Winterhawks Weekly: Hawks are playoff-bound for 12th straight season
After a pair of stumbles on the road to start the week, the Winterhawks returned home with a bang as they became the second club to clinch a spot in the 2023 WHL Playoffs. It’s the 12th consecutive campaign that Portland will play postseason hockey, and the team will be chasing its fourth Ed Chynoweth Cup.
This week, we’ve got three more games on the docket, starting tomorrow! It’s the final game against the Eastern Conference as the Red Deer Rebels come to town for a Tuesday tilt. And after another Friday trip to Kennewick to take on the Americans at 7:05, we’re back on home ice for Black Hockey History night against Seattle on Saturday at 6:00 P.M.
Hot Hawks:
- Forward Kyle Chyzowski led the Winterhawks with three points last week, scoring the lone goal in Kamloops and chipping in two assists in Sunday’s win over Tri-City. The Hawks’ alternate captain is up to 31 points in 37 games this season.
- Forward Gabe Klassen bagged a goal and an assist to help lead the Hawks to victory on Sunday, and continues to pace the team with 28 goals in 44 games this year – good for a share of 11th in league goalscoring.
- Forward Marcus Nguyen tallied in back-to-back games against Tri-City, netting Portland’s lone goal on Friday and kickstarting the win on Saturday. The Calgary, Alta. native ranks eighth in team scoring with 28 points on the year.
- Defenseman Ryder Thompson snapped an eight-game scoreless skid with two assists on Sunday to push his season total to 12. The Russell, Man. native has already set a career-high in goals this season and is on pace to do so in assists and points as well.
- Goaltender Dante Giannuzzi backstopped Portland’s 4-1 win on Sunday, turning aside 25 of 26 for his 11th win in his last 14 starts, and was strong during the midweek loss in Kamloops despite the result, stopping 35 pucks at the Sandman Centre.
Play of the Week:
The end result in Kennewick on Friday wasn’t pretty, but Marcus Nguyen’s goal sure was! Watch as the speedy winger picks up the puck in the neutral zone, deftly dekes an oncoming backchecker, then wheels his way past multiple Americans en route to a tidy top-shelf tuck. ⤵️
Weekly Rewind:
Portland 1 at Kamloops 5 (Wednesday):
Kyle Chyzowski scored late, but Kamloops’ Dylan Ernst stopped 45 shots to snap the Winterhawks’ six-game winning streak on Wednesday in a 5-1 loss to the Blazers.
Portland 1 at Tri-City 6 (Friday):
Marcus Nguyen tallied early for the Winterhawks, but the Tri-City Americans roared back with five unanswered goals for a 5-1 victory in Kennewick on Friday.
Portland 4 vs Tri-City 1 (Saturday):
A scoreless first period gave way to three second-period strikes for the home team as the Winterhawks knocked off the Tri-City Americans 4-1 on Saturday night. Dante Giannuzzi finished with 25 saves to pick up the win for the hosts.
The Week Ahead:
A busy week awaits with three games on the schedule, including two on home ice!
First up, the Winterhawks take on their final Eastern Conference opponent of the regular season as the Red Deer Rebels visit the VMC at 7:00 P.M. Arrive early to get the next set of Winterhawks trading cards – first 500 fans in the building get the goods!
Then on Friday, the Hawks and Americans battle again in Kennewick as Portland looks for its first win at the Toyota Center this season.
Finally, the team returns home to wrap up the weekend with Black Hockey History Night on Saturday against the Seattle Thunderbirds. As part of our ongoing efforts to help ensure that hockey is for everyone, Black Hockey History Night is an opportunity for the Winterhawks family to recognize the impact of black athletes in the hockey community, both in Portland and around the hockey world. The team has partnered with local Black-owned apparel company Bproud to continue to grow the sport we love. Click here for more info!
Saturday also marks the final home game of February as the team embarks on another long road trip to wrap up the month, so bring your family, bring your friends and bring the noise this week, Portland!
Upcoming Promo Nights:
Saturday, February 11 – Black Hockey History Night – BUY TICKETS
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Join us for two fan-favorite game nights in March!
Mascot Night returns to the VMC on Saturday, March 4! Tommy is inviting all your favorite Portland-area mascots for a memorable night. Be sure to stay in your seats for an intermission hockey game between the mascots and the Junior Winterhawks that’s sure to be a smash. Let’s party! Get your tickets today!
The Jack in the Box annual Twilight Game takes center stage on Sunday, March 5 as the Winterhawks take on the Everett Silvertips! The VMC curtains will be lowered to allow natural light into the arena bowl, giving the game an outdoor feel. Fans can soak in this unique viewing experience and enjoy the Portland skyline during the game. Get your Jack in the Box Twilight Game tickets today!
