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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Former Winterhawks Captain John Ludvig Makes NHL Debut with Pittsburgh

October 25, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland, Ore. - Portland Winterhawks 2019-20 team captain Johnny Ludvig made his National Hockey League debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Penn. Ludvig became the 133rd Winterhawk all-time to play in the NHL, the most among Western Hockey League teams.

The 23-year-old blueliner celebrated the career milestone with the traditional solo lap, typically given to rookies prior to their first game:

Ludvig skated 5 minutes and 29 seconds against the Dallas Stars, registered one shot on goal, and led Pittsburgh defensemen with two hits before exiting the game in the first period with an injury.

Ludvig was claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins off waivers earlier this month and made their opening night roster. Formerly selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft, the Kamloops, B.C. native played 70 games with the Panthers' American Hockey League affiliate over the last three seasons. Ludvig scored a career-high 17 points in 54 games last year with the Charlotte Checkers.

During his time in Portland, Ludvig captained the Winterhawks to a Scotty Munro Championship in 2020. He ranked third among WHL defenseman that season with 62 points in 60 games and was recognized on the WHL's Western Conference First All-Star Team as a 19 year old before beginning his professional career. In total, he skated in 169 career WHL games with the Hawks from 2017 to 2020.

Ludvig claimed numerous team awards during his time in the Pacific Northwest. He won the Winterhawks Fitness Award in 2018, twice claimed the Winterhawks' Jann & Robert Boss Award for Best Defensive Player, and culminated his junior career with the Winterhawk Award, which is given annually to the Winterhawk who best displays character, leadership, and heart and soul.

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