Home ice is for the T-birds

Coach Rob Sumner has a simple strategy for Game 5 after the Seattle Thunderbirds won twice in Kelowna to even the best-of-seven opening round Western Hockey League playoff series 2-2.

"We've been better in their rink than in our own," Sumner said. "We just want to come out and play our best."

Kelowna won 3-2 and 3-1 at KeyArena before Seattle won 3-2 in overtime and 6-4 in Kelowna to even the series. Game 5 is at KeyArena tonight at 7:05 p.m. with Game 6 in Kelowna on Saturday.

"We've been good in our own rink all season, and that's in the back of our minds," Sumner said. "It's been a good, tight series, and there's no reason to believe that's going to change."

Both teams have scored 12 goals in the series, with both teams scoring seven times on the power play. Colin Long leads the Rockets with two goals and six assists, while David Richard has four goals and an assist for Seattle.