Mathew Barzal, right, of the New York Islanders, is one of seven former Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. COURTESY PHOTO, NHL.com

Mathew Barzal, right, of the New York Islanders, is one of seven former Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. COURTESY PHOTO, NHL.com

Seven former Kent-based Thunderbirds in Stanley Cup playoffs | List | Update

Barzal, Bear and Kolesar helped lead Seattle to Western Hockey League title in 2017

Seven former Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds players are participating in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs that began April 20.

The seven are:

• Matthew Rempe, right wing, New York Rangers: Played with T-Birds from 2019-2022.

• Mathew Barzal, center, New York Islanders: Played with T-Birds from 2013 to 2017 and helped them win the Western Hockey League (WHL) title in 2017.

• Ethan Bear, defenseman, Washington Capitals: Played with T-Birds from 2013 to 2017 and helped them win WHL title in 2017.

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• Keegan Kolesar, right wing, Vegas Golden Knights: Played with T-Birds 2013 to 2017 and helped them win 2017 WHL championship.

• Shea Theodore, defenseman, Vegas Golden Knights: Played with T-Birds 2010 to 2015.

• Calvin Pickard, goalie, Edmonton Oilers: Played with T-Birds 2008 to 2012.

• Brenden Dillon, defenseman, Winnipeg Jets: Played with T-Birds 2007 to 2011.

Notes: Kolesar and Theodore played on Vegas’ Stanley Cup champions in 2022-2023. …The T-Birds moved to the ShoWare Center in Kent in 2009 from the KeyArena in Seattle.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Matthew Rempe.


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