T-Birds center Sawyer Mayes.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to “Thunderbirds Thursday,” South King Media’s weekly column celebrating the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team and their impact on the local sports scene.

Seattle Thunderbirds center Sawyer Mayes continued his strong offensive season with two goals on Tuesday night, Jan. 27, bringing his total to 13 for the 2025-26 season so far.

That offensive output helped Mayes earn this week’s designation as the “Player to Watch presented by the Puyallup Tribe,” a weekly spotlight the T-Birds use to showcase standout performers.

Mayes, a 19-year-old, 6-foot-4 center from Salmon Arm, British Columbia, has shown offensive growth with Seattle this season after being traded from the Calgary Hitmen in January.

His contributions have helped the Thunderbirds stay competitive in games, including a recent matchup where he scored both of Seattle’s goals in a close loss to the Everett Silvertips.

Mayes continued his recent scoring surge Tuesday night, finishing with two goals in the Thunderbirds’ 7-3 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings at accesso ShoWare Center. Mayes tipped in a Radim Mrtka shot at 12:14 of the second period to give Seattle the lead, then sealed the victory with an empty net goal at 17:13 of the third.

Through 44 regular season games this season, Mayes has recorded 13 goals and 9 assists for 22 points, showing growth in both scoring and playmaking compared with previous seasons.

Mayes’ production this season places him among the T-Birds key contributors as the team pursue a playoff berth. The 19-year-old center also has 11 penalty minutes in that span, reflecting his physical style of play while continuing to develop as a two-way forward in the WHL.

“It’s nice to contribute to team success,” Mayes said after the game. “And it’s nice when I contribute that it leads to a win. It’s nice to solidify the win and get the empty netter and close the game out.” His scoring helped spark a five goal second period that turned a one goal deficit into a commanding lead, as the Thunderbirds moved within five points of a Western Conference playoff spot. 

The Thunderbirds will look to build on Mayes’ scoring as they continue their season in Kent and other venues throughout the Pacific Northwest, offering local hockey fans opportunities to see rising talent on the ice.

“Battle of the Sound” is Friday, Jan. 31 at Climate Pledge

One of the region’s most anticipated events is the annual “Battle of the Sound,” pitting the Thunderbirds against their I-5 rivals, the Everett Silvertips. In 2026 this marquee matchup is this Friday, Jan. 31 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, the home ice of the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken. The “Battle of the Sound” has grown into a major showcase for junior hockey in the Pacific Northwest, attracting thousands of fans and highlighting the deep rivalry between the two clubs.

Buy ‘Battle of the Sound’ Tickets Here

The Thunderbirds’ 2025-26 Western Hockey League regular season continues through March 2026, with home games at accesso ShoWare Center in Kent and marquee matchups across the league, with tickets available online here:

Buy Thunderbirds Tickets Here

We’ll be here every Thursday with updates on the Thunderbirds’ schedule, key performances, standout players and community activities that matter to fans in South King County and beyond.

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