September 20, 2025 - Seattle 6, Tri-City 3 (WHL)

Matej Pekar  Seattle Thunderbirds  8-Sep-07  5-10  165  LHRW  (Undrafted 2025)
Pekar (pronounced like pay-kash) came over to Seattle last year and had 64-17-15-32; this year he has added a few pounds and in this game was aggressive in pushing the play and willing to go into the corners.  He has excellent speed and stick handling, and is very agile in carrying the puck around defenders and into the attack zone.  Had four assists on the night, a couple early due to a bad start for the Tri-City goalie.  Was very energetic all game, and was instrumental in Seattle keeping up the pressure.  Had a nice steal that turned into a shot, was very active in 4 on 4 play.  Size will continue to be a concern as he moves to higher levels, but speed, agility, and skill could earn him a 2026 draft slot after being passed over last year.  3rd star of the game.

Marek Sklenicka  Seattle Thunderbirds 27-Aug-08    6-4  170  G (2026 Eligible)
Sklenicka is new to Seattle as he was selected in the international draft this summer.  Earned the opening night start over more experienced goalies.  Sklenicka is tall and remains upright until the puck comes down low.  Somewhat rangy but is agile when going between up and down positions.  He had a number of good saves (including a couple of breakaways), especially in the second period as Tri-City was pressing.  First goal glove side over left shoulder.  Another goal came on a low shot from Vanecek that leaked through; these are tough for a tall goalie. Third goal he was crashed into by an attacker but no penalty was called and goal was allowed.  2026 eligible but not currently ranked.  He has a good base of size and skill to build on, and could merit draft consideration if he improves his focus and plays well.   Was 15-2.18-0.928 in Czechia U20 last year.

Cameron Kuzma  Seattle Thunderbirds  17-Jul-08 6-3  198    LC (2026 Eligible)
Kuzma comes to Seattle from Regina where he had 46-4-14-18 last year.  He is a sizable center and is very aggressive around the net and in the corners of the forecheck.  Assisted with Pekar on the first two Seattle goals.  Did not score the rest of the game but had constant pressure in the offensive zone all night.  Aggressive on the power play.  Won 11 of 17 faceoffs and was the game's 2nd star.

Gavin Garland    Tri-City Americans  8-Feb-06  5-9  183  RW  (Undrafted 2024, 2025)
Garland is small but plays bigger, has good speed and can get pucks to the net.  Had 4 shots on the night.  Has useful skills but will have to show scoring ability to get into higher leagues as he has been passed over in the last two drafts.  Had 54-21-21-42 in Tri-City last year.

Cruz Pavao  Tri-City Americans  24-Aug-08  5-11  194  RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #154)
Pavao is not tall but is thick and this does not slow him down; he has the speed and puck handling skills to trigger offensive rushes.  Early in the game he beat the defenseman on a rush and drew a penalty.  Later had a fast entry with impressive puck control.  Had 2 assists in the game.  Looks as if he will score some this year, and could move to the mid rounds in the 2026 draft.  Had 63-10-15-25 in Tri-City last year.

Jakub Vanecek  Tri-City Americans  25-Feb-08  6-2  185    LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #62)
Another big defenseman coming over this year from Czechia.  Excellent agility and puck control for a big defender.  Had a low hard shot for a goal and showed good movement in all zones.  Early on had a bit of an awkward posession in the d-zone that ended in a Seattle goal.  Improved on defense quickly as the game went on, and drew a penalty (but evened it out taking an embellishment call).  Should improve quickly while adjusting to North America.  Has all the traits to be an early pick in the 2026 draft.  Was 31-0-4-4 in Czechia U20 last year, 7-1-3-4 in international play this year.

1st star of the game was Simon Lovsin of Seattle who had 2 goais and an assist.  He was passed over in the 2025 draft after having 35 points in 64 games.  Needs to score more and is off to a good start. 

C Brock England, a 2027 eligible, had 2 late goals for Seattle also.

LD Aden Bouchard, also a 2027 eligible (not related to Evan Bouchard) was a high pick for Tri-City (WHL #3 overall) and played in the game but did not score.