Hawks Happenings On The Ice:Through 19 games, the Winterhawks are tied for first place in the U.S. Division with a record of 13-6. In addition, their 78 goals is first in the Western Conference, 11 goals ahead of the next highest-scoring team, and they rank second overall in the WHL in goals scored. Through 19 games last season Portland was 5-14, with just 38 goals scored.
Winterhawks goaltender Kurtis Mucha shut out the Spokane Chiefs 2-0 Saturday night, his first shutout of the season and eighth of his career. Mucha's eight shutouts with the Winterhawks ties a franchise record, evening him with Lanny Ramage atop Portland's all-time list. He already owns team records for games and minutes played by a goaltender, along with saves.
Portland's rookies have played a big role in the team's success thus far: with three first-year players among the league's 10 in rookie scoring: Nino Niederreiter (fourth among rookies with 17 points), Ryan Johansen (fifth with 16 points) and Spencer Bennett (10th with 13 points).
Winterhawks draft pick Brendan Leipsic was named to the All-Star team at the inaugural Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup, held this past weekend in Blackfalds, Alberta. Leipsic played for Team Manitoba in the tournament, which also included teams from British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Leipsic was Portland's 6th round choice, 112th overall, in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
Hawks Happenings Off The Ice:
The Portland Winterhawks' Dash For Cash is this Saturday, November 7 vs. the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Winterhawks will be giving away 20 spots randomly to fans the night of the game, so fans will want to get their tickets to have a chance at winning one of the 40 spots.
On Wednesday, November 11, Winterhawks players will be at the Portland Police Sunshine Division preparing food boxes from 10 - 11:00 a.m., and media are invited to attend. The meals will then be handed out by the Portland Police to underprivileged families during the holiday season. More details will be announced next week.
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