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2026 Neely Cup Day One Recap

Will Hentschel — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 03:08:30 +0000

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks 2026 Neely Cup kicked off at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, with all four teams lacing up for practices and scrimmage-style games. After one day of competition, Team Walker sits atop the standings with four points. The four teams, named after four alumni who were not drafted into the WHL, but still had storied careers with the Winterhawks and beyond, Paul Gaustad, Cale Hulse, Scott Nichol, and Matt Walker, are made up of 80 prospective Winterhawks. Teams include a mixture of veteran talent along with newly drafted prospects and several camp invites as well.

View Neely Cup Rosters

The game format consists of two 25-minute running-clock periods, followed by a ten-minute three-on-three. The winner of each 25-minute period and each three-on-three competition receives two points in the standings, allowing for a team to pick up a maximum of six points each day.

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View Neely Cup Day One Highlights

Game One: Team Hulse (3) defeats Team Gaustad (1)

Scoring Summary: Team Gaustad - Luke Wilfley from Owen Vaillancourt Team Hulse - Cullen Stephenson from Wyatt Hargadine and Aaron Zulinick Team Hulse - Crewe Schimnowski from Chase Johnston Team Hulse - Jordin St. Louis from Gavin Godbout (Empty Net)

Game Two: Team Gaustad (4) defeats Team Hulse (1)

Scoring Summary: Team Gaustad - Joel Dorn from Zachary Spurgeon and Cruz Chase Team Gaustad - Luke Wilfley from Nathan Johnson Team Gaustad - Liam Reed from Jaxon Jaffray Team Gaustad - Jeffrey Monson from Owen Vaillancourt and Zachary Spurgeon Team Hulse - Jordin St. Louis from Chase Johnston and Owen Chapman

Game Three (10-Minute 3-on-3): Team Gaustad (0) ties Team Hulse (0)

Scoring Summary: No goals were scored

Game Four: Team Walker (4) defeats Team Nichol (0)

Scoring Summary: Team Walker - Finn Spehar Team Walker - David Hoy (Penalty Shot) Team Walker - Reed Brown from Sam Spehar (Empty Net) Team Walker - Nathan Steele from Emmett Abel

Game Five: Team Nichol (3) defeats Team Walker (0)

Scoring Summary: Team Nichol - Arjun Mangadu from Will McLaughlin Team Nichol - Jake Gustafson from Ben Miller Team Nichol - Caden Leibel (Empty Net)

Game Six (10-Minute 3-on-3): Team Walker (2) defeats Team Nichol (0)

Scoring Summary: Team Walker - Luke Christopherson from Finn Spehar and Sam Spehar Team Walker - Kaishu Shin (Empty Net)

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Goaltending Stats:

Cruz Chase - 12/13 saves (35 mins) Blake Clark - 17/21 saves (35 mins) Tyler DiCarlo - 8/11 saves (25 mins) Cooper Dryden - 15/16 saves (25 mins) Madex Kabrud - 14/15 saves (35 mins) Brennen Purych - 7/9 saves (25 mins) Cohen Spencer - 10/10 saves (25 mins) Ondřej Štěbeták - 15/19 saves (35 mins) *Goalie Stats are not finalized

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Day One Tournament Standings:

Team	Record	3-on-3 Record	Points in Standings	Goals Scored	Goals Allowed
Team Walker	2-1-0	1-0-0	4	6	3
Team Gaustad	1-1-1	0-0-1	3	5	4
Team Hulse	1-1-1	0-0-1	3	4	5
Team Nichol	1-2-0	0-1-0	2	3	6

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Remaining Neely Cup Game Schedule:

Friday, August 28: 3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. • Team Nichol vs. Team Gaustad 5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. • Team Hulse vs. Team Walker Saturday, August 29: 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. • Team Hulse vs. Team Nichol 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. • Team Walker vs. Team Gaustad 4:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. • Consolation Final (3rd vs. 4th) 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. • Neely Cup Championship (1st vs. 2nd) Cover Photo Credit: Keith Dwiggins

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Winterhawks Announce 2026 Neely Cup Rosters

Will Hentschel — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:30:32 +0000

