Seattle improves to 7-0 against Chiefs

KENT, Wash. – The Seattle Thunderbirds have been flawless against the Spokane Chiefs all season.

New goalie Taran Kozun has been part of the perfection for the Thunderbirds’ last three wins over Spokane.

Kozun made 35 saves Friday for his third consecutive shutout over Spokane as Seattle improved to 7-0 against the Chiefs with a 4-0 Western Hockey League win at ShoWare Center.

Kozun improved to 9-1 since Seattle acquired him from Kamloops on Jan. 10. He made 28 saves when Seattle blanked Spokane 1-0 in overtime on Jan. 14 and had 29 saves on Wednesday during the Thunderbirds’ 4-0 win at the Arena.

The Chiefs (31-18-3-2, 67 points) have lost a season-high four consecutive games and have been shut out in five of their last 12 games.

Ryan Gropp scored twice and Mathew Barzal had one goal and two assists for Seattle (35-16-2-3, 75 points), which has won 13 of its last 15.

The Thunderbirds are one point behind Victoria for third place in the Western Conference.

Fifth-place Spokane remained four points ahead of sixth-place Vancouver.

Seattle will go for the season sweep on March 11 in Seattle.