

MC: Talking about the defense are you worried that it will be too young next season?

RF: Yes. If Button isn't coming back then we have to add an older D man. Even if he does that could be the situation. We have a couple of good 16's coming up but I don't want to rely on them too much. There aren't many of those kinds of trades during the summer when it comes to picking up key guys.

MC: What about the offense? We know that guys like Alos, Elliot and Lund didn't score much.

RF: Well I think all those guys will take a step. Rouse really came on so I think you will see offense there. Alos is a good player and I can see his numbers going up. All of those are good focused kids and it's now time to step up an get more done.

MC: In the upcoming bantam draft are you looking at any specific kind of player or just the best player available?

RF: You can't go into it looking for a specific guy. It's a little early in the process but you definitely look for the best player.

MC: Did you see the season coming down to the next to last game as a big step, or any real kind of progress?

RF: The fact that we pushed back into it was good, if there was one good thing about this season it's that we had a resilient bunch. I'm not sure if I see it all as progress but character wise we had that all year long. We had some disappointments and I thought we bounced back well. Not sure I'd call that progress. We have guys that hope to have a better season next year.

MC: Last year you put out a letter to the season ticket holders saying you expected to make the playoffs this year. That didn't happen. What can you tell them to give them something to look forward to for next season?

RF: Well I think we have a lot of character in our kids. Potentially with a step forward many of these guys will have a good season up ahead. We are heading in a new direction and once we hire a Head Coach we can assess what will be. There are still decisions to be made by a new coach and getting someone is the first order of business now.

MC: Did the fans showing their displeasure factor at all into making a coaching change?

RF: Well some fans don't like our announcer either. I think our record and losing some key games factor into the decision. Rob was frustrated too. We all felt the frustration. We just felt we had to address the situation. I think all of this stuff factors in is the best way to put it.

MC: What do you have on your plate during the next few months?

RF: The search for a new coach will be at the top. We have to get prepared for the draft as well. At the same time we'll be identifying candidates and doing interviews until we get things in place.

MC: There is a general theory in sports that having an owner who is also the General Manager is a conflict when it comes to checks and balances. Have you though about having someone else be the General Manager or do you just want to continue to do it?

RF: I haven't though of doing that. I don't know how many people you can afford. As long as I think I can do the job I'm going to do it. We are where we are the way we're set up. I haven't looked at bringing someone in. I'm sure I can continue in this role. We just have to go through the process of putting someone in charge on the bench and move ahead.

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

Just as I was starting my season ending interview with General Manager Russ Farwell the news broke that Rob Sumner had been relieved of his duties as Head Coach of the Thunderbirds.

I asked Russ several questions about the coaching change and I will have the interview up later today.

A season that was exciting down to the next to last game ended in disappointing fashion for the Thunderbirds. They miss out on the playoffs for a second straight season. In fact they end up 10th in the Western Conference. After a solid first half where the Birds finished four games over .500 (15-11-3-4) the team went 12 games under .500 in the second half (12-24-2-1). That includes a nine game losing streak and 12 of 13 lost. It would be the second year in a row that a second half swoon would cost the team a shot at the playoffs.

As you will see in this report card, a few players improved their grades from the mid-season card but most dropped a bit. No shock when you look at the disparity in record from the first half to the second half.

The mid-season grade is in ( )

Brenden Dillon A (A)

Dillon was steady all season long. He had by far the best season of his WHL career (8-51-59). He matured through his time in the league in so many ways but most importantly as a team leader. He should have been named captain from day one. He got a very well deserved boost when he was signed by the Dallas Stars. As I write this he is playing in the AHL with Austin. Dillon's case is the kind of feel good story you love to see. He was a list player (not drafted) and he struggled some in his early years but developed into a solid D man that has a good shot at making the NHL.

Marcel Noebels A (A-)

Marcel was one of three forwards that really stepped up their games in the second half. You could see it coming. His first half (10-12-22) was just a preview of what was to come in the second half (18-14-32). Everyone thinks this is all just a preview of what is to come next season. Marcel's second half numbers are even more impressive when you look at the Birds' record. Noebels was also the teams most consistent player, through his 66 games played. He ended up fifth in the league in rookie scoring. He was named the Birds rookie of the year which of course was a no-brainer. Add a World Juniors tournament into the mix and it was a very impressive first season for the kid from Germany.

Calvin Pickard A (A)

Calvin's numbers are unbelievable and I'm not talking about his GAA or save percentage but some other numbers. He led the league in games played (68, tying a T-Birds record), shots faced (2,668), saves (2,443) and minutes played (4,013). Those are truly mind blowing numbers. Let's not forget that Calvin is still only 18. Many worried that he was playing too much, something Calvin would never admit to. He certainly faced way too many shots for the second straight season. So when you look at his GAA (3.36) and save percentage (.916) you have to believe that any other goalie wouldn't have come close under similar circumstances. The Birds playoff hopes don't get as far as game 71 without him. Cool under pressure and mentally tough you have to believe that his best season is yet to come. The Birds need to make sure they do everything they can to make that happen.

Travis Toomey A (B+)

Toomey's numbers shot through the roof in the second half. He has just five goals and 13 points in the first half while putting up 17 goals and 26 points in the second half. His totals were a career best. Toomey is a fierce competitor and his passion showed on the ice. It couldn't have been easy to go from the best team in the league in Saskatoon to a struggling team like the Birds but Toomey's attitude was positive from day one. He was also a leader both on and off the ice.

Burke Gallimore A- (A-)

Gallimore's numbers were consistent from the first half to the second half. (18 g, 37 points) to (16 g, 33 points). He was the leader in all offensive numbers for the Birds including power play goals (22) which was also good enough for second in the league. I mentioned in my mid-season report card that if he brought his "A" game every night he could end up with 40 goals. He ended up with 34. The six goal disparity could be due to taking a few games off during the Birds rough January. He wasn't the only one guilty of that and to his credit his picked it up again down the stretch. Gallimore has raw talent and you have to think that next season, at 20 years old, 40 plus goals will be a given.

Luke Lockhart A- (A)

Luke's numbers dropped off a bit in the second half but he was also playing hurt. He had 13 goals and 28 points in the first half and eight goals 20 points in the second half. Those numbers are a huge jump from his 17 year old season. Luke was arguably the Birds best penalty killer all season long, often putting his body on the line to block pucks. He works hard every night and therefore is an on ice leader. If he wasn't hurt his offensive numbers would have been much more consistent. Even though he wasn't at 100 percent he still played in all but one game (71). His 19 year old season should be a great one.

