2012-13 record: 24-38-7-3 (lost to Kelowna in Conference quarterfinals)
After three years of missing the playoffs, the Seattle Thunderbirds made a return to the playoffs in 2013, and were on the verge of upsetting Kelowna in the opening round. Unfortunately, the series doesn't end after three wins, and Kelowna made a comeback, ultimately eliminating Seattle in seven games. The Thunderbirds do return their top three scorers in Roberts Lipsbergs, Connor Honey, and Shea Theodore, though that total was only 54 points (Lipsbergs). 210 goals for is a respectable number, but where Seattle has gotten into trouble the last few seasons has been in giving up the goals, as in they've given up 285 or worse the last three seasons, and that is simply not going to cut it. Luke Lockhart, Adam Kambeitz, and Brandon Glover are all gone due to graduation, and Connor Sanvdio, Andrew Johnson, and Taylor Green were all traded away this off-season. The major question mark that remains is in goal, and neither Justin Myles nor Danny Mumaugh played particularly well in their limited time. Alexander Delnov and Lipsbergs both return, meaning that the Thunderbirds will not have to break in a new Import this season, and both can score, and Seattle will need to do a lot of that to cover for a still weak defense. At least newcomer Matthew Barzal will give the team more offense, if nothing else.
Prediction: 8th in the West
The Thunderbirds will have a tough time making the playoffs because their defense is still bad, but they also have some offense, and that may be enough to sneak in, though Everett will have a say in the matter.
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