Portland, Ore. – The 51st Winterhawks Training Camp kicks off this week, as the team hosts its annual Neely Cup with on-ice sessions from Thursday, August 27 to Saturday, August 29! After a two-year hiatus, the Neely Cup is back in the Glass Palace for the 2026 edition. In total, 81 players aged 15 to 20 years old will participate in this year's training camp. The Neely Cup is unique as the camp is divided into four competitive teams that each feature a mixture of Winterhawks veterans, NHL-drafted players, and prospects who have yet to make their WHL debuts. This year, we welcome members of the 2026 WHL Draft class to Portland for the first time, including the Winterhawks' first-round pick Cullen Stephenson, who signed with Portland on May 22. The Winterhawks have named the 2026 Neely Cup teams in honor of four alumni who were not drafted into the WHL, but still had storied careers with the Winterhawks and beyond – Paul Gaustad, Cale Hulse, Scott Nichol, and Matt Walker. Gaustad - Starting his junior career with the Jr. Winterhawks U18 AAA team, Paul Gaustad flipped from going undrafted in the WHL Draft, to a career with the Winterhawks spanning three seasons, 198 games, 53 games, 82 assists, and 135 total points. Gaustad’s success in Portland caught the eye of the Buffalo Sabres, who selected the Fargo, North Dakota native in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft. Following three seasons with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, Gaustad began an 11-year NHL career with Buffalo and Nashville, playing in 727 total games, amassing 231 total points. Gaustad was named to the team U.S.A roster for the 2011 IIHF World Championship, where he also wore the alternate ‘A’. Gaustad’s resilience and strong work ethic led him from Portland to a lengthy and celebrated career in the NHL. Hulse - Starting his career in the Rose City during the 1991-91 campaign, Cale Hulse played in 142 games across two seasons for the Winterhawks. The blueliner picked up 14 goals and 44 assists for 58 total points during his WHL career. Hulse’s time with the Hawks caught the eye of the New Jersey Devils, who selected the Edmonton native with the 66th overall pick in the third round of the 1992 NHL Draft. Hulse quickly made an impact with the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats. Albany captured the 1995 Calder Cup with Hulse, who played in 89 games that year. Hulse would play for New Jersey the following season, before skating with the Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators, Phoenix Coyotes, and Columbus Blue Jackets during a 10-year, 619-game NHL career. Nichol - With the Winterhawks between 1992 and 1994, Scott Nichol exemplified what it means to live the hockey life. Playing in 132 games in the WHL - scoring 71 goals, and tallying 86 assists for 157 total points - Nichol was selected in the 11th round of the 1993 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Nichol captured the Calder Cup with the Rochester Americans in 1996 after making his NHL debut with the Sabres earlier in the season. The Edmonton man would play his NHL career in Buffalo, Calgary, Chicago, Nashville, San Jose, and St. Louis for 662 games across 13 seasons, scoring 56 goals and 71 assists. Following his retirement in 2013, Nichol immediately pivoted to a front office career in the NHL, where he currently works as the Assistant General Manager & Director of Player Development with the Nashville Predators as well as the General Manager for the Milwaukee Admirals. Walker - Matt Walker owns one of the most impressive careers in Winterhawks history. Winning the 1998 WHL Championship and Memorial Cup, Walker played 170 games with Portland over the span of three seasons, tallying five goals and 30 assists in a lock-down defenseman role. Despite going undrafted into the WHL, the St. Louis Blues selected Walker with the 83rd overall pick in the 1998 NHL Draft. Following his age-out in 2000, the Beaverlodge, Alberta, man immediately began a lengthy professional career with the Blues and Worcester IceCats of the AHL. Walker played for the Blues, Blackhawks, Lightning, and Flyers as part of a 10-year, 314-game NHL Career. He also skated in 220 AHL games over eight seasons.

ROSTERS

(Click each to view/download) Team Gaustad Roster (White) Team Hulse Roster (Gray) Team Nichol Roster (Red) Team Walker Roster (Black) *Cole Slobodian, Kyle McDonough, and Max Pšenička will not be skating in any of the Neely Cup games.

