Three WHL teams punched their ticket to the second round on Wednesday.

The 2024 WHL Playoffs experienced their first sweeps of the year on Wednesday as three teams punched their ticket to the second round. Wednesday also featured late-game heroics and some sensational goaltender performances as all eight teams were in action. Here is a recap of the eight games from Apr. 3.

Saskatoon Blades 4, Prince Albert Raiders 1
Series: Saskatoon Leads 3-1

The Saskatoon Blades put forth another dominating performance as they defeated the Prince Albert Raiders 4-1 to take a 3-1 series lead. Misha Volotovskii scored the game-winner and an assist for the Blades, while Easton Armstrong scored his fifth of the postseason in the victory. For the Raiders, Ryder Ritchie scored his third of the series, while Max Hildebrand made 32 saves in the loss. 

Swift Current Broncos 5, Lethbridge Hurricanes 4 (2OT)
Series: Swift Current Win 4-0

Despite facing a 4-1 deficit midway through the second, the Swift Current Broncos fought back, defeating the Lethbridge Hurricanes 5-4 in double overtime. Conor Geekie scored the game-winner as the Broncos completed the sweep of the Hurricanes and booked their ticket to the second round. Swift Current also received a standout performance from Mathew Ward, who had three assists, while the Hurricanes were led by Harrison Meneghin, who stopped 40 of 45 shots he faced. 

Highlight of the Night: Conor Geekie's Double Overtime Goal Sends Swift Current To The Second Round

Red Deer Rebels 3, Medicine Hat Tigers 2
Series: Red Deer Leads 3-1

Kalan Lind's goal with two seconds left in regulation was the difference as the Red Deer Rebels defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 2-1 and took a 3-1 series lead. Chase Wutzke was a star for Red Deer as he stopped 33 of 35 shits while Ethan McCallum stood tall in the Tigers net, making 31 saves on the night. Other players who stood out included Red Deer's Hunter Mayo, who had five shots, and Medicine Hat's Hunter St. Martin, who finished the night with a goal and an assist.

Moose Jaw Warriors 6, Brandon Wheat Kings 4
Series: Moose Jaw Leads 3-0 

Matthew Savoie had two goals and an assist as the Moose Jaw Warriors defeated the Brandon Wheat Kings 6-4 to take a 3-0 series lead. It was also a big night for the Warriors captain as Denton Mateychuk had a goal and two assists in the victory. For Brandon, Roger McQueen once against was a star, recording a goal and an assist, while captain Brett Hyland scored his first of the series in the defeat.

Portland Winterhawks 4, Victoria Royals 1
Series: Portland Wins 4-0

The Portland Winterhawks are second-round bound after defeating the Victoria Royals 4-1 to sweep their first-round series. Josh Zakreski led the way with two goals and an assist, while Jan Špunar stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced. As for Victoria, Braden Holt had a strong final game of his WHL career, making 41 saves in the loss.

Prince Geroge Cougars 3, Spokane Chiefs 2
Series: Prince George Wins 4-0 

Zac Funk scored the winner midway through the second as the Prince George Cougars defeated the Spokane Chiefs 3-2, sweeping their first-round series. Terik Parascak had two assists, while Ty Young made 30 saves in the Game 4 win. For Spokane, Conner Roulette put on a show in his final WHL game, scoring the only two goals for Spokane while posting a game-high seven shots on net. 

Kelowna Rockets 3, Wenatchee Wild 1
Series: Kelowna Leads 3-1

Jari Kykkanen was superb, stopping 34 of 35 shots he faced as the Kelowna Rockets defeated the Wenatchee Wild 3-1 in Game 4. For the sixth time this playoff, Tij Iginla found the back of the net for the Rockets while Gabriel Szturc had a goal and an assist in the win. As for the Wild, Kenta Isogai provided the offence while Daniel Hauser made 30 saves in the loss. 

Everett Silvertips 3, Vancouver Giants 1
Series: Everett Leads 2-1

 Ben Hemmerling's second-period power play goal was the difference as the Everett Silvertips defeated the Vancouver Gianst 3-1. In net, Tyler Palmer was a rock, making 30 saves in the victory. As for Vancouver, Logen Hammett scored his second of the playoffs, while Brett Mirwald stopped 32 of the 35 shots he faced. 

Game Schedule For Apr. 4, 2024:

Moose Jaw Warriors @ Brandon Wheat Kings, 7:00 pm CT

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