October 3, 2025 - Seattle 7, Kamloops 4 (WHL)

 Matej Pekar Seattle Thunderbirds 8-Sep-07 5-10 165 LHRW (Undrafted 2025)
Pekar had 2 goals and an assist, and played well as he did two weeks ago when he had 4 assists in the Tri-City game (see September 20 entry). Speedy and skilled, was dangerous all night. Lifts puck easily, picked top corner on both of his goals. Retrieved puck in corner and got it out front, setting up his first goal. Several excellent passes in the offensive zone, including a behind the back pass that was nearly an assist. Offensive skill and energy will get him draft consideration, but the question is size and if he can get the space to operate at higher levels. 7 points in 4 games this season.

Marek Sklenicka Seattle Thunderbirds 27-Aug-08 6-4 170 G (2026 Eligible)
Skleicka had a better game tonight than last week against Tri-City (see September 20 entry). Was under pressure several times and showed good concentration, had several impressive stops. Will get plenty of playing time this year and must show consistency to get into the 2026 draft. 2-1 with a 0.884 save percentage so far this year.

Cameron Kuzma Seattle Thunderbirds 17-Jul-08 6-3 198 LC (2026 Eligible)
Kuzma is a big, solid player who is always around the action. Had a goal and assist on the night, and won 10 of 15 faceoffs. 4 points in 4 games so far. Will need to score as well as playing the physical game to get consideration for a 2026 draft spot.

Nathan Behm - Kamloops Blazers 6-2 208, RW/LW Drafted 2025 Round 3 by CHI
Behm showed his offensive skill several times during the game. Had two assists, one a cross-ice pass for a tap-in on the back door, another he shot the puck off a teammate's skate. On one power play, repeatedly attacked the net and had several chances, but missed the net high a few times; on later power plays he stayed in the center and showed good distributon. Had a pass on the power play to an open teammate who hit the post. Handled and passed well in power play, 5x5, 4x4, and penalty kill. Started a rush off the initial 3rd period faceoff, and later intercepted a pass, skated in and drew a penalty. 2 assists give him 3-3-3-6 with 13 shots in 3 WHL games.

JP Hurlbert Kamloops Blazers 11-Apr-08 6-0 182 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #44)
Highly skilled winger with decent size and good speed. Had a nice end-to-end carry in 4x4, some nice passes, and nearly had a breakaway. Got possession in his own zone, shot and scored on his own rebound. Played on left side on 4x4 and power play, moved puck and shot well. Had goal and several nice passes. Only 4 of 13 on faceoffs. Skill have him ranked high for the 2026 draft; he has 10 points in 4 games so far this season. Heading to NCAA Michigan in fall of 2026. CHI scouts will see a lot of him while watching Behm, so should get a good evaluation.

Ty Bonkowski Kamloops Blazers 9-Jul-08 5-10 170 RC (2026 Eligible)
Bonkowski is not large but is very active and has good speed and agility. Always in the play and is often able to break up opposition plays as well as move the puck forward. Energy and smart play can help him and he will need to also show some scoring to get 2026 draft consideration. 3 points in 4 games so far.

Logan Edmonstone Kamloops Blazers 3-Oct-08 5-11 172 LG (2026 Eligible)
Edmonstone is more of a compact goalie and had a good game last week against Seattle. In this game he allowed 6 goals and may have lost focus on a couple of them. He is steady and square to the shooter, and even after a bit of a rough night has a 0.907 save percentage. Got some early draft interest but will need to show consistently good play to get a draft slot.