Ryan Button B+

Button joined the Birds at the trade deadline and got hurt shortly thereafter. Along with Bobbee he was sorely missed as the team just couldn't get on track. When Button returned to the lineup he was solid nearly every night. He also added some offensive punch to the team with 12 points in 25 games and was always dangerous on the power play. If the Birds are to have a solid D next season they will really need Button to return as he will be eligible to play in the AHL or ECHL if Boston decides to go that way.

Travis Bobbee B (B)

Bobbee's second half was disappointing because of a shoulder injury. The Birds really missed him during their rough stretch which shows how important Bobbee was to their defense. As a 20 year old he brought maturity and leadership and he will be a tough loss next season when the Birds D will be younger and less experienced. One has to wonder if the Birds would be in the playoffs if he had a healthy second half.

Jacob Doty B (B)

We hear it over and over again. If Doty can improve his skating he will be a force to reckon with. That's something he will need to work on during the off-season. After a fight heavy first half, Doty found it difficult to find a dance partner in the second half. Word got around that you don't wanna fight with this dude. Sorry fight fans but I don't think you see much fighting from Doty next season. What you will see is more scoring than this season (4-3-7) and a tough physical presence. And if he improves his skating......

Colin Jacobs B (A-)

Jacobs second half was disappointing. Injuries were a part of it but not all of it. He had 15 goals and 28 points in the first half but just seven goals and 16 points in the second half. Scouts know that Jacobs has all the skills he just needs to put it all together over a full season. Sometimes he tries to be too fancy instead of just simplifying and playing his game. We also saw him try to bait the refs into calling penalties and it began to take on a "boy that cried wolf" situation where some real penalties maybe weren't called. That needs to stop. Jacobs is such a likable guy and is so damn skilled that it's hard to believe that with a little maturity he won't have a breakout season as an 18 year old.

Brendan Rouse B (B-)

Rouse really picked up his game over the last couple of months of the season. He had just 11 points in the first half of the season yet ended up with 29. Rouse's job isn't to be a 50 point guy but to provide some energy and give the top line guys a rest. He is also a big face off guy on a team that has struggled in that area. Rob Sumner gave him a bigger role as the season progressed and everyone likes his work ethic. Rouse is a quiet guy who will no doubt figure into the Birds plans next season.

Dave Sutter B (B+)

Sutter is an interesting case. As a first year D man in a new league we saw him go through some growing pains. When you talk to people about his play you get very different responses. Let's just say that some would give him a higher grade than I have and others a lower. There were nights where he looked superb and confident and others where he looked kinda lost. He made some great passes and defensive plays and he also made some huge mistakes. It's all part of the learning process and he knows it. His second season in the league should be much more consistent.

Mitch Elliot B- (B-)

Mitch didn't put up much in the way of offensive numbers (5-8-13) and I'm sure he wants to get those figures up in his 18 year old season. What he does bring to this team is a big body that he is still getting used to. If he learns to use his size better it will make him much more of a force on the ice. Going hard to the net is something we didn't see enough of simply because when he does it he is very hard to stop. I would expect to see more of that next season. Like Doty he brings a physical presence every night and even though he is very mild mannered opposing players do not want to mess with him.. at all.

Austin Frank B- (I)

Frank only played in nine games in the first half but he played in 22 games in the second half while playing almost every night down the stretch. It wasn't only injuries that got him more playing time it was also his solid play. In fact the more he played the better he looked. A big body and being strong on the puck while not making many mistakes makes Frank a solid D man that at 18 will be counted on as he should play every night.

Chance Lund B- (C+)

The Birds needed more from Lund in his 18 year old season but he did indeed show flashes of the kind of player he can be during the second half. With just two points and no goals in the first half he put up six goals and 11 points in the second half. It has been said that when he's at his best he is a "man amongst boys" on the ice. We need to see that more often next season. Another big guy who hits, Lund has to continue to use his size while going hard to the net more often. It has also been said that he "does everything but score." He needs to change that.

Tyler Alos C+ (B)

Alos started the season with an illness and he really never got on track. He ended up with six goals and 19 points. Nobody expects more from Also than himself. Hopefully the last couple of weeks where he began to put a few pucks in the net and get more scoring chances is a prelude to what the Birds can expect in his 18 year old season. He is a hard worker and a great teammate and that should help him put this disappointing season behind him quickly.

Erik Bonsor C+ (C+)

Cerebral. That is a word that has been used to describe Bonsor. That's not a word that often translates to scintillating play on the ice. Sometimes Bonsor can seem like he's not quite in the game. This does not mean that it's reality. A smart guy who doesn't show his emotions too often Bonsor was fairly steady all season. He doesn't hit consistently and has been known to give the puck up at times. Still at 19 he did bring a veteran presence to the D core and had a better season than last year. Next season at 20 he will be the oldest returning D man (Button will be 20 as well if he returns). The Birds will rely on him more than ever.

Justin Hickman C+ (B)

At 16 Hickman showed that he isn't afraid to hit. In fact he likes it. That's a good thing as he brought an unexpected physical presence to the team. What wasn't so good is that he seemed to have issues hitting net. We saw several great scoring chances come up empty as he over shot the net or shot wide. He also took some bad penalties, meaning they were avoidable. A 2nd round pick in the bantam draft it could just be a case of being a rookie and learning how to play at this level. Hickman has loads of energy and he needs to learn how to focus it. When it comes to shooting he simply has to slow things down and simplify. If he does that the shots that miss will begin to hit and his 17 year old season will be a prosperous one.

Erik Fleming C (C+)

Fleming didn't play much in the second half due to injuries. When he did play he had some decent nights but there were too many nights where he wasn't effective. A 1st round pick in the bantam draft, more has been expected of him. He seems to shy away from taking the body and is prone to turning the puck over. Fleming is a low key guy and no doubt wants to be more consistent but returning as a 19 year old next season he will need to step it up and play to his potential. He also needs to stay healthy.

Connor Sanvido C (C)

Another 1st round pick in the bantam draft, Sanvido had a disappointing 17 year old season. He did pick up his play late in the season giving some hope for a much improved 18 year old season. He ended up with two goals and six points. Sanvido has a wicked shot when he gets to use it but he has some trouble getting in position to score. His size has something to do with that as he often loses those battles along the boards. He will want to put on some muscle in the off season to help combat that issue. The speed is there, the skills are there. It's up to him to make it all come together.

Michael Salmon I (I)

Michael is a great team player. Being an 18 year old backup to Calvin Pickard can't be easy. Many believe that Salmon could be a number one goalie in this league but he only played in 12 games this season. Yet he doesn't complain and works hard every day to get better. Everyone respects his work ethic. I would have to believe that at 19 he wouldn't want to backup Calvin again. He should be given the chance to play regularly somewhere. I can't give him a grade because his numbers are kind of meaningless with so little ice time. Although if I were giving grades for character and maturity I would have to give him an "A".

