2025 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap: April 1

Welcome to this edition of THN's 2025 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap. This recurring article will provide summaries of action from the WHL post-season throughout the playoffs. Here is a look at the seven games from April 1. 

Seattle Thunderbirds 6, Everett Silvertips 3
Seattle Leads Series 2-1

The Seattle Thunderbirds sent the home fans happy on Tuesday with a thrilling 6-3 victory over the Everett Silvertips. Five Thunderbirds had multi-point efforts, including Braeden Cootes and Nathan Pilling, who each had a goal and two assists. As for Scott Ratzlaff, he was once again sensational, stopping 40 of the 43 shots he faced. 

3 Stars:
Seattle: Braeden Coots- 1 Goal, 2 Assists
Seattle: Nathan Pilling- 1 Goal, 2 Assists
Seattle: Ashton Cumby- 1 Goal

Portland Winterhawks 6, Prince George Cougars 3
Portland Leads Series 2-1

The Portland Winterhawks offense kept on rolling in their 6-3 victory over the Prince George Cougars. Alex Weiermair scored a hat trick, while Carter Sotheran and Tyson Jugnauth each recorded at least three points. Portland has now scored at least five goals in each of their first three games, which has led to a 2-1 series lead.

3 Stars:
Portland: Alex Weiermair- 3 Goals
Portland: Carter Sotheran- 2 Goals, 1 Assist
Portland: Tyson Jugnauth- 1 Goal, 3 Assists

Victoria Royals 3, Tri-City Americans 1
Victoria Leads Series 3-0

The Victoria Royals took a stranglehold on their series with a 3-1 victory over the Tri-City Americans. Victoria has allowed just three goals all series, with Johnny Hicks picking up his third victory of the playoffs. If the Royals can put on another defensive clinic, they could be headed to the second round as early as Wednesday.

3 Stars:
Tri-City: Lukas Matecha- 39 Saves On 41 Shots
Victoria: Johnny Hicks- 31 Saves On 32 Shots
Victoria: Justin Kipkie- 1 Goal

Calgary Hitmen 4, Saskatoon Blades 1
Calgary Lead Series 3-0

The Calgary Hitmen continued their winning ways on Tuesday with a 4-1 victory over the Saskatoon Blades. Calgary's top players stepped up their game in this one, as Ben Kindle, Tanner Howe and Connor Hvidston. As for Anders Miller, he picked up his third win of the post-season, making 20 saves in the win

3 Stars:
Calgary: Tanner Howe- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Calgary: Anders Miller- 20 Saves On 21 Shots
Saskatoon: David Lewandowski- 1 Goal

Edmonton Oil Kings 3, Prince Albert Raiders 2
Edmonton Leads Series 2-1

The Edmonton Oil Kings' power play stepped up big in their Game 3 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders. Edmonton scored twice with the man advantage, including late in the third, which ended up being the game-winner. Overall, the Oil Kings have played well in this series and are showing why they could go on a run this year. 

3 Stars:
Edmonton Oil Kings: Gavin Hodnett- 1 Goal, 1 Assist 
Edmonton Oil Kings: Marshall Finnie- 1 Goal
Prince Albert Raiders: Rilen Kovacevic- 2 Shots On Goal

Lethbridge Hurricanes 3, Brandon Wheat Kings 1
Lethbridge Leads Series 3-0

Jackson Unger was the story as the Lethrbidge Hurricanes took a 3-0 series lead on the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Hurricanes' goaltender stopped 37 of the 38 shots he faced, including all 18 in the third period. If Unger can keep playing at this high level, this series could be over on Wednesday night. 

3 Stars:
Lethbridge: Jackson Unger- 37 Saves On 38 Shots
Brandon: Adam Belusko
Brandon: Nolan Flamand- 1 Goal

Swift Current Broncos 5, Medicine Hat Tigers 4
Medicine Hat Ledas Series 2-1

The Swift Current Broncos and Medicine Hat Tigers put on a show Tuesday night. The two teams combined for nine goals, with Connor Dale eventually playing the hero late in the third period. It was also a massive night for Carline Dezainde, who finished the night with a hat trick. 

3 Stars:
Swift Current: Connor Dale- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Swift Current: Carlin Dezainde- 3 Goals
Medicine Hat: Oasiz Wiesblatt- 1 Goal, 2 Assists

Wednesday, April 2 Games:

Lethbridge @ Brandon- 7:00 pm CT
Prince Albert @ Edmonton- 7:00 pm MT
Medicine Hat @ Swift Current- 7:00 pm MT
Calgary @ Saskatoon- 7:00 pm MT
Portland @ Prince George- 7:00 pm PT
Victoria @ Tri-City- 7:05 pm PT
Vancouver @ Spokane- 7:05 pm PT

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