2025 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap: March 28
Calgary Hitmen vs Saskatoon Blades (Photo Credit: Jenn Pierce/ Calgary Hitmen/WHL)Welcome to this edition of THN's 2025 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap. This recurring article will be released throughout the playoffs, providing summaries of action from the WHL post-season. Here is a look at the eight games from March 28.
Calgary Hitmen 4, Saskatoon Blades 2
Calgary Leads Series 1-0
The Calgary Hitmen kicked off their playoffs in style with a 4-2 victory over the Saskatoon Blades. Calgary was the dominant team throughout, as they outshot Saskatoon 44-17. In fact, the Hitmen had more shots in the first period than the Blades had all night, showing just how dangerous their offence can be.
3 Stars:
Calgary: Ethan Moore- 2 Goals
Calgary: Sawyer Mynio- 2 Assists
Saskatoon: Evan Gardner- 40 Save On 44 Shots
Lethbridge Hurricanes 6, Brandon Wheat Kings 3
Lethbridge Leads Series 1-0
For the first time since 2019, the Lethbridge Hurricanes have won a playoff game. The Hurricanes put on an impressive performance in Game 1, with 10 different players hitting the scoresheet. Friday also featured an impressive goaltending performance from Jackson Unger, who made 32 saves, while Brandon Wheat Kings' Carson Bjarnason stopped 37 of the 43 shots he faced.
3 Stars:
Lethbridge: Leo Braillard- 2 Goal, 1 Assists
Lethbridge: Shane Smith- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Brandon: Nolan Flamand- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Lethbridge Hurricanes vs Brandon Wheat Kings (Photo Credit: Erica Perreaux/Lethbridge Hurricanes/WHL)Edmonton Oil Kings 3, Prince Albert Raiders 1
Edmonton Leads Series 1-0
Game 1 of the Edmonton Oil Kings and Prince Albert Raiders series featured a goaltending battle for the ages. Both Alex Worthington and Max Hildebrand were fantastic, allowing a combined three goals on 71 shots. If Game 1 was an indication of how the rest of the series will go, skaters are going to be frustrated over the next two weeks.
3 Stars:
Edmonton: Alex Worthington- 31 Saves On 32 Shots
Prince Albert: Max Hildebrand- 37 Saves On 39 Shots
Edmonton: Landon Hanson- 1 Goal
Medicine Hat Tigers 4, Swift Current Broncos 0
Medicine Hat Leads Series 1-0
Harrison Meneghin was the story in the Medicine Hat Tigers' Game 1 victory. Meneghin was playing his first game since his father passed away, recording 21 saves for his first career WHL Playoff win. In the end, it was a special night in Medicine Hat that not only Meneghin but everyone in the building will remember for years to come.
3 Stars:
Medicine Hat: Harrison Meneghin: 21 Save Shutout
Medicine Hat: Oasiz Wiesblatt: 3 Goals
Medicine Hat: Gavin McKenna: 3 Assists
Seattle Thunderbirds 3, Everett Silvertips 2
Seattle Leads Series 1-0
The Seattle Thunderbirds made a statement in Game 1, defeating the Everett Silvertips 3-2. This was a physical battle between these two U.S. Division rivals, with scrums forming after almost every whistle. Ultimately, the difference was goaltender Scott Ratzlaff, who made 45 saves in his first WHL Playoffs game.
3 Stars:
Seattle: Scott Ratzlaff- 45 Saves On 47 Shots
Everett: Landon DuPont- 2 Assists
Seattle: Hayden Pakkala- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Spokane Chiefs 4, Vancouver Giants 1
Spokane Leads Series 1-0
The Spokane Chiefs kept their winning streak against the Vancouver Giants alive on Friday with a 4-1 Game 1 victory. Andrew Cristall recorded two goals, while Dawson Cowan picked up his first career playoff victory. Spokane also outshot Vancouver 44-26 and recorded at least 10 shots in each period.
3 Stars:
Spokane: Assanali Sarkenov- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Vancouver: Burke Hood- 40 Saves On 43 Shots
Spokane: Andrew Cristall- 2 Goals
Victoria Royals 3, Tri-City Americans 0
Tri-City Leads Series 1-0
The other shutout of the night belonged to Johnny Hicks and the Victoria Royals, as they defeated the Tri-City Americans 3-0 in Game 1. This was a tight game from the opening puck drop, with neither team surpassing 25 shots on the night. In the end, though, Victoria's top six was able to break through and help guide the Royals to a victory.
3 Stars:
Victoria: Johnny Hicks- 22 Save Shutout
Victoria: Brandon Lisowsky- 2 Goals
Victoria: Cole Reschny- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Prince George Cougars 7, Portland Winterhawks 6 (OT)
Prince George Leads Series 1-0
In what was easily the most chaotic game of the night, the Prince George Cougars pulled off an impressive 7-6 overtime victory over the Portland Winterhawks. Despite being down 5-2, the Cougars scored four times in the third to help get the game into overtime. In the end, it was Mr. Reliable Terik Parascak who came through for Prince George, as his goal at 6:40 of overtime sent the fans home happy.
Prince George Cougars vs Portland Winterhawks (Photo Credit: James Doyle/Prince George Cougars/WHL)3 Stars:
Prince George: Borya Valis- 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Prince George: Aiden Foster- 3 Assists
Portland: Josh Zakreski- 2 Goals
Saturday, March 29 Games:
Brandon @ Lethbridge- 6:00 pm MT
Edmonton @ Prince Albert- 7:00 pm MT
Swift Current @ Medicine Hat- 7:00 pm PT
Portland @ Prince George- 6:00 pm PT
Tri-City @ Victoria- 6:05 pm PT
Seattle @ Everett- 6:05 pm PT
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