Portland Winterhawks qualify for 2024 WHL Playoffs

The Portland Winterhawks have been a playoff threat from the jump, and on February 16, the U.S. Division leaders made it official by becoming the first Western Conference team to qualify for the 2024 WHL Playoffs.

Portland (37-13-2-1) qualified with a 8-3 win over the Vancouver Giants on February 17, earning wins in eight of their last ten games.

Led by Captain Gabe Klassen, who has eclipsed the 30-goal mark for the third time in his career, the Winterhawks have emerged as the top-scoring team in the WHL this season with 257 lamp-lighters.

Detroit Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson has elevated Portland’s attack, scoring five goals and 15 assists in 14 games as a Winterhawk since he was acquired from Brandon at the WHL Trade Deadline.

On the blueline, San Jose Sharks draft pick Luca Cagnoni has solidified himself as one of the top-scoring defencemen across the CHL.

In net, the formidable Jan Spunar hasn’t lost a step in his return from injury after a sensation start to his campaign.

The Czech import went 5-0-0-0 to start the season and earned WHL Goaltender of the Month Honours for September/October.

The Winterhawks will enter playoffs with title aspirations.

2024 marks 10 years since the club last reached the final round of playoffs.

Portland last won the WHL Championship in 2012-13- eventually making it all the way to the Memorial Cup Final.

With 16 games left on their regular season slate, the Winterhawks look to maintain their grasp on first place in the Western Conference.

You can catch all the action on the road to the 2024 WHL Playoffs on WHLlive.com.