Mitch Spooner I

Spooner's season never really got going. He only played 15 games with Regina before leaving the team and being traded to Seattle where he only played in 18 games. Mitch was a 1st round pick by the Vancouver Giants in the bantam draft but his WHL career has been a disappointment thus far. He comes across as a very nice guy who wants to help his team. You have to wonder if he will return to the Birds for his 19 year old season.

Head Coach Rob Sumner B- (B+)

How to judge Sumner? A solid first half deteriorated into another disappointing second half. Once again the Birds came out of the break seemingly not ready to play. Another long losing streak cost them dearly. Why back to back stumbles after the break? Nobody can figure it out. Then came the stretch run where the Birds began to win some games at home and show the heart that we saw during the first half. So if Sumner has to take some responsibility for a bad January does he also get credit for the stronger finish? Fair is fair. Yes the bottom line is the team didn't make the playoffs again and Sumner would not deny that some of the onus is on him. However it's also a very tough division and you have to look to the Birds roster before you blame everything on Sumner. Rob also kept his cool and dealt well with some very strong fan unrest over the last couple of months of the season. The Head Coach always gets blamed for poor play but he doesn't put the roster together and he doesn't take to the ice on game nights. Just something to consider when you look to place all the blame on Sumner.

General Manager Russ Farwell C+ (B+)

When it comes to the roster Farwell is the guy that is in charge. Some have said that he has too much control and that he might need to let some of it go at some point. As we have talked about in my interviews with him, the last five or so years of the draft haven't gone well especially with the first round picks. He admits to this and says he has addressed the issues. It's those poor drafts that have hurt the Birds the last couple of years. You look at the top teams and most of their key players were drafted. You can add a piece here and there through trades but for the most part your teams success depends on your drafted players. Farwell added a solid D man at the break with Button. Bobbee and Toomey were good additions as 20's. He will need to do some work to solidify the D next season especially if Button doesn't return. From this point on the Birds also cannot afford another bad draft. Farwell runs a very professional operation and this is a real positive in a league where professionalism isn't a given. He also answers the tough questions, even the ones that are asked over and over again. Whether he should retain his General Manager duties heading forward is a discussion for another time. For now Farwell must figure out how to help his team contend with the top teams in the division.

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

(44-24-2-2)Tri-City Americans 4, (27-35-5-5) Seattle Thunderbirds 3

Lockhart with two assists....Jordan Messier has a goal and two assists

KENT-- On the final day of the season for the Thunderbirds a spirited effort ended in a 4-3 overtime loss at the hands of the Americans, a team they simply could not defeat all season long.

Michael Salmon (0-2-2-0) got a rare start in goal and made 28 saves on 32 shots.

The Birds got on the board first when Marcel Noebels rocketed one past Chris Driedger (6-6-0-1) at 2:09 of the first period. It was his 28th goal of the season and it was unassisted.

The Americans went on the power play at 7:48 when Jacob Doty got two minutes for Roughing. They didn't convert and had four shots on net.

Tri-City tied it 1-1 when Dryden Dow (4) knocked one past Salmon at 13:30.

Connor Sanvido (2) put the Birds up 2-1 at 18:58. The assist went to Luke Lockhart.

After 20 minutes the Birds were up 2-1. The Ams led in shots 14-7.

The Americans tied the game 2-2 when Jordan Messier scored his 26th goal of the season at 6:30 of the second period.

Connor Rankin got two minutes for Tripping at 6:39. The Birds didn't convert on the power play and had no shots.

The Ams went on the power play at 13:50. Tyler Alos was called for Slashing.

Things would even up at 14:54 when Tyler Schmidt went to the box for Slashing.

The game was tied 2-2 after two periods. Shots in the second period were 9-7 in favor of Seattle. The Ams led 21-16 overall.

The Ams started the third period on the power play as Travis Toomey was called for Roughing at the end of the second period. They didn't convert and had three shots.

They went back on the power play at 5:02. Erik Bonsor was called for Boarding. Justin Feser put the Ams up 3-2 at 5:50. It was his 26th goal of the season.

Alos tied the game 3-3 at 16:16. It was his sixth goal of the season. The assists were from Lockhart and Bonsor.

The game would go to overtime tied 3-3.

Shots in the third period were 16-9 in favor of the Birds. They also led 32-30 overall.

The Ams won 4-3 as Kruise Reddick scored his 20th goal of the season at 2:39 of OT.

Shots in OT were 2-1 in favor of Tri-City. The Birds outshot the Ams 33-32 overall.

"I thought we played hard tonight," said Rob Sumner. "We had some chances that we buried and some we didn't. In overtime it opens up a bit."

Sumner was asked if it was weird to play a game with no real meaning after playing so many high pressure games over the last month. "We had a game last night that was very disappointing. We tried to come ready to go and it was good that the guys played hard."

The Birds had several chances to bury pucks in the net but came up empty more often than not. Sumner was asked why that has been a season long sore spot for the Birds."We've had it happen this season where pucks that look like that should go in, don't. I don't think it's hard work being the issue. It's more of having the mentality, being ready to score those goals. Confidence is also part of it."

Sumner was asked what his plans were for the days and weeks ahead as the Birds go into off-season mode. "Like every other year there will be an evaluation. Right now it's about getting guys home and back in school."

It's been a rough couple of months with the long losing streak and some fan unrest regarding the lack of success. Sumner was asked if its been particularly tough on him. "There's always pressure in this business. It's difficult because we want our team to do well."

With the Birds not making the playoffs for the second season in a row there is the school of thought that when a team doesn't have much playoff experience that it could come back to haunt them when they do make the playoffs. "I think you have to wait for that time to see," said Sumner. "If a team doesn't perform well they will say it's because of a lack of experience. If they do play well they will say it's because they were hungry."

He was asked if the recent stretch of high pressure games is good experience. "Playing in important games is good experience. It's not the same as the playoffs though where you are playing a series against one team."

Sumner was asked about a positive and a negative that might stand out from this season. "We improved our record I guess, we definitely improved on the power play. Our home ice record was disappointing even though we got better at the end. "We wanted to play better at home."

So ends the 2010-2011 Seattle Thunderbirds season. I will have much to write over the upcoming days including the final report card. I will also have my thoughts on the coaching situation and hopefully an interview with General Manager Russ Farwell to wrap up the season.

The Thunderbirds next game will be sometime in September...stay tuned.

Game Notes:

- The Thunderbirds bus driver, Eli Johnson was honored before the game. Eli is retiring after being the Birds driver for 15 years. Congratulations to him.

- The Thunderbirds home record ends up at 13-18-2-3.

- The Birds go winless against Tri-City (0-6-1-2)

- Seattle finishes 10th in the Conference. They are tied in points with Kamloops with 64 but have two fewer wins.

- Calvin Pickard finishes with 68 games played and 4,013 minutes.

