T-BIRDS AVOID A SWEEP

KENT, Wash. – Alexander True had back-to-back goals in the second period _ including the eventual winner – as the Seattle Thunderbirds downed the Brandon Wheat Kings 6-1 on Wednesday in Western Hockey League playoff action.

Brandon leads the best-of-seven series 3-1.

Ryan Gropp also struck twice for Seattle, while Donovan Neuls and Ethan Bear added power-play goals as the Thunderbirds scored six times in a row.

Jayce Hawryluk replied for the Wheat Kings late in the third period.

Landon Bow made 30 saves for the win, Jordan Papirny stopped 25 shots in net for Brandon.

Seattle hosts Game on Friday. If needed, the series returns to Brandon, Man., for Games 5 and 6.

The Wheat Kings made the WHL finals last season, but was swept in four games by the Kelowna Rockets.

(The Canadian Press)