SCHEDULE

All games will be played at Veterans Memorial Coliseum and will consist of two 25-minute games. Immediately following the second game, a 3-on-3 competition for ten minutes will occur. Visit Winterhawks.com to keep track of the standings and view game stats following each day of competition. Fans can attend Saturday's Neely Cup Consolation Final and Championship game. Those with a season ticket membership, 34-game flex pack, or 50-game flex pack will receive complimentary general admission tickets. To purchase $10 general admission tickets, click here. Ticket sales close at 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 27. All tickets will be emailed on Friday, August 28 For more information about attending the 2026 Neely Cup, including parking information, click here. Doors will open at 3:30 PM. Thursday, August 27 3:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. • Team Gaustad vs. Team Hulse 5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. • Team Nichol vs. Team Walker Friday, August 28 3:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. • Team Nichol vs. Team Gaustad 5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. • Team Hulse vs. Team Walker Saturday, August 29 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. • Team Hulse vs. Team Nichol 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. • Team Walker vs. Team Gaustad 4:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. • Consolation Final (3rd vs. 4th) 6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. • Neely Cup Championship (1st vs. 2nd)

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Everyone attending the games is strongly encouraged to pre-purchase parking, as there are dual events at the Rose Quarter on Saturday.

Note: The parking pass will be listed for "Red Clay Strays" on August 29, but those passes will allow entry to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Click here to purchase your parking pass in advance.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Winterhawks Announce Teddy Bear Toss Weekend, presented by Les Schwab

Will Hentschel — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:55:41 +0000

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is excited to announce Les Schwab Teddy Bear Toss Weekend. Portland will host two Teddy Bear Toss games on back-to-back nights: Saturday, December 12, at 6:00 PM against the Calgary Hitmen, and Sunday, December 13, at 4:00 PM against the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Teddy Bear Toss game has become a Holiday tradition in the Rose City. Last year, with a sold-out Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jordan Duguay triggered an avalanche of 14,558 stuffed animals onto the ice surface. All were later donated to local charities including Portland Fire, Easterseals Oregon, the Salvation Army, Hillsboro Police Department, Rockaway Lions Club, Oregon Department of Human Services, and others! The Winterhawks will be the first WHL franchise to host two Teddy Bear Toss nights in one season. Act fast because tickets for the Saturday Teddy Bear Toss are on sale now here. Groups of 10+ are eligible for a discounted rate. Limited VIP options are available. Contact our ticketing department at 503-236-HAWK (4295) for more information. The Sunday, December 13, game against Seattle is almost sold out, so secure your seats here. Add to the Holiday spirit with a double-helping of Teddy Bear magic on Les Schwab Teddy Bear Toss Weekend!

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For questions or information regarding Les Schwab Teddy Bear Toss Weekend, please contact your ticket representative or the Winterhawks ticketing office at tickets@winterhawks.com.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Winterhawks Neely Cup and preseason tickets on sale

Will Hentschel — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:44:06 +0000

The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club announced today that tickets are available for two Neely Cup games on Saturday, August 29, and the preseason game against Tri-City on Sunday, August 30.

Saturday’s Neely Cup Consolation and Championship games are scheduled for 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, respectively. Sunday’s preseason game begins at 2:00 PM.

Fans with a season ticket membership, 34-game flex pack, or 50-game flex pack will receive complimentary tickets to both days.

Season ticket members receive one ticket per day for each seat in their account. Flex pack holders will be given two tickets per day for each flex pack in their account. No action is required for season ticket members or flex pack holders. Your tickets will be emailed to the email address on your account on Friday, August 28.

In addition, tickets are available for purchase for $10. Each day requires a separate ticket. A single ticket grants access to both the Neely Cup Consolation and Neely Cup Championship games on Saturday. Ticket sales close at 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 27.

Buy your general admission seats on our team store page below (tickets will be emailed on Friday, August 28):

Saturday, August 29: Neely Cup Consolation & Championship Game Tickets (4:00 & 6:00 PM) Sunday, August 30: Portland Winterhawks vs Tri-City Americans Preseason Game Tickets (2:00 PM)

Every ticket is general admission. Season ticket holders and flex pack members are not guaranteed their normal seat location.