- Seattle went 0 for 2 on the power play. Tri-City went 1 for 4.

Game Summary: (courtesy of the WHL website)

1st Period-1, Seattle, Noebels 28 2:09. 2, Tri-City, Dow 4 (Nickles, Messier), 13:30. 3, Seattle, Sanvido 2 (Lockhart), 18:58. Penalties-Doty Sea (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 7:48.

2nd Period-4, Tri-City, Messier 26 (Schmidt, Holland), 6:30. Penalties-Rankin T.c (tripping), 6:39; Alos Sea (slashing), 13:50; Schmidt T.c (slashing), 14:54; Toomey Sea (roughing), 20:00.

3rd Period-5, Tri-City, Feser 26 (Messier, Holland), 5:50 (PP). 6, Seattle, Alos 6 (Lockhart, Bonsor), 16:16. Penalties-Bonsor Sea (boarding), 5:02.

OT Period-7, Tri-City, Reddick 20 (Messier, Rankin), 2:39. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Tri-City 14-7-9-2-32. Seattle 7-9-16-1-33.

Power Play Opportunities-Tri-City 1 / 4; Seattle 0 / 2.

Goalies-Tri-City, Driedger 6-6-0-1 (33 shots-30 saves). Seattle, Salmon 0-2-2-0 (32 shots-28 saves).

A-3,494

Referees-Trevor Hanson, Colby Smith (57).

Linesmen-Justin Hull (49), Chris Sweeting (137).

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

(50-18-0-3) Portland Winterhawks 5, (27-35-4-5) Seattle Thunderbirds 4

Gallimore with a goal and two assists...Cunningham nets the winning goal

KENT--The Thunderbirds knew coming into this game against Portland that they had to win to have any chance at making the playoffs. They found themselves down 5-3 with less than three minutes remaining and got to within one goal but they couldn't get the tying goal and therefore were eliminated from playoff contention.

Portland went on the power play at 4:49 of the first period when Luke Lockhart was called for Hooking. They didn't convert and had one shot on net.

Seattle got a power play chance at 8:04. Brendan Leipsic was called for Checking from Behind. They didn't convert and had no shots.

Portland went up 1-0 at 10:43. Sven Bartschi scored his 34th goal of the season off the faceoff.

They quickly went up 2-0 when Pearce Eviston (1) slapped one past Calvin Pickard (27-33-3-5). Time of the goal was 12:18.

Rob Sumner took his timeout. "Let's just regroup, refocus and get it going," said Sumner of the early timeout. "Of course using that timeout in that situation means you don't have one later in the game when it's nice to have one."

Marcel Noebels (27) made it a 2-1 game when he made several moves and beat Keith Hamilton (17-5-0-2) at 15:02. The assist went to Burke Gallimore.

A melee led to a Portland power play at 16:27. Tyler Alos ended up in the box for Roughing. They didn't convert.

Colin Jacobs got a penalty shot at 19:11 and converted to tie the game 2-2. It was his 22nd goal of the season.

The game was tied 2-2 after 20 minutes. Shots were 13-11 in favor of Portland.

Four on four play at 6:19 when Jacob Doty (Roughing) and Riley Boychuk (Slashing) went to their respective penalty boxes.

The Birds went on the power play at 9:09 when Tyler Wotherspoon was called for Tripping. Brenden Dillon (8) put the Birds up 3-2 when he slapped a rocket from the point past Hamilton. The goal was scored at 9:41 and was assisted by Gallimore and Lockhart.

Portland tied it 3-3 at 15:29. Brad Ross scored his 31st goal of the season.

After two periods of play the game was tied 3-3. Shots in the second period were 21-10 in favor of Portland. They led 34-21 overall.

The teams would skate four on four at 6:47 when Mitch Elliot was called for Roughing and Leipsic for USC.

Nino Niederreiter (41) put Portland up 4-3 at 7:44.

Only 34 seconds later the Hawks went up 5-3. Craig Cunningham scored his 27th goal of the season.

Both Portland goals were scored four on four. "Two goals so close together on a four on four situation made it tougher," said Sumner about the back to back goals.

With three minutes left Pickard was pulled in favor of the extra attacker.

Gallimore (34) scored to get the Birds to within one at 5-4. Time of the goal was 17:10 and the assists went to Brendan Rouse and Ryan Button.

Pickard was once again pulled with 1:40 left. He had to go back into net after an icing.

He was pulled with 37 seconds left.

The Birds couldn't get the tying goal and lost 5-4 to end their playoff hopes.

Shots in the third period were 19-10 in favor of Portland. They outshot Seattle 53-31 overall.

After the game a very disappointed Sumner was asked about his team not quitting right down to the last second. "No we didn't but it's still disappointing. We tried like crazy tonight. There were parts of the game where we weren't great but we tried, we really tried."

Unlike last season the Birds still had playoff hopes down to the next to last game and Sumner was asked if that was a big improvement in his eyes. "Yes. It would have been nice to push it to the last game though. Parts of our game have improved. We played really hard down the stretch."

When doing post mortems on the season you could look at the nine game losing streak and 12 of 13 lost in the early part of the second half. "Just after Christmas yes," said Sumner. "Not sure exactly why (it happened in back to back seasons) but that obviously hurt us."

Even so the Birds played well over the last few weeks and gave themselves a chance to make the playoffs. Sumner was asked if he was proud of his team for that. "We didn't want to be in that hole and we played well down the stretch but we had a big hill to climb."

What does a coach tell his players after their playoff hopes end on the next to last game of the season? "Well they are disappointed," said Sumner. "They know what's going on. Knowing Everett lost makes it even more disappointing. Our group is going to be disappointed but we have to pick our heads up and play again tomorrow."

The Birds play their final game of the season on Sunday at 5 pm against the Tri-City Americans at the ShoWare Center. The action can be heard live at MyNorthwest.com.

Game Notes:

- G Calvin Pickard tied a club record for most games played by a goaltender in a season (68) with Danny Lorenz (1988-89).

- The Thunderbirds home record drops to 13-18-1-3.

- After winning four of their first five games against Portland the Birds lost the last seven meetings.

- Seattle was 1 for 2 on the power play. Portland was 0 for 2.

Game Summary: (courtesy of WHL website)

1st Period-1, Portland, Bartschi 34 (Cunningham), 10:43. 2, Portland, Eviston 1 (Morrow, Rattie), 12:18. 3, Seattle, Noebels 27 (Gallimore), 15:02. 4, Seattle, Jacobs 22 19:11. Penalties-Lockhart Sea (hooking), 4:49; Leipsic Por (checking from behind), 8:04; Boychuk Por (major-fighting), 16:27; Leipsic Por (roughing), 16:27; Wotherspoon Por (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 16:27; Alos Sea (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 16:27; Elliot Sea (major-fighting), 16:27; Lund Sea (cross checking, roughing), 16:27; Aronson Por (hooking), 19:11.

