U.S. Division

Thunderbirds Thursday: Big Things Are Coming

Written by Lizz Child on

They’ve had an eight-game win streak already this season and are currently sitting in second place in the US Division. Just last night, they claimed a 3-1 victory over the Prince George Cougars. Yeah, the Seattle Thunderbirds are enjoying their season so far.

Sixth in the league. It’s December. There’s still time for the standings to change dramatically, but Thunderbirds fans should be feeling pretty good about how their team looks right now. Chasing the Everett Silvertips for first in the division seems like a tall order right now. However, with the Silvertips losing their two top defensemen to Team Canada’s WJC selection camp and possibly for the entirety of the tournament, it may just be the opening that Seattle needs to ascend to the top spot.

The Thunderbirds are announcing a roster addition tomorrow if you haven’t heard! While the expectation is that the addition will be 19-year-old Samuel Kňažko. Recently named to Team Slovakia’s preliminary roster for the 2022 World Junior Championship, the defenseman signed a three-year ELC.

Thunderbirds to watch

Sam Oremba – Returning from the 2021 Capital City Challenge (along with goaltender Scott Ratzlaff), where he claimed silver with Team Canada Red, Oremba will be looking to continue his positive momentum back with the Thunderbirds.

Mekai Sanders – The 18-year-old forward has been having a season through his first 20 games. With seven goals and five assists, he’s more than doubled his scoring from his first two WHL seasons combined. He shows no signs of slowing down. Keep an eye on him as the Thunderbirds work to continue to provide dominant performances.

Jordan Gustafson – With 22 points in 20 games, the 17-year-old is having quite the season already. Doubling his points from last season in three fewer games, Gustafson will be one to watch throughout the rest of the season, not just this week. Be prepared as I might start talking about him a lot.

Samuel Kňažko – Did you notice he’s already on the T-Birds roster? Eyes will be on him as he makes his WHL debut with the Thunderbirds. At this point, the question is when his debut will happen, but keep an eye on him for the World Juniors roster as well. North America is ready for this player, and I can’t wait to see what this defenseman does.