Olen Zellweger celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Giants on April 1, 2023. (Photo via Allen Douglas)
Kamloops Blazers defenceman Olen Zellweger wrote his name in the WHL history books with seven points in last night’s Game 4 win over Portland.
The Anaheim Ducks prospect tied a WHL playoff record for points in a game by a defenceman, a record he will now share with former Blazer, Darryl Sydor, who is a part-owner of the team.
Zellweger scored his first career playoff hattrick, and assisted on four other goals in a 10-4 win as the Blazers completed the sweep over the Portland Winterhawks to set up a Western Conference Championship rematch with the Seattle Thunderbirds.
“That’s special obviously,” Zellweger said Thursday night. “[It was a] big game from the team, and a lot of guys helped me out. It’s not just me, its a great team effort and we’re really excited for round three.”
Sydor set the record back on March 22, 1991 when he put up seven points (one goal and six assists) in an 11-5 Blazers’ win over the Tri-City Americans.
The WHL playoff record for points in a game is eight – shared by Dave Chartier of the Brandon Wheat Kings (five goals and three assists on March 27, 1981) and Alfie Turcotte of the Portland Winter Hawks (four goals and four assists on March 26, 1983).
Zellweger is now tied with Blazers captain Logan Stankoven for most points in these playoffs with 21 in eight games.
He’s also looking to repeat as the winner of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, presented to the WHL Defenceman of the Year, having won the award in the 221-22 season while a member of the Everett Silvertips.
The Blazers and T-Birds will begin the seven game Western Conference Championship series with Games 1 and 2 in Kent, Wash. on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.
Game 3 will be played at Sandman Centre on Tuesday, May 2, followed by Game 4 on Thursday, May 4.
With seven points (3G-4A) in last night’s win over Portland, @blazerhockey star Olen Zellweger has tied a #WHLPlayoffs record for points in a game by a defenceman.@AnaheimDucks | #FeedingTheFuture | @NutrienLTD
DETAILS 📰 | https://t.co/6OWAs2zDVy pic.twitter.com/o8OYPgYr3P
— The WHL (@TheWHL) April 21, 2023