2nd Period-5, Seattle, Dillon 8 (Gallimore, Lockhart), 9:41 (PP). 6, Portland, Ross 31 (Johansen, Niederreiter), 15:29. Penalties-Boychuk Por (slashing, 10-minute misconduct), 6:19; Doty Sea (roughing), 6:19; Wotherspoon Por (tripping), 9:09.

3rd Period-7, Portland, Niederreiter 41 (Johansen, Morrow), 7:44. 8, Portland, Cunningham 27 (Ross, Pouliot), 8:18. 9, Seattle, Gallimore 34 (Rouse, Button), 17:10. Penalties-Leipsic Por (usc diving), 6:47; Elliot Sea (holding), 6:47.

Shots on Goal-Portland 13-21-19-53. Seattle 11-10-10-31.

Power Play Opportunities-Portland 0 / 2; Seattle 1 / 2.

Goalies-Portland, Hamilton 17-5-0-2 (31 shots-27 saves). Seattle, Pickard 27-33-3-5 (53 shots-48 saves).

A-5,159

Referees-Matt Kirk (4), Shane Warschaw (86).

Linesmen-Chris Carlson (92), Nathan Van Oosten (115).

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

(47-17-4-2) Spokane Chiefs 5, (27-34-4-5) Seattle Thunderbirds 0

Engel with the shutout.....Valcourt nets goal and assist

SPOKANE-- With their playoff hopes already on thin ice the Thunderbirds drop a 5-0 decision to the Chiefs as their "tragic number" dwindles to one. One point not earned by the Birds over their final two games or one point earned by Everett will eliminate Seattle from post-season play.

If the Birds win their last two and Everett loses their last two in regulation it would set up a one game playoff for the final playoff spot with the two teams playing in Kent.

The Chiefs took an early 1-0 lead scoring at 2:31 of the first period. Collin Valcourt scored his eighth goal of the season.

The Birds went on the power play at 7:31. Corbin Baldwin was called for Hooking. They didn't convert.

Spokane went up 2-0 at 11:14 when Darren Kramer (7) knocked one past Calvin Pickard (27-32-3-5).

Anthony Bardaro (21) made it 3-0 at 17:31.

The Chiefs went on the power play at 19:57 when Erik Bonsor was called for Interference.

The Birds were down 3-0 after 20 minutes. Shots were 16-8 in favor of Spokane.

Just 37 seconds into the second period Travis Toomey was called for Hooking so the Chiefs would have a five on three advantage. They did not convert on the power play.

The Birds went on the power play at 4:26. Mike Aviani was called for Tripping. The didn't convert.

Mitch Elliot went off for High Sticking at 7:24. Spokane didn't convert on the power play.

The Chiefs went back on the power play at 10:00 when Ryan Button was called for Delay of Game. They didn't convert.

Spokane went to the power play for the fifth time in the period when Colin Jacobs went to the box for Unsportsmanlike Conduct at 17:47.

The power play was wiped out when Jared Cowan went to the box for Goaltender Interference at 18:32.

After 40 minutes the Birds were down 3-0. Shots in the second period were 10-9 in favor of Spokane. They led 26-17 overall.

The Birds didn't score on their remaining power play time to start the third period.

Spokane went up 4-0 when Matt Marantz scored his 20th goal of the season at :55.

Brendan Rouse went to the penalty box for Roughing at 5:04. Spokane did not score on their sixth power play chance.

Reid Gow was called for High Sticking at 6:58. The Birds didn't convert on the power play.

Toomey went to the box for Interference at 11:44. Spokane didn't convert on the power play.

With four minutes left in the period Pickard was pulled in favor of the extra attacker.

Spokane went up 5-0 when Blake Gal (22) scored into the empty net at 18:36.

The Birds are defeated 5-0.

Shots in the third period were 8-6 in favor of Spokane. They outshot the Birds 34-23 overall.

It was a night of missed opportunities by the Birds as Spokane goaltender Mac Engel (13-7-2-1) coughed up rebounds all night long only to have the Birds miss one chance after another to put the puck in the net.

That's the way it has been for the Birds all season long. Those greasy goals have been hard to come by and so has consistent play. A solid game against Chilliwack led to a lackluster game against Prince George. A 5-0 win in Kelowna led to a 5-0 loss in Spokane.

The "good news" for the Birds is that Portland with a late goal in the third period tonight against Everett saved the Birds season for now. The bad news is that the Winterhawks will now get to end the Birds season if they beat them at the ShoWare Center Saturday night. Portland still has first overall in the Conference to play for so forget about them resting anyone.

The game will start at 7 pm and it can be heard live at MyNorthwest.com.

Game Notes:

- All five Spokane goals were even strength putting Seattle at a minus five for the game.

- The Thunderbirds road record finishes up at 14-17-3-2.

- The Birds go 4-5 against Spokane this season.

- Seattle was 0 for 4 on the power play. Spokane was 0 for 7.

Game Summary: (courtesy of the WHL website)

1st Period-1, Spokane, Valcourt 8 (Kramer), 2:31. 2, Spokane, Kramer 7 (Mort, Valcourt), 11:14. 3, Spokane, Bardaro 21 (Brassart, Kichton), 17:31. Penalties-Baldwin Spo (hooking), 7:31; Bonsor Sea (interference), 19:57.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Toomey Sea (hooking), 0:37; Aviani Spo (tripping), 4:26; Elliot Sea (high sticking), 7:24; Button Sea (delay of game), 10:00; Jacobs Sea (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 17:47; Cowen Spo (interference), 18:32.

3rd Period-4, Spokane, Marantz 20 (Gal, Baldwin), 0:55. 5, Spokane, Gal 22 (Marantz), 18:36 (EN). Penalties-Rouse Sea (roughing), 5:04; Gow Spo (high sticking), 6:58; Toomey Sea (interference), 11:44.

Shots on Goal-Seattle 8-9-6-23. Spokane 16-10-8-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Seattle 0 / 4; Spokane 0 / 7.
Goalies-Seattle, Pickard 27-32-3-5 (33 shots-29 saves). Spokane, Engel 13-7-2-1 (23 shots-23 saves).
A-9,734
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Jason Michelbook (112), Clayton Richardson (104).

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

(27-33-4-5) Seattle Thunderbirds 5, (42-27-0-1) Kelowna Rockets 0

Pickard gets his first shutout of the season..Noebels with a goal and assist

KELOWNA-- With their playoffs hopes dangling from a very thin thread the Thunderbirds come up with a big road win as they defeat the Rockets 5-0.

