Logan Stankoven celebrates ones of his three goals against the Vancouver Giants on March 31, 2023. (Photo via Allen Douglas)
A five point night for Logan Stankoven powered the Kamloops Blazers to a statement 8-0 win over the Vancouver Giants in Game 1 of their 2023 first round playoff series.
Stankoven, who led the playoffs in goals (17) and points (31) last season, finished the night with a hattrick and added two assists – just like he did during the opening game of the 2022 playoffs, a 9-0 rout over the Spokane Chiefs.
Goals from Stankoven (2), Emmitt Finnie, and Dylan Sydor had the Blazers up 4-0 after the first period at Sandman Centre Friday night.
Logan loves the #WHLPlayoffs and the #WHLPlayoffs love Logan. @blazerhockey | @DallasStars | #WHLHatTricks | #FeedingtheFuture pic.twitter.com/69833mCwIv
— The WHL (@TheWHL) April 1, 2023
Another goal from another hometown kid! Dylan Sydor gives @blazerhockey a quick 3-0 advantage in Game 1!#WHLPlayoffs | #FeedingTheFuture pic.twitter.com/9yf5X9pobS
— The WHL (@TheWHL) April 1, 2023
Ryan Hofer, Caedan Bankier, and Stankoven added goals in a 4:30 span in the second with Ashton Ferster the lone goal scorer in a penalty-filled final period.
Ryan Hofer out here takin’ care of business. It’s a commanding 5-0 lead for @blazerhockey. #WHLPlayoffs@Capitals | #FeedingTheFuture pic.twitter.com/1FVhNOOxJA
— The WHL (@TheWHL) April 1, 2023
Olen Zellweger and Jakub Demek each had three assists in their Blazers playoff debut, while Bankier had a pair of assists to go with his goal.
Finnie meanwhile extended his career-best point streak to 11 games.
Dylan Ernst finished with a 15 save shutout in his WHL playoff debut. The Weyburn, Sask. native – who was named to the B.C. Division’s Second All-Star Team for the 2022-23 season – led all WHL goaltenders with 38 wins in the regular season.
Giants starter Jesper Vikman – named to the B.C. Division’s First All-Star Team – allowed seven goals on 22 shots in a losing effort. He was replaced by Brett Mirwald who turned aside 30 of 31 shots in 33:48 of relief work.
The Blazers host Game 2 of the series Saturday night with Games 3 and 4 in Langley on Tuesday and Thursday.
THANK YOU! #BlazerNation🔥 pic.twitter.com/M9e9gQnKRZ
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) April 1, 2023
