SASKATOON - Tanner Howe had a goal and assist, Hunter Aura chipped in with two assists, and the visiting Calgary Hitmen knocked off the Saskatoon Blades 4-1 in Western Hockey League playoff action on Tuesday at the SaskTel Centre.
David Adaszynski, Ben Kindel and Connor Hvidston also scored for the Hitmen who took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first-round, best-of-seven series.
David Lewandowski scored for the Blades, who were outshot 30-21. The Blades trailed 1-0 after the first period and 3-1 heading into the third.
The Blades went 1-for-4 on the power play while the Hitmen were 0-for-1.
Game 4 is Wednesday in Saskatoon.
Elsewhere in the WHL playoffs on Tuesday:
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ROYALS 3 AMERICANS 1
(Royals lead best-of-seven series 3-0)
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Justin Kipkie's power-play goal at 6:11 of the third period snapped a 1-1 tie and lifted the visiting Victoria Royals to a 3-1 win over the Tri-City Americans.
Seth Fryer and Brandon Lisowsky (empty-netter) also scored for the Royals, who grabbed a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Brandon Whynott scored for the Americans, who were outshot 42-32.
Game 4 is Wednesday in Kennewick.
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OIL KINGS 3 RAIDERS 2
(Oil Kings lead best-of-seven series 2-1)
EDMONTON, Alta. — Gavin Hodnett had a goal and assist, Gracyn Sawchyn had two assists, and the Edmonton Oil Kings edged the visiting Prince Albert Raiders 3-2.
Marshall Finnie and Ethan MacKenzie also scored for the Oil Kings, who took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Riley Boychuk and Aiden Oiring scored for the Raiders, who were outshot 33-20.
Game 4 is Wednesday in Edmonton.
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HURRICANES 3 WHEAT KINGS 1
(Hurricanes lead best-of-seven series 3-0)
BRANDON, Man. — Miguel Marques had a goal and two assists as the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes edged the Brandon Wheat Kings 3-1.
Carsen Adair and Leo Braillard also scored for the Hurricanes, who took a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Nolan Flamand scored for the Wheat Kings, who outshot the visitors 38-24 but had trouble beating the Hurricanes' netminder Jackson Unger, who made 37 saves.
Game 4 is Wednesday in Brandon.
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BRONCOS 5 TIGERS 4
(Tigers lead best-of-seven series 2-1)
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Carlin Dezainde scored three goals to lead the Swift Current Broncos to a 4-4 win over the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers.
Trae Wilke and Connor Dale also scored for the Broncos, who now trail the best-of-seven series 2-1. Hunter Mayo and Peyton Kettles each chipped in with two assists.
Oasiz had a goal and two assists for the Tigers, who outshot the hosts 36-26. Hunter St. Martin, Josh Van Mulligen and Bryce Pickford also scored for the visitors. Gavin McKenna chipped in with three assists.
Game 4 is Wednesday in Swift Current.
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WINTERHAWKS 6 COUGARS 3
(Winterhawks lead best-of-seven series 2-1)
PORTLAND, Ore. — Alex Weiermair scored three goals and Carter Sotheran had two goals and an assist as the Portland Winterhawks beat the visiting Prince George Cougars 6-3.
Tyson Jugnauth had a goal and two assists for the Winterhawks, who took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Kyle Chyzowski chipped in with two helpers.
Jett Lajoie, Lee Shurgot and Bauer Dumanski scored for the Cougars, who were outshot 45-28. Riley Heidt had two assists.
Game 4 is Wednesday in Portland.
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THUNDERBIRDS 6 SILVERTIPS 3
(Thunderbirds lead best-of-seven series 2-1)
SEATTLE, Wash. — Nathan Pilling and Braeden Cootes each had a goal and two assists as the Seattle Thunderbirds rallied from a 3-1 second-period deficit to beat the visiting Everett Silvertips 6-3.
Ashton Cumby, Simon Lovsin, Brayden Schuurman and Antonio Martorana also scored for the T-Birds, who took a 2-1 lead in the best-of seven series. Radim Mrtka and Hayden Pakkala each added two assists.
Austin Roest, Dominik Rymon and Shea Busch scored for the Silvertips, who outshot the hosts 43-40. Tarin Smith chipped in with two assists.
Game 4 is Friday in Seattle.
* This roundup was generated automatically with a CP-developed application.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2025.