Caedan Bankier celebrates his goal against the Calgary Hitmen on Feb. 19, 2023. (Screengrab via WHL)
Caedan Bankier scored 11 seconds into the first period as the Kamloops Blazers extended their win streak to a season high eight games with a 4-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen Sunday afternoon.
Daylan Kuefler also scored in the opening frame, before second period goals from Ryan Hofer and Shea Van Olm had the Blazers cruising with a 4-0 lead just before the midway point of the game.
📽️ HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT 📽️
Want soft hands? Get some Shea butter.@blazerhockey | #WHLHoN pic.twitter.com/OZgDF3QDIy
— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 19, 2023
Carter Yakemchuk scored the lone marker for the Hitmen in the second period before the two teams played a scoreless third period at the Tsuut’ina Seven Chiefs Sportsplex.
Hofer and Kuefler each had an assist to go with their goals while Ashton Ferster had two assists for the Blazers.
Kamloops native Logan Stankoven was held off the scoresheet for the first time this season, ending his point streak at 35 games, tying him with Connor Bedard for the longest in the WHL this season.
The Blazers captain put up 79 points – 27 goals and 52 assists – over the course of that streak, 11 fewer than the 90 points – 44 goals and 46 assists – put up by Bedard during his point streak which ended on Feb. 3.
Dylan Ernst stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced to become the first WHL goalie to reach 3o wins this season. Ethan Buenaventura made a season high 46 saves for the Hitmen in a losing effort.
📽️ SAVE OF THE NIGHT 📽
Steady Eddie? He don’t work here no more. Meet Steady Ernie!@RealCdnSS | @blazerhockey | #SaveoftheNight pic.twitter.com/CGAcmg0AqU
— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 19, 2023
Next up for the Blazers is a Family Day Monday game against the lowly Edmonton Oil Kings before games in Swift Current on Wednesday, Lethbridge on Friday, and Medicine Hat on Saturday.
Their next home game will be against the Kelowna Rockets on Friday, March 3.
