Winterhawks Announce 2016-17 Schedule
The Western Hockey League has released the 2016-17 schedule, and the Portland Winterhawks will open the season hosting their long-time I-5 rivals, the Seattle Thunderbirds, on Saturday, September 24 at the Moda Center.
The team will play 30 of its 36 home games on weekends: eight Friday home games, 12 Saturday home games and 10 Sunday home games.
The longest road trip of the season will come early, as the team embarks on an eight-game trip from October 1 – 15. They open the trip in Seattle, then head out for six games in the East Division, then take on Spokane on the way back. During the trip, the Hawks will take on the defending WHL champion Brandon Wheat Kings on October 11.
While the team is gone much of October, they will play just three road games in November. The team will be home for eight straight games from November 6 – 27. That stretch is one of six where the team has a homestand of at least three games (Sept. 24 – 30, Oct. 25 – 30, Nov. 6 – 27, Dec. 3 – 10, Dec. 31 – Jan. 14, Mar. 3 – 8).
Once again this season, all 72 games will be heard live on News Talk 860 KPAM. Todd Vrooman will have the play-by-play while Andy Kemper will provide commentary. A television schedule will be announced at a later date.