They are now tied with Kamloops (2 games left) and three points behind Prince George (2 games left) heading into their final three games of the season.

The Rockets got the first power play opportunity at 10:50 of the first period when Ryan Button went to the box for Hooking. They didn't convert on had no shots on net.

The Birds went on the power play at 14:22. Kelowna was called for Too Many Men. Burke Gallimore (33) scored to put the Birds up 1-0 at 15:19. The assists went to Marcel Noebels and Brenden Dillon.

Chance Lund (6) put the Birds up 2-0 when he blasted one past Jordon Cooke (7-6-0-0) at 17:42. The assist was from Dillon.

The Birds led 2-0 after 20 minutes. Shots were 14-9 in favor of the Birds.

Seattle went up 3-0 at 5:59 of the second period. Travis Toomey scored his 22nd goal of the season. It was unassisted.

The Birds went on the power play at 7:57 when Damon Severson was called for Tripping. They didn't convert.

Button was called for Slashing at 14:28. Kelowna did not convert on the power play.

Seattle led 3-0 after two periods. Shots in the second period were 8-5 in favor of the Birds. They also led 22-14 overall.

A power play chance for the Birds at 1:51 of the third period. Evan Bloodoff was called for Goaltender Interference. They didn't convert.

Luke Lockhart put the Birds up 4-0 at 9:01. It was his 21st goal of the season. The goal was unassisted.

At 12:46 Justin Hickman was called for Interference. The Rockets did not score on the power play.

Noebels scored his 26th goal of the season to put the Birds up 5-0 at 15:12. Assists were from Lockhart and Mitch Elliot.

Some four on four play at 17:12 when Elliot and Colton Heffley went to their respective boxes for Roughing.

The Birds defeat the Rockets 5-0 as Calvin Pickard (27-31-3-5) picks up his first shutout of the season.

Shots in the third period were 11-9 in favor of the Birds who outshot Kelowna 33-23.

A solid game for the Birds and a much deserved shutout for Pickard who has now played in 66 of the Birds 69 games. Kelowna decided to start their backup goalie Jordon Cooke instead of Adam Brown and the Birds took advantage by controlling play for long stretches and getting some pucks to the net.

With the Birds needing to win every game while playing the best teams in the Conference it would certainly help them if these teams sit top players with an eye towards the playoffs which start the 25th. Still the Birds need to play the way they did tonight in order to have any chance to win out.

With Everett winning in Tri-City it makes it tougher for the Birds to look at catching them as they are still four points back and have the same number of games remaining as the Tips. Realistically they need to look at catching Prince George who they are three points behind with a game in hand. They are now even with Kamloops with a game in hand.

The Birds will play their last road game of the regular season on Friday night in Spokane against a Chiefs team that is red hot, having won eight straight and they are also just one point behind Portland for the U.S. Division title and the number one seed overall so it would be a shock if they rested any players.

The game will start at 7 pm and it can be heard live at MyNorthwest.com.

Game Notes:

- D Mitch Spooner was a healthy scratch and D Erik Fleming remains out with a shoulder injury.

- The Birds road record improves to 14-16-1-3.

- Seattle ends the season 2-2 against Kelowna.

- Seattle was 1 for 3 on the power play. Kelowna was 0 for 3.

Game Summary: (courtesy of the WHL website)

1st Period-1, Seattle, Gallimore 33 (Noebels, Dillon), 14:55 (PP). 2, Seattle, Lund 6 (Dillon), 17:42. Penalties-Button Sea (hooking), 10:50; served by Franko Kel (too many men), 14:22.

2nd Period-3, Seattle, Toomey 22 5:59. Penalties-Severson Kel (tripping), 7:57; Button Sea (slashing), 14:28.

3rd Period-4, Seattle, Lockhart 21 9:01. 5, Seattle, Noebels 26 (Lockhart, Elliot), 15:12. Penalties-Bloodoff Kel (inter. on goaltender), 1:51; Hickman Sea (interference), 12:46; Elliot Sea (roughing), 17:12; Heffley Kel (roughing), 17:12.

Shots on Goal-Seattle 14-8-11-33. Kelowna 9-5-9-23.
Power Play Opportunities-Seattle 1 / 3; Kelowna 0 / 3.
Goalies-Seattle, Pickard 27-31-3-5 (23 shots-23 saves). Kelowna, Cooke 7-6-0-0 (33 shots-28 saves).
A-6,023
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Trevor Hanson.
Linesmen-Tim Digby (75), Bevan Mills (98).

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

(31-34-2-2) Prince George Cougars 5, (26-33-4-5) Seattle Thunderbirds 1

Connolly with a goal and assist...PG scores four goals in third period

KENT-- The Thunderbirds miss out on a chance to move within one point of a playoff spot with a lackluster effort against the Cougars. Instead they now find themselves four points behind Everett and two points behind Kamloops with only four games remaining.

The Cougars went on the power play at 7:05 of the first period when Colin Jacobs was called for Holding. They converted to go up 1-0. Brett Connolly notched his 42nd goal of the season at 7:18.

Chance Lund went to the penalty box at 14:55 for Slashing. They didn't convert and had one shot on net.

The Birds were down 1-0 after 20 minutes and were being out shot 14-4 in an inspired period of play. "I wish we could have come out with more energy, said Rob Sumner . "We could have gotten on the right track early but it didn't happen."

The Birds got their first power play chance at 3:49 of the second period. Cody Carlson was called for Hooking. They didn't convert and had no shots.

They went back on the power play at 8:24. Carlson went back to the box for Tripping. They didn't convert and had one shot.

The Birds tied the game 1-1 at 10:29 when Tyler Alos shot one past Ty Rimmer (17-21-0-2) for his fifth goal of the season. Assists went to Brendan Rouse and Dave Sutter.

Seattle got another power play chance at 11:27. Taylor Makin was called for Holding. They didn't convert and had one shot.

The Birds went on the power play for the fourth time in the period when Charles Inglis was called for Hooking at 15:22. They didn't convert and had one shot.

Mitch Elliot was called for Tripping at 17:50. The Cougars didn't convert on the power play and had two shots.

After two period the game was tied 1-1. Shots in the period were 10-7 in favor of the Birds. The Cougars led 21-14 overall.

The Birds had four power play opportunities in the period but went 0 for 4. "We were too perimeter on the power play," said Sumner. "We didn't force the issue even if it meant just simplifying and laying pucks into the net."

The Cougars went up 2-1 at the 11:02 mark of the third period. Spencer Asuchak (17) put one past Calvin Pickard (26-31-3-5).

At 13:11 the Cougars went up 3-1. Taylor Makin scored his sixth goal of the season.

Taylor Stefishen (23) made it 4-1 at 14:58.

Sumner took his timeout.

Pickard was pulled in favor of the extra attacker with 3:30 remaining.