All fans attending games must enter through the Veterans Memorial Coliseum’s main doors. Gates will open at 3:30 PM on Saturday and 1:30 PM on Sunday. Limited concessions will be open both days.

Everyone attending the games is strongly encouraged to pre-purchase parking, as there are dual events at the Rose Quarter on Saturday and Sunday.

Note: The parking pass will be listed for "Red Clay Strays" on August 29 and "Portland Fire vs Golden State Valkyries on August 30, but those passes will allow entry to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Click here to purchase your parking pass in advance. Contact your ticket representative or our ticketing department at 503-236-HAWK (4295) with any questions.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Winterhawks Announce Dyck, Matthews Clear 20-Year-Old Waivers

Will Hentschel — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:58:40 +0000

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club announced today that 2006-born forward Carsyn Dyck and 2006-born defenseman Carter Matthews have cleared Western Hockey League 20-year-old waivers and are now free agents. Dyck, of Warman, Saskatchewan, played in 105 total games for the Winterhawks over the course of four seasons, totaling 14 goals and 24 assists. Matthews, from Calgary, Alberta, signed on with Portland in January and skated in 18 games with two assists. The Portland Winterhawks would like to thank Carsyn and Carter for their time with the club, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Domenichelli, Melicherik to play in Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Will Hentschel — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:14:20 +0000

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is proud to announce that forward Alessandro Domenichelli and prospect Max Melicherik have been selected to represent their home nations at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta. Domenichelli will suit up for Switzerland, while Melicherik will play for Slovakia. Domenichelli, from Lugano, Switzerland, just concluded his first season in the Rose City. Skating in 38 games, the 17-year-old potted two goals and added five helpers for seven points. Domenichelli bolstered his season by playing 14 games with the Swiss U17 squad, lighting the lamp four times and dishing five assists. Melicherik, of Slovakia, was just drafted 30th overall in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Winterhawks. The 15-year-old forward spent the last season playing for the Tappara (FIN) U18 program. In 43 games with Tappara, Melicherik found the back of the net 29 times and added 26 assists for 55 total points. He has also played for the Slovakian national U16, U17, and U18 teams for 18 combined games, with eight goals and eight assists. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an annual U18 tournament that attracts top talent to the ice. Last year, Winterhawks blueliner Will McLaughlin won gold with USA Hockey. The 2026 edition of the tournament will run from August 3-8. Winterhawks drafted prospect Becker Wenkus was also selected to represent the United States. Good luck to Alessandro and Max as they skate for their home nations in Edmonton!

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Defenseman Max Pšenička signs with Utah Mammoth

Will Hentschel — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:20:50 +0000

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is proud to announce that defenseman Max Pšenička has signed his NHL Entry-Level Contract (ELC) with the Utah Mammoth. “As an organization, we are excited for Max and the opportunity with the Utah Mammoth,” Winterhawks President and GM Mike Johnston said. “Max has worked extremely hard and taken advantage of the last year in Portland to showcase his pro potential.“ Hailing from Prague, Czechia, Pšenička just concluded his second season with the Winterhawks. In 77 total games in Portland, the blueliner has tallied nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points. Taken in the second round, 46th overall by Utah in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Pšenička was the first Winterhawk to be selected by the Mammoth since the relocation of the team in 2024. He became the seventh Hawk picked by the Mammoth/Arizona Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets franchises. Pšenička also won a silver medal while representing his country at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The 6'4", 178-pound blueliner wrapped up his 2025-26 hockey season by playing two games with Utah's AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. Pšenička notched one assist during his tenure. Pšenička is expected back in Portland for the 2026-27 season. Congratulations to Max on signing his Entry-Level Contract and continuing the legacy of Portland to the Pros.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Sven Bärtschi promoted to associate coach

Will Hentschel — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:04:44 +0000

