WHL Roundup: Gropp scores winner as Thunderbirds edge Silvertips to advance

KENT, Wash. - Ryan Gropp scored the eventual winner in the second period as the Seattle Thunderbirds advanced to the Western Conference final with a 3-2 victory over the Everett Silvertips in Game 5 Saturday night.

The Thunderbirds won the Western Hockey League second-round series 4-1.

Scott Eansor and Nick Holowko gave Seattle a 2-0 lead with first-period goals.

Brandon Ralph answered in the second for the Silvertips before Gropp scored the winner. Devon Skoleski added a power-play goal late in the second for Everett.

Landon Bow turned aside 17 shots for the win in net as Carter Hart stopped 39 shots in defeat.

The Thunderbirds were scoreless on three power plays. Everett went 1 for 6 on the man advantage.