Prince George went up 5-1 when Brock Hirsche scored his eighth goal of the season into the empty net at 17:45.

Pickard was sent back into the game.

Seattle lost 5-1.

Shots in the third period were 14-9 in favor of Prince George. They out shot the Birds 35-23 overall.

In what was biggest of the "must win" games the Birds have played recently, they simply didn't show up for this one. They lost most of the puck battles and were sloppy with their passes and in the neutral zone. There was very little energy from the start and you could sense this would not be one of their better games. Even so they were given a bit of life by Alos' goal that tied it in the second period. They also earned four power play chances in that period but couldn't convert on any.

Those missed opportunities would come back to haunt them in the third period as the Birds allowed four goals in just over 6:30. You could feel the air being sucked out of the building with each goal. In fact after PG went up 2-1 with just about nine minutes left it felt as though the team lost any energy they might have had up until that point.

"We weren't very good in the first period at all," said Sumner. "We earned some power plays in the second period. After they got the go ahead goal in the third period things began to snowball from there." He went on to talk about the lackluster play. "We were sloppy in the neutral zone. Even when we did execute up ice we made it playable for their goalie and he started a lot of their breakouts. Puck placement wasn't great for us tonight. We didn't establish our forecheck as well as we wanted to."

Sumner was asked what changed so drastically in 24 hours to make a team playing well look so bad in a big game. "We didn't have a lot of jump. They played a good game but we have to play through that. We didn't play well tonight and it was really disappointing. Those were big points and we wanted them but we didn't deserve it tonight."

One has to wonder if all of these high pressure games have taken a toll on the team both mentally and physically. Can the Birds play at such a high level game in, game out? "Well we're desperate and we need to find that level," said Sumner. "We have to regroup and get ready to go on Wednesday in Kelowna."

That game will start at 7 pm and it can be heard live at MyNorthwest.com.

Game Notes:

-D Mitch Spooner was a healthy scratch. D Erik Fleming remains out with a shoulder injury.

- The Thunderbirds home record drops to 13-17-1-3.

- Seattle finishes the season with a 2-2 mark against Prince George. They won both in PG and lost both at home.

- Seattle was 0 for 4 on the power play. PG was 1 for 3.

Game Summary: (courtesy of the WHL website)

1st Period-1, Prince George, Connolly 42 (Marincin, Dobrowolski), 7:18 (PP). Penalties-Jacobs Sea (holding), 7:05; Lund Sea (slashing), 14:55.

2nd Period-2, Seattle, Alos 5 (Rouse, Sutter), 10:29. Penalties-Carlson P.g (hooking), 3:49; Carlson P.g (tripping), 8:24; Makin P.g (holding), 11:27; Inglis P.g (hooking), 15:22; Elliot Sea (tripping), 17:50.

3rd Period-3, Prince George, Asuchak 17 (Acolatse, Hirsche), 11:02. 4, Prince George, Makin 6 (Inglis, Pilling), 13:11. 5, Prince George, Stefishen 23 (Connolly), 14:58. 6, Prince George, Hirsche 8 17:45 (EN). Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Prince George 14-7-14-35. Seattle 4-10-9-23.

Power Play Opportunities-Prince George 1 / 3; Seattle 0 / 4.

Goalies-Prince George, Rimmer 17-21-0-2 (23 shots-22 saves). Seattle, Pickard 26-31-3-5 (34 shots-30 saves).

A-4,025

Referees-Pat Smith (12), Jason Nissen (91).

Linesmen-Zach Brooks (26), Chris Sweeting (137).

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

(26-32-4-5) Seattle Thunderbirds 3, (31-30-3-3) Chilliwack Bruins 2 (OT)

Gallimore with the OT game winner...Bobbee has two points

KENT-- In yet another "must win" game the Thunderbirds controlled most of the play yet found themselves back in overtime needing the extra point once again. For the second straight game Burke Gallimore delivered with a power play goal to give the Birds the victory.

Seattle is now one point behind Kamloops and three points behind Prince George, the team they play Saturday night, for a playoff spot.

Chilliwack went on the power play at 1:15 of the first period when Erik Bonsor was called for Tripping. They didn't convert and had no shots on net.

Jacob Doty went to the penalty box at 8:52 for High Sticking. The Bruins converted on the power play to go up 1-0. Robin Soudek notched his 22nd goal of the season at 9:59.

Tyler Alos (4) tied the game 1-1 when he poked one past Lucas Gore (29-22-3-3) at 10:35. The assist was from Travis Bobbee.

The Birds went to the power play at 12:21. Soudek was called for Interference. They didn't convert and had one shot.

They went back to the power play at 15:51 when Tyler Stahl was called for Roughing. Colin Jacobs put the Birds up 2-1 when he scored his 21st goal of the season. Time of the goal was 17:26 and the assists went to Bobbee and Travis Toomey.

After 20 minutes the Birds were up 2-1 and were out shooting the Bruins 22-8.

The Birds got a power play chance at 4:13 of the second period. Jesse Zgraggen was called for Checking from Behind. They did not convert and had two shots.

Seattle went back on the power play at 8:28 when Blair Wentworth went to the box for Boarding.

With 23 seconds left on the power play Toomey was called for Slashing.

Chilliwack did not convert on the power play.

Some four on four play at 17:08. Ryan Howse (Elbowing)and Brenden Dillon (Cross Checking) each got two minutes.

Dylen McKinlay (6) tied the game 2-2 when he tipped one past Calvin Pickard (26-30-3-5) at 17:14.

Stahl got two minutes for Cross Checking at 18:39.

After two periods the game was tied 2-2. Shots in the period were 18-8 in favor of the Birds. They were out shooting the Bruins 40-16 overall.

The Birds didn't convert on their remaining power play time to start the third period.

They went back on the power play at :45. Stahl was called for Interference. They didn't convert.

No scoring in the third period so the game would go to overtime tied 2-2.

Shots in the third period were 14-9 in favor of the Birds who also led 54-25 overall.

The Birds would get a power play chance nine seconds into OT. Howse was called for Slashing. Gallimore, in a repeat of the last game, scored to give the Birds the 3-2 victory. It was his 32nd goal of the season. The goal was scored at 1:31 of OT. Assists went to Marcel Noebels (50th point) and Dillon.

Like Yogi Berra said..Deja Vu all over again. "I guess," said Rob Sumner. "We just take what's presented to us. We played very hard to earn those power play chances and we took advantage. We needed that extra point."

Shots in OT were 4-0 in favor of the Birds. They out shot Chilliwack 58-25 overall.

"Gore was phenomenal tonight," said Sumner. "We tried to get as much traffic as possible and he battled through it. We had the approach where we don't need to win by much we just need to win."

