Seattle Thunderbirds are only one win away from winning the WHL Championship for the first time in the club’s 40-year history. One of the key players to the team’s success in the playoffs has been Finnish rookie Sami Moilanen. The forward has put up 15 points in 19 playoff games. Last night he assisted 5-3 goal in the game that Seattle eventually won 7-4.
Moilanen, who is known for his strong skating ability and gritty game, has also scored two goals in the finals. The speedy right wing picked up the puck in the slot and made no mistake to tie the Game 3. He scored the game-winner in Game 4 which Seattle went on to win 6-1. He has been able to provide solid point production behind the team’s star players such as forward Mathew Barzal and defenseman Ethan Bear.
Moilanen has without doubt improved his NHL Draft stock thanks to the strong playoff run. He could become the second Finn to win the WHL championship. Forward Joni Lindlöf became WHL champion in 2003 as a member of the Kelowna Rockets.