Portland, Ore. - The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is excited to announce today the promotion of Sven Bärtschi to associate coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. Bärtschi is entering his third season behind the Winterhawks bench after he played 11 years of professional hockey. He appeared in over 500 NHL/AHL games from 2012 to 2022 with the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Vegas Golden Knights organizations. Bärtschi was selected 13th overall by Calgary in the 2011 NHL Draft. The Bern, Switzerland, native played his final season in his hometown during the 2022-23 season. “Sven has been a valuable member of our coaching staff for the past two years,” Winterhawks head coach Kyle Gustafson said. “He brings a unique perspective having played at the NHL level, and he adds tremendous value to each player’s individual development. We’re fortunate to have him.” Bärtschi spent two seasons in the Rose City during his junior career, helping lead Portland to back-to-back WHL Finals appearances in 2011 and 2012. He served as the club’s alternate captain in 2011-12, posting an impressive 94 points in just 47 games, and was named a WHL Western Conference All-Star. This past season, Bärtschi was recognized as one of the Top 50 Winterhawks of All Time, landing at No. 35 on the organization’s prestigious list. The Winterhawks open their 2026-27 season in Everett on Saturday, September 19, before hosting the Kamloops Blazers at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum for their home opener on Saturday, September 26.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Ryan Scheer named to Hockey Canada’s staff for World U17 Hockey Challenge Development Camp

Will Hentschel — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:56:28 +0000

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is proud to recognize Head Equipment Manager Ryan Scheer for being named to Hockey Canada's team staff for the upcoming World U-17 Hockey Challenge development camp. Canada’s national under-17 development camp will take place July 17-21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario, and will include practices and six games. Scheer began his tenure with the Winterhawks at the start of the 2024-25 season. Before coming to the Rose City, Scheer worked for the White Rock Whalers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL). Before he joined the Hawks full-time, the Toronto native assisted former equipment manager Clayton Johns in his duties. The World U-17 Hockey Challenge was founded in 1986 and is held annually in Canada. It is the first step in Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence as the governing body looks to build teams beyond the U17 level. “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,” Scheer said. “Three years ago, I was in my 15th year at Air Canada and working as equipment manager for the Junior B White Rock Whalers. Joining the Winterhawks has been incredible and opened the door for me to represent my country, learn from the best staff, and hopefully play a small part in helping these athletes chase their goals on the international stage.” Congratulations to Ryan for this incredible achievement, and good luck in Oakville!

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.

Brett Hopwo promoted to Director of Player Personnel

Will Hentschel — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:42:13 +0000

Portland, Ore. - The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is excited to announce today the promotion of Brett Hopwo to Director of Player Personnel. “I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director of Player Personnel for the Portland Winterhawks. This organization has been an important part of my life for the past 14 years, and I'm thankful to ownership, management, and everyone within the organization for the trust they've placed in me. I've been fortunate to learn from some of the very best people in hockey, and I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to each of them,” Hopwo said. Hopwo has previously served as a British Columbia Regional Scout and British Columbia Provincial Head Scout with the organization. “I'd like to thank Mike Johnston for trusting in me, challenging me, and showing me what a first-class hockey organization looks like. I'm also incredibly thankful for those who previously held this position and helped shape both the organization and my own development — Matt Bardsley and Mike Coflin. In addition, our tight-knit scouting staff, including Darwin Bennett and once Portland scout, Brad Davis. Each of these men shared their knowledge, trusted me with greater responsibility, and taught me lessons that I'll carry with me every day in this role.” “There is one person, however, who deserves special recognition. Matt Davidson was not only an exceptional hockey mind, but an even better person. He was a mentor, a friend, and someone whose guidance had an impact on me as a person. In a heartbeat, I would give up this opportunity a thousand times over if it meant having Matt still with us. I hope to honor his legacy every day by leading with the same humility, integrity, and passion that he demonstrated throughout his life. I think about him often, and he is missed.” “I'm excited for the opportunity ahead and committed to working tirelessly alongside our outstanding staff to help bring another championship to Portland. It's a privilege to represent this organization, and I look forward to building on the proud tradition of the Winterhawks,” Hopwo said. The Winterhawks open their 2026-27 season in Everett on Saturday, September 19, before hosting the Kamloops Blazers at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum for their home opener on Saturday, September 26.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team’s official credit card processors.