While the Birds solid play might not have gotten them many goals it did allow them to draw penalties which led to two power play goals including the game winner. "I thought our five on five play drew some penalties and earned possession," said Sumner. "We're getting better at the possession game down low. Sustained pressure in the offensive zone. We've taken big steps in that area."

A big point in the game was when the Bruins tied the game 2-2 after the Birds had numerous scoring chances but couldn't get one past Gore. Sumner was asked if it was difficult to keep his team playing well after the goal. "I didn't think our play sagged but I felt on the bench that it was a bit of a letdown. We wanted to get ourselves back up and ready to go. We didn't sag for long. We did a good job of dealing with adversity."

Sumner was asked about the play of Alos who scored a goal and was strong with the puck all night. "I thought he was very automatic in the neutral zone, making the right play and doing it with speed. He was strong tonight. He might want that face off back (leading to the Bruins 2nd goal). I'm nit picking of course but I know him, he takes things to heart. He played a strong game."

These games have been very stressful must win affairs and one wonders if they are taking a toll on the Head Coach. "No because the only game that is relevant to us right now is the next game," said Sumner. "It's an opportunity to play hard and get our best out there."

Sumner was asked if the Birds simply MUST win in regulation against Prince George on Saturday night since they are three points behind them for the final playoff spot. "Given a choice..sure. That's tough to control. We're going to put our best out there and give ourselves the best opportunity to win. We have to make sure we're not sloppy through the neutral zone, we can't be sloppy with our sticks and give them power play chances. Play some more hard fought, simple straight forward hockey and get pucks to their net."

That very important game will start at 7 pm at the ShoWare Center. The action can be heard live at MyNorthwest.com.

Game Notes:

- D Mitch Spooner was a healthy scratch. F Justin Hickman returned from a thumb injury.

- The Thunderbirds have won six of their last seven at home and are now 13-16-1-3 on home ice.

- The Birds finish the season series against the Bruins at 3-0-1-0.

- Seattle was 2 for 7 on the power play. Chilliwack was 1 for 3.

Game Summary: (courtesy of the WHL website)

1st Period-1, Chilliwack, Soudek 22 (Horak, Manning), 9:59 (PP). 2, Seattle, Alos 4 (Bobbee), 10:35. 3, Seattle, Jacobs 21 (Bobbee, Toomey), 17:26 (PP). Penalties-Bonsor Sea (tripping), 1:15; Doty Sea (high sticking), 8:52; Soudek Cwk (interference), 12:21; Stahl Cwk (roughing), 15:51.

2nd Period-4, Chilliwack, McKinlay 6 (Topping, Einhorn), 17:14. Penalties-Zgraggen Cwk (checking from behind), 4:13; Wentworth Cwk (boarding), 8:28; Toomey Sea (slashing), 10:05; Howse Cwk (elbowing), 17:08; Dillon Sea (cross checking), 17:08; Stahl Cwk (cross checking), 18:39.

3rd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Stahl Cwk (interference), 0:45.

OT Period-5, Seattle, Gallimore 32 (Noebels, Dillon), 1:31 (PP). Penalties-Howse Cwk (slashing), 0:09; Manning Cwk (roughing), 0:37; Toomey Sea (roughing), 0:37.

Shots on Goal-Chilliwack 8-8-9-0-25. Seattle 22-18-14-4-58.

Power Play Opportunities-Chilliwack 1 / 3; Seattle 2 / 7.

Goalies-Chilliwack, Gore 29-22-3-3 (58 shots-55 saves). Seattle, Pickard 26-30-3-5 (25 shots-23 saves).

A-4,884

Referees-Colby Smith (57), Shane Warschaw (86).

Linesmen-Justin Hull (49), Clayton Richardson (104).

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com

With the Thunderbirds fighting for a playoff spot heading into the final games of the regular season I sat down and spoke with 18 year old Forward Brendan Rouse and 18 year old Defenseman Dave Sutter. Rouse is in his second season with the Birds and Sutter is in his first season in the WHL.

Brendan Rouse

On the feeling in the clubhouse

It's pretty nerve wracking. We have to win our games and everyone is really grinding down here.

On the current success on home ice

Our team has been building off of the good crowds. We all want to make the playoffs.

On his personal success over the past couple of months

Well my hard work, I've also had a different role as well. Now playing with Toomey and Gallimore, we're clicking offensively. Before it was more of an energy role for me. I think Rob has given me more of an opportunity.

On the key to the resurgence of the power play

Early in the year we were really clicking then struggled a bit and that's when we were losing games. Our power play was helping us win games earlier in the season and now we're getting it going again, moving the puck and shooting the puck more often from the point. That is what Rob wants us to do in general. The D-men with the big shots like Dillon and Bobbee shooting more often from the point and then getting traffic in front.

On the big games up ahead

We know we must win these games. Hopefully with the other teams having tough schedules it will help. We need to win these games if we want to make the playoffs.

On his off season workout regime

Working out like four or five days a week. Later in the summer I get back on the ice.

On being a quiet guy

It's just the way I've always been. Even growing up outside of hockey, I'm just not a talkative guy, just kind of keep to myself.

On his strengths

My vision, my smarts. I'm not really a great goal scorer but more of a play maker, passing kind of guy. Just playing both ends of the rink.

On what he needs to work on

It would be on my shot, just getting quicker, faster feet. Just getting more confident out there.

On the team leaders such as Toomey, Gallimore, Dillon and Noebels

Those guys leading the way it helps everyone jump on board and get behind those guys.

On the optimism going into the final few games

We think we can do it, we know we can. We just have to get out there and do it.

On how bad he wants to get to the playoffs

I've never been there. It would be exciting for me. Everyone here wants to do it, missing out last year was disappointing so this year we don't want to miss out again.

Dave Sutter

On the differences in this league compared to Switzerland

The intensity is different, it's harder here. The play along the boards is much more important here. Battling in the corners. With time I've gotten more used to it.

On the best part of his game and what he needs to work on

Well I like my passing ability. I want to learn to be more physical since I'm tall. Help the team anyway I can.

On his offensive numbers

Well I used to be offensive because I was a forward. Now as a defenseman I want to concentrate on my job defensively right now. We have other D-men that can score. Maybe in the future I will concentrate on it more.

On his big fight a few weeks ago

I used to do kickboxing (laughs). I'm not used to fighting because we can't fight back home. People in Switzerland were asking me how I was able to fight since it's not legal there.

On Jacob Doty teaching him how to fight

Well I was worried about falling. He taught me how to be more stable during a fight. Assistant Coach Jim McTaggart taught me also.

On fighting to make the playoffs

Everybody is very confident. We are all focused on it. I think we're going to make it. I was in the playoffs last year back home but we played a really good team so it wasn't the best experience.

mike.caccioppoli@yahoo.com